From Petrol to Plug: Will Honda’s EV Strategy Change the Game?
Honda has officially stepped into the Indian electric two-wheeler space with the launch of the Activa e: in November 2024—a pivotal moment in its transition from traditional petrol-powered models to sustainable electric mobility. By electrifying its most popular model, the Activa, Honda has taken its trusted legacy forward to introduce innovation in a way that feels familiar to Indian consumers.
While the first model was launched in late 2024, actual sales commenced in February 2025, and over the past four months, 1,053 units have been sold across the country — indicating a steady market entry and growth potential for Honda in EV space. However, in a segment that’s becoming increasingly competitive—with multiple OEMs offering varied features, battery options, and infrastructure solutions—where does Honda’s offering stand? To better understand its positioning, the following table highlights key specifications and differentiators of Honda and its leading peers.
Table 1: Electric Two-Wheeler Lineup of Honda and Leading Brands
* S – Swappable, NS – Non Swappable
Source: Company Website, JMK Research
What sets Honda apart in this landscape is its extensive dealership network, which significantly enhances accessibility and after-sales confidence—an area where most pure EV players are still catching up. Among legacy OEMs like TVS and Bajaj, Honda is currently the only one offering battery swapping options, adding flexibility for users in urban settings. While Ola Electric also provides swappable batteries, this feature is currently limited to its Gig fleet model and has not yet been extended to mass-market consumers. This positions Honda uniquely at the intersection of established service infrastructure and early ecosystem innovation.
Several strategic factors are contributing to this positive momentum and could potentially drive the long-term success of Honda’s EV foray:
- Smart branding: Naming the EV Activa e: builds directly on the trust and recall of the best-selling ICE model Activa, easing consumer transition.
- Swappable battery ecosystem: The Activa e features a removable battery pack, supported by Honda’s e: Swap network.
- Strategic infrastructure: Honda has already established over 100 battery swap stations in Bangalore, covering 63% of metro stations, while Delhi hosts 60 stations—enhancing accessibility for urban users. In Mumbai, Honda has partnered with Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL) to set up battery swapping stations at 31 Metro and Monorail stations using its e: Swap technology. This allows electric two- and three-wheeler users to exchange batteries in under two minutes. These initiatives aim to reduce range anxiety and support both daily commuters and last-mile delivery fleets.
Looking ahead, Honda is committed to building a future-ready ecosystem by planning the deployment of 500 battery exchange stations in Bangalore, 300 in Delhi, and 200 in Mumbai by March 2026.[1]
However, despite these ambitious plans, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is taking a cautious, wait-and-watch approach to scaling up its EV presence, viewing 2025 as a pivotal year to assess market growth and customer acceptance of long-term EV ownership. While it has launched the Activa e with swappable batteries in select cities and plans a dedicated EV plant by 2028, HMSI is closely monitoring evolving incentives, battery replacement costs, and infrastructure before expanding aggressively.
Clearly, rather than chasing aggressive expansion, Honda is laying the groundwork for a scalable, future-ready model that aligns with India’s evolving mobility needs. If executed well, this approach could allow Honda to carve out a meaningful and resilient position in the electric two-wheeler space.