Honda’s much-anticipated entry into India’s electric scooter market has hit an unexpected roadblock. The company has stopped production of both the Activa e and QC1 models since August 2025, according to the latest SIAM industry data — a sharp contrast to the excitement that surrounded their launch earlier this year.
When Honda introduced its first electric two-wheelers in February, expectations were sky-high. The legendary Activa badge alone was enough to generate buzz. Yet the numbers tell a different story: 11,168 units manufactured between February and July, but only 5,201 shipped to dealerships. The result? Warehouses are filled with unsold inventory, and a sudden pause in manufacturing.
A Tale of Two Scooters: QC1 Wins, Activa e Struggles
Although both products share Honda’s engineering pedigree, consumer preference didn’t split evenly.
| Model | Units Dispatched | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| QC1 | 4,461 | Affordable pricing + portable charging |
| Activa e | 740 | Higher price + no portable charger |
The QC1, priced at ₹90,022 (ex-showroom), appealed to mainstream EV buyers with its plug-and-charge simplicity and competitive positioning. Meanwhile, the Activa e at ₹1.17 lakh leaned heavily on Honda’s swappable battery network — a feature that sounded futuristic on paper but limited real-world flexibility for everyday commuters.
Availability also played a major role. The QC1 was offered across six major cities, while the Activa e was restricted to only three, shrinking its market reach right from the start.
Performance Specs Didn’t Change the Story
Both scooters carry respectable mechanical credentials.
- Activa e: 6 kW motor, 22 Nm torque, dual 1.5 kWh removable batteries, 102 km range
- QC1: 1.8 kW in-wheel motor, 77 Nm torque, fixed 1.5 kWh battery, 80 km range
But in a segment dominated by OLA, Ather, TVS, Bajaj, and Hero MotoCorp, pricing and charging convenience outweigh pure performance — and that’s where Honda miscalculated.
What Happens Next?
Honda has not yet confirmed whether the production halt is temporary or permanent. Insiders believe the company may be entering a re-evaluation phase involving:
- Clearing excess inventory
- Revising pricing strategy
- Expanding distribution and charging accessibility
- Potential product upgrades to better match consumer expectations
For now, one thing is undeniable — India’s EV market moves fast, and a partial rollout can’t survive in a country where rivals operate nationwide, offer aggressive pricing, and have easier charging ecosystems.
The industry now waits to see whether Honda returns stronger with a revised EV roadmap—or whether the pause marks the quiet end of a launch that once promised a new electric era for the Activa brand.
For more information about the Honda Activa e, visit their official website.
For more information about the Honda QC1, visit their official website.
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Hey, I’m Badal! I’m super passionate about cars—especially electric ones. Whether it’s EVs, electric trucks, bikes, or anything with a battery and wheels, I’m all in. I love writing blogs and articles that break things down for fellow enthusiasts and curious readers alike. Hope you enjoy the ride as much as I do! Enjoyed reading? You can buy me a coffee on PayPal ☕ → paypal.me/BadalBanjare
