Honda Activa E: Electric scooters are changing rapidly, and Honda is making waves with its Activa E. To erase one of the greatest EV adoption barriers—the exorbitant battery price—Honda has launched flexible battery rental options under its BaaS (Battery as a Service) model. The shift can actually upend established companies like TVS and Ather in the EV segment.
What is BaaS?
Battery as a Service, or BaaS, enables users to purchase the scooter without having to pay for the battery at the initial stage. Consumers instead pay a minimal monthly subscription for battery rental. This lowers the cost of purchasing the vehicle initially, thus making electric scooters such as the Activa E affordable. The strategy not only saves money but also alleviates concerns regarding battery life and replacement costs.
Battery Rental Plans Customized to Each User
Honda Activa E provides three rental plans that cater to users with varying daily commute requirements. The Light Plan is the cheapest and costs ₹678 a month (without GST). It offers up to 20kWh of battery usage every month. Calculated as a 31-day month, the daily rental amounts to a mere ₹21.87—making it highly cost-effective for users who have light daily commutes.
The next in line is the Basic Plan, priced at ₹1999 per month (including GST). This plan suits those who travel up to 40 kilometers a day and get 35kWh of battery usage. It gets the balance between cost and usage, perfect for city riders.
For heavier riders, Honda offers the Advanced Plan that costs ₹3599 per month (not including GST) for up to 87kWh of battery usage. This is ideal for people whose daily distance is more than 100 kilometers, with more convenience and value.
Honda Activa E Price and Range
The Activa E is priced at between ₹1.17 lakh and ₹1.51 lakh (ex-showroom). It comes with a whopping range of 102 kilometers on a single charge, as per company claims. While Ather and TVS continue to sell conventional models with no battery rental plans, Honda’s plan may entice budget-conscious buyers to join the EV bandwagon without burning a hole in their pockets.