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Hindustan Times
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Suzuki e Access vs Honda Activa e: Which electric scooter suits you the best
The Honda Activa e was launched at ₹1.17 lakh, ex-showroom, while the Suzuki e Access is yet to be launched. Notify me The Indian electric vehicle has been gaining momentum year after year primarily because of the entry of more new electric two wheelers to the market in the country. Though the segment was dominated to a great extent by new generation startups, the last year witnessed numerous established players such as TVS and Bajaj battling top spots with their respective electric scooters. Now however, two more orthodox players have entered the market, Honda with its Activa e and Suzuki with the e Access. The Honda Activa e came out on the Auto Expo 2025 stage whereas the Suzuki e-Access was launched during the event. The Honda Activa e was launched at a price of ₹ 1.17 lakh, ex-showroom. The electric scooter deliveries initially rolled out in Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai in the first phase. The Suzuki e-Access is scheduled for later in the year. Here's a glimpse of the two electric scooters pitted against one another in terms of specs, range and features. Also Read : Suzuki e-Access production begins, will rival Honda Activa e Honda Activa e vs Suzuki e-Access: Specs The Activa e is based on the body and chassis of the Activa itself, and competes with other electric commuter products in the segment equivalent to a 110 cc internal combustion engine product. Honda has attempted to put the design language of the Activa, the top selling Honht da product in India, on the Activa e. At the same time, the Suzuki e-Access rests on an entirely new platform. The electric scooter receives telescopic forks in the front and a swingarm-type suspension in the rear. The scooter uses 12-inch alloy wheels at the front and rear with a 90/90-section tyre in the front and a 100/80-section tyre at the back. Braking is derived from a front disc and rear drum configuration. In dimensions, the e-Access is 1,880 mm in length, 715 mm in width, and 1,140 mm in height with a wheelbase of 1,305 mm. The ground clearance is 165 mm and seat height is 765 mm. The kerb weight is 122 kg. Also watch: Honda Activa e review: Can it emulate Activa's success? Price, range, features, battery swap tech Honda Activa e vs Suzuki e-Access: Range The Honda Activa e features two Honda Mobile Power Pack e: swappable batteries that charge wheel-side motor rated for 5.6 bhp and maximum of 8 bhp. The electric scooter gets three riding modes - Standard, Sport and Econ. The company claims that the electric scooter can travel a distance of 102 kms on a single charge. Suzuki e-Access takes energy from a 3.07 kWh LFP fixed battery pack. The company says the range is 95 km (IDC). It will be powered by a 4.1 kW (5.4 bhp) electric motor that delivers 15 Nm of maximum torque. It has a limited top speed of 71 kmph. The battery charges 0-80 per cent in approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, while a full charge will last 6 hours and 42 minutes when charged using a 240-watt portable charger. A quick charger will reduce the charging duration to 1 hour and 12 minutes (0-80 per cent) and 2 hours and 12 minutes (0-100 per cent).The scooter comes with three riding modes such as Eco, Ride 'A' and Ride 'B' and a reverse mode. Honda Activa e vs Suzuki e-Access: Features When it comes to specs, the Suzuki e Access boasts an all-LED light setup with an LED DRL, a combined braking system, a fuel lid opener remote, twin front pockets and 24.4 litres of underseat space, a digital console with Bluetooth connectivity, and so on. The Honda Activa e, on the other hand, gets Honda RoadSync Duo that lets one make voice calls and access navigation features by linking a smartphone via bluetooth Check out Upcoming EV Bikes in India. First Published Date: 29 May 2025, 10:47 AM IST
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Why HMSI is in wait-and-watch mode on EVs before scaling up
Gujarat: As India's electric two-wheeler market heats up, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is opting for a wait-and-watch strategy, as it sees 2025 as a pivotal year to gauge whether the market will grow or stagnate. This cautious approach is despite its recently announced plans to set up a dedicated EV manufacturing plant within the premises of its existing third facility in Karnataka by 2028. A late entrant to the EV market, the Japanese automaker launched its first two models– the Activa e with swappable battery and QC1 with fixed battery– this year. Although the entry has been slow, the company's leadership team remains committed to a steady pace with the ultimate goal of winning the race. Speaking to reporters in Japanese with English interpretation, Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO of HMSI, acknowledged that startups pioneered the EV market in India, while legacy companies like TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto are now driving volume growth. However, he noted that despite increasing sales for these OEMs, the overall market has not grown to a significant level. This is because the EV customers are primarily drawn by incentives and the cost advantage over gasoline vehicles. However, if they stop perceiving these benefits, the market may begin to shift, Otani added. For the year ended March 2025, EV penetration in India's domestic two-wheeler market stood at 6 per cent, with sales rising to 11.49 lakh units from 9.48 lakh units the previous year. Bengaluru-based Ola Electric led the segment, while TVS and Bajaj fiercely competed for the second and third positions, surpassing Ather Energy and Hero MotoCorp. Battery replacement cost Otani also drew parallels between the lifecycle of ICE and battery-powered vehicles. While ICE motorcycles typically last 10 to 15 years, EV batteries start to degrade after about five years. At that point, customers must either replace the battery or the entire vehicle, much like upgrading a smartphone. If consumers are willing to accept the cost of battery replacement, the EV market could continue to grow, Otani explained. Though, he reiterated, it is still difficult to predict how the overall market will evolve. He said HMSI is beginning its EV journey at a crucial time and is keen to monitor how incentive trends develop. As the EV market in India enters its fourth year, early adopters will start experiencing battery degradation, marking a key moment when customer perceptions of long-term EV ownership will begin to form. It is worth noting that the automaker's cautious approach also led to its phased expansion strategy for EVs. Currently, the Activa e is available only in Bengaluru and is yet to gain significant traction. The next planned launches, guided by the availability of battery swapping stations, are targeted for Delhi and Mumbai. The EV models are being sold through existing Red Wing dealerships. Honda, which sells scooters with swappable battery technology in Japan and Indonesia, has partnered with OMC Power to support battery swapping infrastructure in Indian cities. Globally, Honda plans to develop both swappable and fixed battery models, launching at least one new model each year starting in 2026. However, the company has not disclosed how many of these will be introduced in the Indian market. Striving for domestic market leadership In India, the company's EV journey contrasts with its long-standing goal to lead the domestic two-wheeler market. Having held the No. 2 position for years, the automaker aims to surpass Hero MotoCorp this fiscal year. To support this ambition, the two-wheeler maker has announced an investment of ₹920 crore to build a fourth production line at its Vithalapur plant in Ahmedabad district, Gujarat. Scheduled to be operational by 2027, the new line will produce 125cc motorcycles and add an annual capacity of 6.5 lakh units, increasing the plant's total capacity to 26.1 lakh units. 'We are aiming for No.1 market share in India by creating a production environment that meets the needs of the world's largest market of 20 million units,' the company said in its official statement. The increased capacity will also support the company's goal of making India its export hub. HMSI, which began production in India in 2001, currently operates four manufacturing plants across the country, including facilities in Manesar (Haryana), Tapukara (Rajasthan), Narasipura (Karnataka), and Vithalapur (Gujarat).
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Honda to relook at its electric two-wheeler strategy as it finds Indian market stagnant
The company aims to launch new electric models annually and establish a dedicated EV manufacturing facility in Karnataka by 2028, while acknowledging the continued demand for internal combustion engine bikes. Check Offers Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI), India's one of the selling two wheeler brand, has candidly stated its intention to re-evaluate its electric vehicle (EV) strategy for the Indian market. Minoru Kato, Executive office, Chief officer for Motorcycle and Power Product Operations , Honda Motor Company and Tsutsumu Otani, President and CEO, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, argued that while the current EV adoption is seemingly robust, it is primarily an "incentive and fuel-cost reduction" phenomenon, suggesting a deeper understanding of the market's underlying dynamics. Interestingly, the re-evaluation of EV strategy in India comes at a time when Honda has articulated ambitious global EV targets. The company has recently made its intentions clear to become the number one electric motorcycle player globally. This declaration underscores Honda's long-term vision for electric mobility, despite the current nuances in individual markets. Their global strategy involves a strong push for electrification, with a stronger focus on modularisation, central to which will be India. Interestingly, while it has not been conveyed directly, this strategic rethink by Honda also hints at its broader, multi-pronged approach to sustainable mobility. In markets like Brazil, Honda has led the way on alternative fuels, selling more than seven million flex-fuel two-wheelers that run on gasoline and ethanol blends. The company has been vocal to replicate this success in India, advocating for clearer policies and incentives for bioethanol fuels. Honda has introduced ethanol-compatible models in India including the Honda CB300F Flex Fuel. This also aligns with the vehicle maker's global ambition of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 through various sustainable solutions including EVs and flex fuels. Dilemma between battery swapping and fixed battery Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) was among the last major two-wheeler manufacturers to enter the electric vehicle segment. The company announced its debut electric offerings—the Honda Activa e and the Honda QC1—in November 2024, with market launches taking place in January 2025. The Honda QC1 mimics the styling on the new Activa e, albeit with more compact proportions Otani explained that while the electric two-wheeler segment in India has been gaining attention over the past four to five years, it was only recently when the legacy players like TVS with its iQube and Bajaj with its Chetak entered the market. With these models gaining popularity, the segment began showing signs of stability and consumer confidence, encouraging other established players such as Honda to enter the market. Unlike most legacy manufacturers that have opted for fixed battery systems with home charging, Honda has taken a dual approach. The QC1 features a fixed battery with a home charging option, whereas the Activa e comes equipped with a swappable battery system, with no built-in charging provision. Also Read : Honda Two Wheelers surpasses 500 million production mark globally The company believes it is still too early to commit to either technology as the definitive future of electric mobility. Otani highlighted that while a typical ICE two-wheeler remains in use for 10 to 15 years, the lifecycle of an EV currently averages around four to five years, largely due to battery limitations. According to Honda, the true turning point for electric two-wheelers in India will come in the next four to five years, when early adopters begin to face battery replacements. Only then will clearer consumer preferences emerge—between the ease of fixed battery setups that require costly replacements and the operational flexibility of swappable systems that reduce ownership costs but require access to swapping infrastructure. For now, Honda plans to keep both options open as it observes market trends and consumer behaviour in this evolving segment. India at the core of EV expansion While Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) continues to re-evaluate its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, the Japanese two-wheeler giant remains steadfast in its long-term vision of becoming the global leader in electric two-wheelers. Honda Motor has been reiterating that central to achieving its ambitious goal is the Indian division, which Honda has repeatedly identified as a key driver in its global growth roadmap as well. The Activa e looks modern yet has a simplicity that family buyers tend to like. The scooter will age gracefully in the years to come To support this vision, the company has committed to launching at least one new electric two-wheeler model every year. After debuting its EV journey with the Activa e and QC1 in India, Honda now has four electric models in its international portfolio, including the Honda CUV e for Europe and the Icon e: designed for Southeast Asia. During a recent global sales briefing, Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe highlighted the company's focus on modular component strategies to streamline global production and accelerate EV adoption. Reinforcing India's strategic importance, he also confirmed that a new dedicated EV manufacturing facility in Karnataka will become operational by 2028. This facility is expected to boost HMSI's initial EV production capacity to between 20,000 and 30,000 units annually. This will not only cater to the domestic demand but also will act as a key export hub for Honda Two Wheeler's global electric ambition. EVs and ICEs will grow simultaneously As the electric transition progresses, HMSI is confident in the relevance and continued growth of internal combustion engine (ICE) two-wheelers. The firm is confident that ICE models will have, and continue to have, sufficient demand, especially in segments where electric adoption has not become significant. Also Read : Honda Rebel 500 launched in India with a price tag of ₹ 5.12 lakh Honda has emphasized that the motorcycle segment in India still remains largely male-oriented, but identified potential to grow if ICE motorcycles could be developed for female riders. Meanwhile, Honda is positive that its growth trajectory would be led by its scooter range, observing that an increasing number of female customers are purchasing two-wheelers for their personal mobility options. While the EV emphasis may be increasing, Honda hasn't entirely forgotten about the entry-level motorcycle category, which is a crucial part of its effort to achieve market leadership in India. The Honda Shine 100 and Honda SP125 are key to this goal. The SP125, launched in 2019, and the Shine 100, introduced in 2023, continue to compete directly with the Hero Splendor, the top-selling model from Honda's former joint venture partner. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 23 May 2025, 15:28 PM IST
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
"Difficult for OEMs to guarantee EV battery if customers...": Honda explain swapping approach
Honda explains battery swapping approach for Activa e: Honda celebrated a momentous milestone this week as it completed the production of 500 million two-wheeler units globally. Last month, the company had clocked production of 70 million cumulative units through HMSI in India. Following the roll-out ceremony of its 500 millionth unit at its manufacturing facility in Vithalapur, Ahmedabad, Honda's senior leadership addressed a roundtable, opening up on their future roadmap for India, electric mobility, and global exports. Honda's Executive Officer and Chief of Motorcycle and Power Products Operation, Minoru Kato, called India a key market as the company exports to over 62 countries. On EVs, Honda took a practical approach, noting that India's EV market is still developing and is around 1.2 million units. They added that growing infrastructure is encouraging more big players to enter. However, battery degradation over time remains a major concern for EV users. 'In India, ICE motorcycles, the customer will own them for more than 10 years, or maybe sometimes for 15 years. On the contrary, EV cannot be maintained for 15 years like an ICE,' Tsutsumu Otani , HMSI President & CEO, said. 'Battery performance starts to deteriorate after 5 years. And then the customers have to replace those EVs with new EVs… or they can replace the battery only.' He then illustrated the potential for growth with the example of smartphones, saying, 'Or they (customers) can replace the battery only. And we think that if customers are willing to accept that replacement cost, then the EV market will grow.' Plans of new EV models, capacity expansion Honda has plans to roll out one electric model every year. However, specifics regarding which markets each model will enter are yet to be finalized. In terms of future manufacturing plans, Honda confirmed that its EV-dedicated plant will come up near its third plant in Narasapura, near Bangalore. This will support its EV roadmap and scale-up efforts over the next few years. Why the swapping approach for Activa e? HMSI recently launched the Activa e electric scooter in India, which runs on two swappable batteries. Alongside it, the brand also introduced the Honda QC1, an EV with a fixed battery setup. To support its swappable battery model, Honda also rolled out e:Swap - a battery-swapping service. This allows users to exchange their depleted batteries for fully charged ones at authorised swap stations. At present, the company is only offering this service in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, with 204 exchange stations and 417 units of the Power Pack Exchanger e: deployed. Explaining this approach, Honda acknowledged that not having the option of home charging could be inconvenient for many users. Instead, with swapping, the batteries remain the property of Honda, not the customer. This way, even if a battery degrades over time, the user doesn't bear the long-term risk or cost. Otani explained that this way, the customer still retains value, even if the battery is depleted. According to him, for OEMs, it's tough to guarantee battery life when charged at home. That said, the company is currently betting big on battery swapping technology with the Activa e:, thereby taking complete responsibility for battery health and performance through its network swap stations. However, the OEM is also keeping a close watch on market preferences and is open to introducing models with home charging capabilities if the demand grows. One such offering already available is the Honda QC 1 . While it doesn't match the Activa e: in terms of range or features, it serves as a practical alternative for those seeking a home-charging solution. It comes with a 1.5 kWh fixed battery that delivers a range of 80 km. It can be charged at home using a 330W off-board charger. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India .
India Today
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Honda Activa emergers as the 500 millionth two-wheeler from Honda
Honda reached a historic milestone, producing its 500-millionth motorcycle globally, 76 years after the launch of its first mass-produced motorcycle, the Dream D-Type, in 1949. The landmark unit, an Activa 110, rolled off the production line at Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India's (HMSI) fourth plant in Vitthalapur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. advertisementThe Honda Activa: The scooter that challenged motorcycle dominanceThe Activa, a cornerstone of Honda's two-wheeler lineup, has played a pivotal role in revolutionising the scooter segment. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, scooters were losing ground to motorcycles in many markets, particularly in India. The introduction of the first Activa in 2001 changed this trajectory. With its reliable 100cc engine, user-friendly automatic transmission, and practical design tailored for urban commuters, the Activa revitalised the scooter market. It offered a blend of affordability, durability, and convenience, appealing to a wide demographic, from young professionals to families. The first Activa's success laid the foundation for Honda's dominance in the scooter segment, making it a household name and sparking a resurgence in scooter popularity Honda Activa: The success story continuesThe Activa continues the legacy of success, maintaining its stronghold in the scooter market. The Activa also comes in an electric avatar, known as the Activa e:.advertisement The Activa 110 measures 1833mm in length, 677mm in width, and 1165mm in height, with a 1260mm wheelbase and 162mm ground clearance. Weighing just 106kg (105kg for the Smart variant), the 692 mm seat length ensures comfort for both rider and pillion. The fuel tank capacity is 5.3 Activa 110 is powered by a 109.51cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine delivering 7.73bhp at 8000 rpm and 9.05Nm of torque at 5500 rpm. The Activa is equipped with Honda's PGM-Fi fuel injection system and a viscous paper filter air cleaner. The automatic V-Matic transmission makes riding effortless, whether you're navigating traffic or cruising through suburbs. The scooter comes with telescopic front suspension and 3-step adjustable rear suspension, tubeless tires (90/90-12 front, 90/100-10 rear) and drum terms of tech, the scooter features a smart key with H-Smart technology, offering features like Smart Find, which helps locate your scooter in crowded parking lots, Smart Unlock for keyless access, and Smart Start for push-button ignition. The bike gets a 4.2-inch TFT display with three adjustable brightness levels. The Honda RoadSync App connects the scooter to your smartphone via Bluetooth, enabling voice-controlled navigation, calls, texts, and music Activa 110 is available in six colors options: Rebel Red Metallic, Pearl Siren Blue, Pearl Precious White, Pearl Igneous Black, Decent Blue Metallic, Mat Axis Grey Metallic. Practical touches include a 15W USB-C port for on-the-go charging, a double-lid external fuel fill for easy refueling, and an idling stop system to save fuel during global legacyadvertisementSince its founding in 1948, Honda has adhered to its core philosophy that 'the purpose of technology is to make people's lives easier.' Today, the company runs 37 production facilities in 23 countries, with an annual manufacturing capacity exceeding 20 million units. Honda offers a wide range of motorcycles—from everyday commuter bikes to high-performance leisure and electric models—through a global network of more than 30,000 2024, Honda declared its 'first year of global expansion' for electric motorcycles, introducing new models to meet evolving customer demands and sustainability production line in IndiaHonda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI), the Indian arm of Honda Motor Co, has announced plans to expand its Vithalapur plant in Gujarat by adding a fourth production line. Scheduled to begin operations in 2027, this new line will boost the plant's annual output by 650,000 units, increasing total capacity to 2.61 million units per year—positioning it as Honda's largest motorcycle manufacturing facility to Auto Today Magazine
