Honda has launched the more budget-friendly of its two EVs, the QC1, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. Priced at Rs 90,000, the QC1 is the most affordable electric scooter in the Indian market from a Japanese manufacturer.
- The QC1 has a claimed IDC range of 80km
- 26-litre underseat storage can be seen here
- It weighs just 89.5kg, with a claimed top speed of 50kph
The Honda QC1 is equipped with a small 1.5kWh fixed battery, which drives a hub-mounted BLDC motor that delivers a peak output of 1.8kW and 77Nm. The budget-friendly QC1 has a claimed top speed of 50kph and can accelerate from 0-40kph in 9.7 seconds. With its 1.5kWh battery, the QC1 delivers a claimed IDC range of 80km, although the charging time from 0-100 percent is rather long at 6 hours and 50 minutes using the slow 330W charger supplied.
While the Activa e: has two batteries under the seat, taking up all the storage, the QC1 offers a decently sized 26-litre underseat storage space. It also features a small storage compartment on the front apron for keeping your phone, along with a USB charger.
The QC1 has a kerb weight of just 89.5kg, and it rides on a 12/10-inch (F/R) alloy wheel combination with a 130mm/110mm drum brake setup (F/R), similar to the petrol Activa. While the QC1 shares design with the Activa e:, at a closer look, the more barebones fit and finish can be discerned. It can also be seen in the feature list, which is not extensive. The QC1 has a 5-inch negative LCD, and it makes do with only two riding modes: Eco and Standard. The QC1 is available in the same five colours as the Activa e:.
The QC1 will initially be available in six cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chandigarh. Bookings for the QC1 and the Activa e: are currently open with a token amount of Rs 1,000. For both Honda EVs, the company has announced a Care Plus Package with pan-India validity, priced at Rs 9,900. This will offer a 5-year annual maintenance contract (AMC), 5-year RSA, and 5-year warranty (3-year standard + 2-year extended). Elements of the Care Plus Package can also be purchased individually, although Honda hasn't revealed prices for each item today.
All prices ex-showroom, Bengaluru.
Vishal Venugopal
Dinshaw Magol
