Honda Benly e Spied In India: Will Honda Launch This Or An Activa Electric?
While the Honda electric scooter has been spied testing, the outcome may not be as straightforward as you think. We explain
While the Honda electric scooter has been spied testing, the outcome may not be as straightforward as you think. We explain
The Benly e, Honda’s electric delivery scooter for Japan, has been spotted testing in India. Does it mean Honda will launch it here? Well, the answer may not be as simple as you think. Allow us to explain:
Why Is It Here?
More than the electric scooter itself, we believe Honda India is primarily testing its swappable battery system, called the Honda Mobile Power Pack, in the Benly e. The Japanese brand is likely to use this swappable battery pack on its upcoming electric scooter for India. If Honda manages to establish a strong network of swap stations, it will be able to compete with upcoming initiatives like the Ola Hypercharger network and the Hero Gogoro swap stations. In the Benly e: I and the e: I Pro, the power pack can offer a range of 87km if ridden at a constant speed of 30kmph. On the other hand, the range goes down to 43km, albeit at a higher cruising speed of 60kmph in the Benly e: II and e: II Pro.
Will Honda Launch A Delivery Electric Scooter In India?
So far, Honda has always played its A game in the consumer segment in India, so the Japanese brand might just try to diversify in the near future. One could also draw parallels with the Honda Super Cub, which initially started off as a single-seat moped with a luggage rack at the rear and then went on to become a people mover, and later, a funky lifestyle retro-moped.
According to the Electric Vehicles Policy 2020, the Delhi Government has announced that 50 percent of the fleet belonging to companies in the delivery service sector will have to go electric by 31 March 2023, and 100 percent by 31 March 2025. So, given the push from the government, going the B2B (business to business) route seems to be lucrative enough for a big player like Honda to jump in. Moreover, the trademark for the Honda Benly e has already been registered in India, so this also gives an additional impetus for Honda to bring this electric scooter here.
- Honda Shine Price Hiked, Here’s The Variant-wise Price List
- Honda Bikes And Scooters Price List For June 2021: Honda Activa, Shine, Hornet 2.0, H’ness CB350, And More
- Honda Activa 6G BS6: First Ride
However, Honda India will have to price the Benly e very competitively if it plans to make any kind of dent in this burgeoning segment. This will prove to be challenging for Honda as the components will have to be heavily localised. It would mean extensive investment in part sourcing and local manufacturing.
Or Will Honda Launch the Activa E?
So instead of going the tedious B2B route, Honda could continue to stay in its lane: the consumer segment. Honda already offers the PCX Electric globally. It has even patented the scooter in India. However, if Honda were to launch the PCX Electric in India, it would end up being priced at quite a premium. This strategy may not work well for Honda as India is just warming up to the concept of feature-packed electric scooters, which is currently dominated by the Ather 450X.
So, Honda could look at the more affordable spectrum of the electric scooter segment that’s dominated by the Bajaj Chetak and the TVS iQube Electric. It already has the Activa in the petrol-powered segment, so it may exploit the Activa’s famed familiarity factor and come up with something similar, albeit electric. This would be just like how Hero MotoCorp is planning to launch the Hero eMaestro, which is based on the petrol-powered Maestro range.
So, a Honda Activa Electric with the trademark swappable battery system may work wonders for the brand trying to tap into the electric segment. It would be a fitting answer to the hugely promising Ola Electric Scooter.
Either way, it will still be some time, probably two years, before we see an electric Honda on our roads. Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Images of the Honda Activa 6G used for representation.
Honda Activa e User Reviews
Honda is known brand and trusted as well. Previous I was using honda activa petrol and my experience was very good with that as well. And now I am very happy with activa so far it is a very good ride experience. So far I am enjoying the ride and it is very smooth. Honda is known for quality and it prove it in all aspects. I loved riding it and giving very good mileage as well. Ride quality is also very good. I liked it. My reason to buy this scooter is quality and mileage. It is one of best in its segment. If you want a smooth ride and good mileage go for activa ev. Also you save lots of buks shelling in petrol so it is good choice.Read More
I chose Activa E because my old petrol scooter was getting costly. Every month I spent lot on fuel. I wanted something smart and simple. When I saw Honda Activa E I liked the look and comfort. So I booked it without much thinking. The ride is clean and peaceful. No petrol smell, no noise. It feels like riding a cycle with power. I charge it once every two days. Even my dad liked it and now uses it sometimes. It is very smooth and easy. Yes I tell everyone to go for the electric now. Activa E is from a trusted brand and feels safe. No gear, no clutch. Just ride and enjoy. It is simple and useful for all ages. Very happy with my decision.Read More
I wanted scooter that needs less maintenance. My friend suggested Activa E. He said it is new and electric so no engine oil or petrol needed. I checked it and liked it immediately. Honda’s brand name made the choice easier. Very easy to ride. Smooth on every road. Once I dropped it by mistake but nothing broke. It has a strong body. I use it to go to work and for groceries. It gives good range and charges fast. No sound, no heat. Yes 100%. Best choice if you want to stop spending on fuel. It is light, safe and feels strong too. I have already told my relatives to try it. Honda has done a great job with this one. Very good for daily users.Read More
I always wanted to ride something eco friendly. I saw people buying electric scooters but I waited for Honda because I knew they had make something good. When Activa E launched I went for test ride and booked it the same day. The ride is soft and light. My mother also rides it sometimes and says it is very comfortable. Once we went 40 km in one day and came back with charge still left. It does not make any sound and that feels nice. Very calm ride. Yes go for it. If you care about the environment and want to save fuel cost this scooter is best. It looks modern and feels just like the old Activa but electric. I love riding it daily and feel proud I made the switch.Read More
I saw petrol prices going up every month and decided to buy electric scooter. I waited for Honda to launch their model because I trust them more. When Activa E came out I went to the showroom and booked it. I liked the comfort and look. The best thing is how easy it is to ride. My younger brother also rides it and finds it easy. It starts fast no delay. I charge it overnight and it is ready next morning. Once I forgot to charge but eco mode helped save battery. Yes I fully recommend it. Perfect for local travel, smooth roads and daily use. It is quiet, light and does not pollute. And it saves a lot of money. No petrol, no oil change. Just clean and ride. I feel smart using it.Read More