Honda will first build out battery swapping infrastructure before starting deliveries to ensure worry-free experience
As part of its electrification ambitions, Honda has launched Activa e: and QC1 electric scooters in India. While the QC1 will be readily available, the Activa e: will be launched in a phased manner across India. Activa e: Will be launched initially in Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai.
Honda Activa e: launched in Delhi, Mumbai
Unlike the Honda QC1 which can be charged like any other electric scooter, the Activa e: does not come with a standard charging port. To refuel the Activa e:, the only option is to use the nearest battery swap station. These battery swap stations have been set up by Honda Power Pack Energy India. As per the original plan, deliveries in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi would begin in February 2024.
The rollout in Bengaluru will begin as planned, with 85 battery-swapping stations already operational in the city. The facilities are strategically placed to cover large areas of the city. But in the case of Delhi and Mumbai, battery swapping infrastructure is yet to be fully developed. As mentioned earlier, Activa e: can only be refueled at battery swap stations. Unless these sites are spread across the city, starting deliveries will be a hassle for customers.
On the official website of Honda Power Pack Energy India, the Honda e-Swap Network shows good availability at battery swap stations across Bengaluru. But in the case of Delhi, only about 10 battery-swapping stations are shown. Most of them are located in central Delhi. Due to the huge size of the city, Delhi will require a higher number of battery swapping stations to ensure a hassle-free experience for customers.
Activa e: Battery swap station in Mumbai
Talking about Mumbai, there is currently no battery swap network map available in the city. Honda may speed up setting up battery swapping stations in Mumbai in the coming months. As the battery swapping infrastructure in Delhi and Mumbai is not yet ready, Activa e: deliveries in these cities will start from April 2025. This information was recently provided by Honda Power Pack Energy India. Deliveries in Bengaluru will start from February as originally planned.
Will battery replacement be a game changer?
Battery replacement for electric two-wheelers has achieved widespread success in international markets such as Taiwan. But in India, this system has never been implemented. As Honda takes the lead in battery swapping, it could be a game-changer in the electric two-wheeler industry.
Customers will benefit greatly as they will not have to pay high upfront costs for batteries. Users only pay for the energy they use, similar to gasoline or compressed natural gas. Battery swapping also improves safety, as users don’t need to take the risk of charging the battery at home. Users without access to charging options will find battery replacement a convenient and time-saving option.
Honda will continue to expand its battery replacement network in the coming years. This will ensure ease of use and avoid wasting unnecessary miles on refueling. For Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai, there are plans to expand the battery-swapping network to 500 sites by March 2026.
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