September 19, 2024 — New Delhi: After years of speculation and delay, Honda is preparing to make its long-awaited entry into India’s electric two-wheeler market. The Japanese automotive giant, which has dominated the country’s scooter market for two decades, recently confirmed plans to launch its first electric scooter in India by March 2025. This news comes directly from the CEO of Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Ltd., Satam Muani, marking a significant milestone in Honda’s push toward electrification.
While the company has remained tight-lipped about specific details, sources suggest Honda has been working on a fresh platform for its electric scooter. Initial plans to base the electric scooter on the thermal Activa were scrapped due to concerns about performance limitations. Instead, Honda has opted to design a completely new platform, possibly incorporating elements from the SC concept showcased last year.
The new electric scooter is expected to feature an aerodynamic design, offering a lightweight structure that could contribute to impressive range capabilities. However, insiders suggest that range may not be the company’s primary focus. The real game-changer might be Honda’s “E Swap” system, which is already undergoing tests in Bangalore. This battery-swapping technology, currently being used for commercial electric tricycles, could revolutionize the market by eliminating range anxiety—a key concern for electric vehicle users.
Battery swapping has gained traction globally, particularly in markets like Taiwan, and Honda’s adaptation of this technology could offer a substantial competitive advantage in India. The option to sell the scooter and battery separately may also help Honda price its electric two-wheeler competitively, potentially positioning it alongside established models like the Ola S1X Plus and Hero Vida.
Honda’s strong brand presence in India, combined with the growing acceptance of electric mobility, could ensure that its new scooter becomes a bestseller. As the countdown begins for the March 2025 launch, all eyes are on Honda to see whether its electric scooter will outperform local competitors and set new benchmarks in the electric two-wheeler space.
2 thoughts on “Honda’s Secret Weapon Revealed: Game-Changing Electric Scooter Set to Dominate India in 2025”