KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- All-new Honda electric scooter under development specifically for India
- Based on the new J1H platform designed for improved practicality
- Heavy localisation planned to keep pricing competitive
Honda is preparing for a fresh push in India's fast-growing electric two-wheeler space, and this time, the Japanese two-wheeler giant appears determined to get the basics right. After a muted response to its earlier electric offerings, Honda is now developing an all-new electric scooter specifically tailored for Indian conditions. Expected to launch soon, this upcoming Honda EV will focus on improved practicality, competitive range, and aggressive pricing through extensive localisation, key areas where its previous attempts fell short. Read on to find out more details, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
Also Read- New-Gen Suzuki Gixxer Series In Works- Launch Likely In 2026
Honda Electric Scooter: Second Attempt At An Electric Reset
The first couple of Honda electric scooters struggled to gain traction in India despite the brand's strong reputation. Factors such as limited charging convenience, compromised storage space, and pricing concerns meant buyers gravitated toward more well-rounded alternatives from TVS, Bajaj, Ather, and Vida. Acknowledging these gaps, Honda has gone back to the drawing board with a clear intent to create a more market-relevant electric scooter for Indian commuters. This new model is expected to be Honda's most focused EV yet, built from the ground up to suit everyday urban usage rather than adapting an international product.
At the heart of the upcoming Honda electric scooter is the new J1H platform, which is being developed primarily for the Indian market. Unlike earlier models that relied heavily on global architectures, the J1H-based scooter will use a high percentage of locally sourced components. This strategy should help Honda keep costs under control and price the scooter competitively in a segment where value plays a decisive role.
One of the biggest expectations from the upcoming Honda electric scooter is better everyday usability. The new model is likely to offer a more usable underseat storage area, addressing a major drawback of Honda's earlier EVs. Home charging capability is also expected to be standard, removing dependence on niche charging or battery-swapping infrastructure. In terms of real-world usability, the scooter is anticipated to deliver a range that aligns with segment leaders, making it suitable for daily commuting without constant range anxiety.
Features & Performance: Catching Up With Rivals
While exact specifications are still under wraps, the upcoming Honda EV is expected to offer a modern feature set that matches current segment expectations. This could include a digital display, connected features, multiple riding modes, and improved charging times. Performance is also likely to be tuned for city efficiency rather than outright speed, striking a balance between usability and reliability.
Once launched, which is expected next year, the new Honda electric scooter will directly take on popular models such as the TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, Ather Rizta, and others. Pricing will be crucial here, and Honda's localisation strategy suggests that it wants to compete aggressively rather than sit at a premium.
Verdict
Honda's upcoming electric scooter could mark a turning point for the brand's EV journey in India. By addressing the shortcomings of its earlier models and focusing on practicality, range, and affordability, Honda finally seems aligned with what Indian electric scooter buyers actually want. This new EV could help the brand reclaim relevance in one of the most competitive segments of the Indian two-wheeler market, something it has failed to do so with its first two e-scooters.
Source- Autocar India
