KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Lite plan slashes Activa E's running costs.
- Rs 800 monthly, 20 kWh quota.
- Pay Rs 70 per extra swap.
- Battery swap network limited to Bengaluru.
- Activa E sales modest, 1,050 units.
Honda Activa e: Honda's electric mobility push is steadily gaining traction, and the latest move from its battery swap arm aims to make owning the Activa E significantly more pocket-friendly. With the introduction of a new subscription plan titled 'Lite', Honda Power Pack Energy India is targeting budget-conscious riders who want the benefits of electric commuting without hefty monthly costs. Check out more details below and make sure you join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay versed on the latest automotive news.
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Honda Activa e: New 'Lite' Plan: Slashing Monthly Costs
The newly launched Lite plan brings a massive drop in subscription charges - now priced at just Rs 800 per month (inclusive of GST). That's less than half the cost of the earlier 'Basic' subscription plan, which stood at approximately Rs 2,358 after tax. This makes the Activa E a far more economical choice for daily commuters who travel shorter distances.
However, this reduced price tag also comes with a reduced energy allowance. The Lite plan offers a 20 kWh energy quota per month, translating to roughly 600 kilometres of monthly range or 20 kilometres of daily usage. In contrast, the Basic plan allows for double the energy and distance - 40 km per day, or 1,200 km per month.
Pay-As-You-Go Swap Model Kicks In After Quota
To keep subscription costs low, Honda has limited the number of free battery swaps. Based on the Activa E's dual battery setup with a combined capacity of 3 kWh, users on the Lite plan can complete six full battery swaps within the 20 kWh limit. Once this quota is exhausted, users will need to pay Rs 70 per swap (excluding GST) - double the Rs 35 fee that Basic plan users pay after crossing their own quota.
While this sounds like a trade-off, the Lite plan could work well for city riders with consistent and predictable travel routines.
Battery Swap Network Still Under Construction
One major hurdle for the Activa E's growth has been the limited battery swap infrastructure. As of now, the swap network is fully operational only in Bengaluru, with around 150 stations already active. This infrastructure is crucial to the Activa E's functioning, as the scooter relies on Honda's swappable battery ecosystem rather than home charging.
Due to the incomplete rollout, sales and deliveries in Delhi and Mumbai have yet to begin. While Honda has started setting up stations in these cities, sources suggest that Mumbai's full-scale rollout may take a few more weeks, whereas Delhi could see deliveries commence sooner.
Activa e Sales Still Modest Amid Competition
Despite Honda's brand recognition and the growing appetite for EVs, the Activa E and the fixed-battery QC1 have seen limited success so far, with just over 1,050 units registered in 2025, according to VAHAN data. The QC1, available across India, continues to battle it out in a fiercely competitive space alongside rivals like the Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube.
Honda's strategy now seems focused on optimizing affordability while expanding infrastructure - a dual-pronged approach necessary to gain traction in India's EV landscape.
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Verdict
The introduction of the Lite subscription is a strategic step toward greater accessibility for electric scooter buyers. While the energy limit may not suit everyone, the dramatically lower cost could help draw in new customers who've been on the fence. Ultimately, the success of this plan hinges not only on pricing but also on how quickly and widely Honda can expand its battery swap network across major cities.
