Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) has officially entered the electric two-wheeler market with the launch of its electric version of the popular Activa scooter, named the Activa e. This new electric scooter features two Honda Mobile Power Pack e: swappable batteries, emphasizing convenience and sustainability.
Additionally, Honda has announced the launch of another model, the QC1, equipped with a fixed battery.
The booming Indian electric scooter market has attracted numerous players, from established names like Bajaj, TVS, and Hero to innovative startups such as Ola and Ather.
However, no Japanese mainstream OEM has stepped into this domain until now, making Honda’s debut a significant milestone.
The newly launched Honda Activa e-scooter is poised to face stiff competition from already established OEMs in the market.
In this article, we will compare Honda’s latest offering the Honda Activa e: with Ola S1 Air one of Ola’s best-selling scooters. We will analyze key aspects such as performance, features, price, etc. to understand how Activa e measures up in this highly competitive segment.
Honda Activa e: vs Ola S1 Air: Design and Looks
Honda Activa e Design
The Honda Activa e: is developed on an entirely fresh platform, maintaining the timeless elegance and appeal of the original Activa while integrating modern enhancements.
The headlamp and tail lamp are LED, adding to its sleek and modern look. It is equipped with 12-inch wheels, paired with a telescopic front suspension and a single rear shock absorber, ensuring a comfortable riding experience.
Ola S1 Air Design
The Ola S1 Air has a clean, simple design that appeals to riders of all ages. Its unique features include front-facing LED headlights and a 7-inch digital display, allowing you to access directions and music during your ride easily.
The scooter also comes with a dual-tone color scheme, with black contrasting the lower part of the body. The riding position is comfortable, and the footboard offers extra space for small luggage. The telescopic front fork ensures a smooth ride.
Honda Activa e: vs Ola S1 Air: Specifications
| Specifications | Honda Activa e | Ola S1 Air |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 1.5 kWh * 2 (Swappable) | 2 kWh |
| Motor | PMSM Direct Drive | Hub Motor |
| Range | 102 km | 151 km |
| Peak Power | 6 kW | 6 kW |
| Max Torque | 22 Nm | 22 Nm |
| Top Speed | 80 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Acceleration (0-60 km/h) | 7.3 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Riding Modes | Eco/Standard/Sport | Eco, Normal & Sports |
In terms of warranty, the Honda Activa e: will come with a 3-year or 50,000 km coverage, along with three free services during the first year. To enhance the overall customer experience, Honda will also offer complimentary roadside assistance for the first year.
The Ola S1 Air scooter comes with an 8-year or 80,000 km battery warranty, whichever comes first. The warranty is transferable to the new owner if the scooter is sold. The warranty can be extended to 100,000 km or 125,000 km for an additional cost.
Honda Activa e Features
The Honda Activa e: offers three ride modes—Econ, Standard, and Sport—which can be adjusted via a 5-inch LCD on the QC 1 variant. The premium Activa e: Roadsync Duo trim upgrades to a 7-inch TFT screen, providing access to advanced features such as full map navigation, music and call controls, and support for over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Additionally, the Activa e: comes with a smart key fob as standard, offering enhanced convenience with features like Smart Safe, Smart Find, Smart Start, and Smart Unlock.
Ola S1 Air Features
The Ola S1 Air is equipped with advanced features designed for convenience and a smarter riding experience. It includes a side stand alert, which ensures safety by notifying the rider if the stand is left down before moving.
The reverse mode adds ease to maneuvering in tight spaces, making parking hassle-free. With over-the-air (OTA) updates, the scooter stays up to date with the latest software improvements and enhancements.
Additional features include music control, allowing riders to enjoy their favorite tunes while on the move, and remote unlock, which provides seamless access to the scooter without needing a physical key.
The Ola S1 Air also boasts cruise control for a relaxed riding experience and navigation, ensuring you never lose your way. Lastly, predictive maintenance ensures that potential issues are identified early, helping maintain the scooter’s optimal performance. read more Ola S1 Air vs. Ola S1X vs. Ola S1 Pro Gen.2- Value for Money Electric Scooter
Honda Activa e: vs Ola S1 Air: Colors
1] The Honda Activa e: is available in five attractive colors. They are as follows:
- Pearl Serenity Blue
- Matt Foggy Silver Metallic
- Pearl Misty White
- Pearl Shallow Blue
- Pearl Igneous Black
- Midnight Blue
- Neon
- Porcelain White
- Coral Glam
- Liquid Silver
- Stellar Blue
Honda Activa e: vs Ola S1 Air: Pricing in India
Honda has not announced the pricing of the Activa e: but according to some sources, the pricing is expected to be 1lakhs to 1.20 lakh. Both newly unveiled scooters are set to launch in spring 2025, with pricing to be announced in January.
The Ola S1 Air is attractively priced at ₹1,00,499, making it a competitive choice in the electric scooter market. For those looking for flexible payment options, it is also available through an EMI plan starting at ₹2,699 per month, ensuring affordability without compromising on features and performance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best electric scooter between the Honda Activa e and Ola S1 Air depends on individual priorities. In terms of range, the Ola S1 Air takes the lead with 151 km compared to the Activa EV’s estimated 102 km. When it comes to speed, the Ola S1 Air edges out with a top speed of 90 km/h, while the Activa E offers 80 km/h.
The features of both scooters cater to modern riders, with the Ola S1 Air providing cruise control, reverse mode, and predictive maintenance, and the Activa e offering a smart key and advanced LCD/TFT screens.
On the design front, the Activa e retains its classic appeal with a modern touch, while the Ola S1 Air opts for a contemporary and minimalist aesthetic.
While Ola S1 Air’s pricing is confirmed at ₹1,00,499, Honda has yet to reveal the final price of the Activa e, expected to range between ₹1–1.20 lakh.
Once official prices and further details are announced next year, it will be fascinating to see how the Activa e-scooter will fare in the competitive EV market.
