Honda Activa

Image for illustration purpose.Activa electric will be based on the existing platform and come with a fixed battery setupAlthough late in the two-wheeler EV race, Honda is getting ready to shake up things with multiple new launches. For Indian market, Honda’s first offering will be an electric version of its top selling Activa scooter. Active electric is expected to make its global debut at upcoming Customer Electronic Show (CES). The event is scheduled to be held in Las Vegas, USA, from 9th to 12th January 2024.Activa electric – What to expect?Honda has been working on Activa electric for a long time. It appears that the project has been delayed. In 2020, Honda had even dismissed talks about the launch of Activa electric. Primary constraints pointed out by Honda at that time included the battery pricing and lack of adequate charging infrastructure. As things have evolved significantly over the last three years, Honda is getting ready to launch Activa electric.Honda Activa Electric Scooter TeasedAt 2024 CES, Honda will be showcasing a range of new products including its EV series models meant for global markets. Some of Honda’s newest technologies and innovations will also be showcased. Activa electric will be one of the key products to be showcased at the event. It is likely to be unveiled as a concept. Activa electric will play a key role in achieving Honda’s electrification goals. The company has plans to achieve 100% electrification via EV and FCEV vehicles by 2040.Activa electric will be getting a fixed-battery setup. It will have a top speed of around 50 kmph. Honda will focus on range, instead of prioritizing things like speed and performance. A fixed battery setup could be a disappointment for folks living in multi-storey apartments that don’t have charging infrastructure. But not for long, as Honda will introduce its second electric scooter, soon after launching Activa electric.The second electric scooter will be a high-performance e-scooter and come with swappable battery setup. It will be based on a born-electric platform. In comparison, Activa electric will use a tweaked version of the existing platform in use with ICE Activa.Activa electric India launchPost its global debut, Activa electric could be made available in India by the first half of 2024. Activa is currently the top selling scooter in the country. It makes sense to use the same brand name to power the electric version. India is likely to be the first country to get Activa electric. Honda will also be actively targeting export markets.Talking about competition, the electric two-wheeler segment already seems crowded in India. However, the majority of the sales is contributed by the top 4-5 brands. Bestselling startups in this space include Ola Electric, Ather Electric and Greaves Electric. Established players include TVS Motor, Bajaj Auto and Hero MotoCorp. Activa electric will take on rivals such as Ola S1, TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak and Ather 450X. More

Unlike EV startups that are starting from scratch, Honda can quickly expand its footprint by leveraging its existing pan-India sales and service networkHonda Activa Electric Scooter TeasedWhile it has been late in electric two-wheeler space, Honda has intentions to expand rapidly in coming years. For FY2024, Honda has confirmed that it will be launching two electric scooters. One of these will have a fixed battery setup, whereas the other will utilize swappable battery tech. Honda has shared a design sketch teaser of these two scooters.One of Honda’s upcoming electric scooters could be named Activa Electric. Patent documents accessed recently had revealed designs of a fixed battery setup and hub motor. Honda will be targeting a high level of localization to be able to launch its electric scooters at a competitive price point. It will rival TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, and soon to be launched Burgman Electric.2nd Honda Electric Scooter for IndiaHonda new platform EHonda’s upcoming electric two-wheelers will be based on an entirely new platform, built from the ground up. Codenamed Platform E, Honda’s new electric platform will be able to support different types of battery architecture and installations. It will support both fixed battery and swappable battery formats. The latter will be utilizing Honda’s Mobile Power Pack E.To reduce production costs, Honda will be sourcing most of the components from local manufacturers. It will include the battery packs and power control units (PCUs). Just like its ICE scooters, Honda’s upcoming electric two-wheelers will be targeted at export markets as well. India could emerge as one of Honda’s global hubs for manufacturing affordable electric two-wheelers.Two new Honda Electric Scooters for India launch in 2024Honda Workshop E and Factory ETo ensure a smooth landing for its upcoming electric two-wheelers, Honda has plans to deploy battery charging and battery swapping infrastructure across its more than 6,000 customer touchpoints. Of course, the plans will be executed in a phased manner.Some of the existing touchpoints will be converted to Workshop E, which will cater exclusively to EVs. All the necessary equipment such as charging cables will be available at these workshops. Honda will also be working to provide battery charging solutions at select petrol pumps, metro stations and other similar locations.Honda is working on a South to North plan for its EV infrastructure, where the initial focus will be more on Southern states. The starting point is Bengaluru, where Honda has already established 23 battery swapping stations. In Phase 2, more such swapping stations will come up, especially in southern states. In the 3rd phase, swapping stations will be deployed pan-India.Battery swapping system is probably the most convenient way to use electric two-wheelers. As of now, there’s hardly any brand that offers such facilities across the country. When Honda’s battery swapping network is up and running, there’s expected to be a huge demand for its EVs. To cater to that, Honda is building a dedicated Factory E at its existing facility in Narsapura in Karnataka. By 2030, Factory E will have a production capacity of 1 million units per annum. More

With the updates, Honda Activa 6G can have the same level of capabilities as TVS ZX SmartXonnect variant that already has digital instrumentation and BluetoothImage – india’s carWhile Activa is already a top selling product, Honda has been introducing new updates regularly to improve overall user experience. Earlier this year in January, Activa received the Honda Smart Key with H-Smart Technology. It offers several car-like features such as auto lock / unlock, parked location finder and keyless start.Going forward, Honda has revealed plans to introduce some more updates for Activa 6G. The announcement was made by Atsushi Ogata, president and CEO HMSI, during interactions with select journalists at the launch event of Honda Shine 100 commuter motorcycle.Activa 6G new updates plannedOgata said that there has been phenomenal response to the newly launched Activa H-Smart Edition. It has essentially exceeded all expectations. The response has given Honda the confidence to introduce some more updates for Activa 6G.The updates will be accessible via a new, high-spec variant that Honda will launch in near future. Some of the key updates planned for Activa 6G include a digital display and Bluetooth. This new variant will also be equipped with the H-Smart keyless system.Image – Anshul BajpaiCurrent Activa 6G is offered with an analogue display with basic functions such as speedometer, odometer, turn indicators, etc. In comparison, rival TVS ZX SmartXonnect has a digital display and comprehensive range of Bluetooth-based connectivity features. Users benefit from call and SMS alerts, navigation assist and voice assist.Activa 6G is expected to get a similar set of features. With the updates, the new Activa 6G variant is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 85k to Rs 90k. As of now, Activa 6G is offered in Standard, DLX and H-Smart variants. Prices are Rs 74,536, Rs 77,036 and Rs 80,537, respectively. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi. Rival TVS ZX SmartXonnect variant is available at a starting price of Rs 87,123.No mechanical upgradesNew, high-spec Activa 6G variant with Bluetooth and digital display will continue to be powered by the 109.51 cc, 4-stroke SI engine. It makes 7.8 PS of max power and 8.90 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a CVT automatic transmission. Activa has an under-bone frame, with telescopic front forks and 3-step adjustable unit spring rear suspension. Braking duties are performed by drum brakes at both ends.In the next stage of its evolution, Activa will be getting its 7G version. Activa 7G is expected to get some more updates. Honda is also working on the electric version of Activa, as was revealed recently via patent documents. Activa electric will be Honda’s first electric two-wheeler for Indian market. It is expected to be launched in 2024. Activa electric is likely to be offered with a non-removable battery pack. More

Entry of established brands is crucial for widespread adoption of electric two-wheelers in the countryImage for illustration purpose.Electric two-wheelers surely look promising, but issues persist such as high acquisition cost and underdeveloped charging infrastructure. EV fires are further eroding consumer confidence in these vehicles. Another limiting factor is the absence of leading brands such as Honda, Hero MotoCorp, Yamaha, Suzuki and Royal Enfield. EV sales could be much higher if top brands launch their respective products. As of now, TVS and Bajaj are the only mainstream manufacturers to offer electric two-wheelers.Honda Electric Scooter launch in April 2023 – Will it be Activa ElectricHonda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has announced that it will start its innings here with an electric scooter in April 2023. It is not yet clear if this will be the much awaited Activa electric, or something else. More details will be revealed on 29th March. It is to note that Honda already sells a range of electric two-wheelers in international markets. The same set of products could be homologated and launched in India.New Honda Electric Scooter – Design patented in IndiaAccording to Atsushi Ogata, president MD & CEO at HMSI, the company will have a diversified portfolio of EVs in India. Honda will have three categories of electric two-wheelers in India, based primarily on their top speed. One of the focus areas will be Electric Bike (EB), which will have a top speed of 25 kmph. Second category of Honda EVs will be Electric Moped (EM), which will have a top speed of around 50 kmph.Third category will be Electric Vehicle (EV), which will have a top speed of more than 50 kmph. The first EB category vehicles will not require any registration or driving license. EMs and EVs will have to comply with the standard set of rules, as applicable for petrol powered two-wheelers. Ogata said that the launch of the electric scooter will be followed by the launch of a high-speed EV.Globally, Honda has plans to introduce 10 new electric two-wheelers by 2025. The company will also be launching flex-fuel two-wheelers in international markets. Some of these EVs and flex-fuel vehicles could be introduced in India as well. An electric version of top selling Activa is one of the compelling possibilities for Indian market.Primary focus remains on ICE segmentWhile Honda has chalked out aggressive plans for EV space, Ogata said that the company’s primary focus will continue to be petrol-powered two-wheelers. It’s understandable, as ICE-based two-wheeler market is still huge and will remain so for several more years.A complete shift to EVs will necessitate changes to the entire supply chain and production ecosystem, which will take time to implement. Consumer psychology is another limiting factor, as there’s usually hesitation to accept something new.Things are expected to improve for EVs in the future, with availability of more advanced, affordable and long lasting batteries. A number of new battery technologies are currently being evaluated. In case of a major breakthrough, issues like range anxiety, high battery price, EV fires, etc. will become a thing of the past. More

India’s best-selling scooter, Honda Activa gets more advanced and smarter with a host of class leading, first in segment featuresHonda Activa Smart Delivery Starts. Image – Harsh Verma.Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India launched the new Activa OBD2 compliant scooter ahead of its April 2023 deadline. Offered in three variants of Standard, Deluxe and Smart, prices are at Rs 74,536, Rs 77,036 and Rs 80,537 (ex-showroom), respectively. It is being presented in 6 colour options of Pearl Siren Blue (new), Decent Blue Metallic, Rebel Red Metallic, Black, Pearl Precious White and Matte Axis Grey Metallic.From April 2023, vehicles need to possess on-board diagnostic device (OBD) to monitor real time driving emission levels. The OBD will monitor key parts to ensure compliance with these new emission standards such as the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors. The device will indicate via warning lights when the vehicle has to be taken in for servicing.New Honda Activa Smart Test RideHonda Activa 2023 is HMSI’s first OBD2 (on-board diagnostics) compliant two-wheeler. It gets several smart features and technological innovations along with new patent applications with Smart Unlock, Smart Start, Smart Find and Smart Safe.Smart Find with the answer back button allows for easy locating of the scooter with all four blinkers blinking twice to locate the scooter. With the Smart Unlock feature users can unlock the vehicle without a physical key. In the event of the system noting no activity for 20 minutes following activation, the scooter gets deactivated. With deliveries now started, take a look at the first ride report of the new Honda Activa Smart as well as mileage test below, credit to Gear Update.[embedded content][embedded content]Honda Activa 2023 also gets Smart Start so that the scooter can be started without manually inserting key, if the Smart Key is within range of 2 meters of the vehicle. The rider can start the scooter by rotating the knob on Lock Mod to ignition position and push the start button. Smart Safe offers added safety for the Activa 2023. It gets a Mapped Smart ECU that acts as a security by electronically matching between ECU and SMART Key to prevent theft. This smart key comes with an immobilizer that exclusively allows only a registered user to operate the vehicleDesign and TechnologyActiva 2023 also comes in with a new design and added technology. New alloy wheels, 3D emblem, several chrome elements and a redesigned LED headlamp along with silver grab rail, new rear tail lamp and side blinkers are a part of these updated features. It gets a Passing Switch that offers control over high beam/low beam and passing signal from one single switch.Features include a 12 inch front wheel, a longer wheelbase relating to more floor space and class leading ground clearance. For more durability, the new Activa Smart also gets a full metal body while it is fitted with a double lid fuel opening system and 18 liter under seat storage.Power and performance is enhanced via the OBD compliant 110cc PGM-FI engine with Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) technology. This new tech minimizes friction and offers silent start. The engine with ACG starter allows for smoother start. As per the mileage test, Honda Activa 2023 mileage stands at 50+ kmpl for rider, with pillion might decline to below 50 kmpl. New Activa Smart gets a Combi-Brake System (CBS) with Equalizer. Suspension is telescopic in the front and 3-step adjustable suspension at the rear. HMSI has also announced the plans to launch Activa Electric scooter in Jan 2024. More

As per the modder, this electric Activa conversion has a 2.88 kWh worth of prismatic cell battery costing Rs. 55,000Electric Activa Conversion Costs 1 Lakh – 2.88 kWh BatteryActiva is currently the de facto choice in the scooter segment for a majority in the segment. With 6 generations of legacy and a fan following, Activa has come a long way. Don’t let the sub 1 lakh units sold in December 2022 fool you. Activa is notoriously known to dominate the scooter segment with 50% of market share.HMSI CEO has confirmed recently that its maiden electric scooter will launch in January 2024. With still a year on the clock, Activa fans eagerly waiting for an electric scooter might be disappointed. However, there is no one stopping them from converting their existing Activa to electric, though. Yes. There are many kits, but let’s take a look at a neat conversion done in Nellore, AP.Honda Activa Petrol To ElectricA modder from Nellore, Andhra Pradesh running a YouTube channel Diy Tech.in Telugu, has neatly converted a standard ICE Activa into an EV. All the modifications come together beautifully and look cohesive. Except for a few green decals and EV stickers, people would be hard-pressed to spot that it is converted.The modder has worked on an older generation Honda Activa and swapped the engine to house an electric battery. Propulsion is achieved by a hub motor, mounted at the rear wheel. According to modder, this motor is rated at 1 kW of continuous power and 2 to 2.5 kW of peak power as well. While the battery is a 72V 40A unit with prismatic cells. This works to be 2.88 kWh worth of capacity.[embedded content][embedded content]The modder promises a range of over 120 km from a single charge. While top speed is limited to 55 km/h. Modder explains that there is a smart BMS (Battery Management System) on board and a full sine wave smart motor controller. The latter contributes to a vibe-free motor operation. The “smart” in smart BMS enables smartphone connectivity to display various vehicular info.The motor controller comes with three speeds that can be cycled through via a custom switch. There is a parking mode switch too, which cuts power to motor, when engaged. Indications for both of these are displayed in the fully digital instrument cluster.Specs & FeaturesThis Electric Activa conversion swaps the analog instrumentation of stock Activa with a fully digital unit. It displays a tonne of info including motor RPM as well. Since there is no need for an engine starter motor, the starter switch is now converted to a horn.Honda Activa Petrol to Honda Activa Electric – ModificationEngine on stock Activa is mounted on its swingarm. A new swingarm with dual shock absorbers was necessary. Stock Activa gets a single-sided mono-shock. Battery compartment and boot space were not revealed, but the charging point is mounted near footboard.As per modder, this whole conversion costs Rs. 1 lakh including base vehicle. Batteries alone command more than half of that price. An overnight charge is sufficient as per this modder to conserve battery health and he doesn’t often recommend fast charging. Icing on the cake for people opting for this conversion is a 3-year warranty on its battery. More

Honda Two Wheeler India is getting ready to launch a new Activa variant called Activa Smart on 23rd Jan 2023Image for illustration purpose.Honda Activa is the best-selling scooter of India. It is also one of the most stolen scooters. Even though tech has become a lot smarter, professional thieves still find a way to beat the system. From simply breaking the handle lock to hacking advanced code based anti-theft devices, it’s an everyday routine for professional thieves.A 100% safe system may never be possible, so the best hope is to develop anti-theft devices that are harder to crack. Honda appears to be doing just that with its H-Smart anti-theft system. H-Smart featured Honda Activa Smart will be launched on January 23rd. It has been homologated, revealing new details.New Honda Activa Smart VariantHonda had filed an application to trademark ‘H-Smart’ in India in December 2022, which has been approved. As per the trademark description, H-Smart is listed as ‘anti-theft systems for two-wheeled vehicles’. This makes it clear what H-Smart is all about and where it is intended to be used. However, exact details of how it works and costs involved will be revealed at the time of launch.The first Honda vehicle to get this new safety feature will be Activa. Honda Activa Smart variant has been officially homologated with the ministry. Specs are same, what has changed is the gross vehicle weight for the Smart variant has reduced to 279 kgs, instead of 280 kgs for other Activa variant.Honda Activa Smart Variant Homologated Before LaunchH-Smart may be a necessity rather than a marketing gimmick, as vehicle thefts are rampant across the country. Even in international locations, vehicle thefts are widely reported. In a study that analysed vehicle theft data in the national capital region between 2011 and 2020, it was found that Honda Activa was the second most stolen two-wheeler in the city. H-Smart can probably change that by making Activa harder to steal.Most stolen two-wheeler in Delhi-NCR was Hero Splendor, whereas Bajaj Pulsar, Royal Enfield Classic 350 and TVS Apache were 3rd, 4th and 5th in the list, respectively. Most of these bikes are yet to have a dedicated anti-theft system. Honda H-Smart could probably work as a pioneering initiative, something that other OEMs could replicate in near future.Honda H-Smart – How it works?Although technical details have not been revealed, Honda H-Smart could be a low-cost version of Honda Ignition Security System (HISS). The latter is already offered with premium Honda bikes such as CBR650R, CB650R and CRF1100L Africa Twin. HISS utilizes a microchip embedded key and has a code that can only be read by the ECU. The bike will start only if the code matches.Honda H-Smart trademark filed in IndiaAs compared to other similar systems, the coded password utilized by HISS cannot be stolen by an external device or antenna. In conventional code-based systems, thieves often break into the code with the use of advanced scanners. This is not possible with HISS, as it utilizes a contact-based mechanism. Duplicating the key will also not help, as the code inside the microchip needs to match.HISS is easy to use, as it is automatically enabled when the key is removed from the bike. So, no issues about forgetting to turn on a switch or something of that sort. H-Smart could have similar features, which will help protect Honda’s smaller capacity bikes and scooters. More