Honda Could Soon Be The New Player In India’s EV Market
- Jun 7, 2021
- Views : 11305

Honda recently unveiled the all-new QC3 electric scooter in India, and this could be the brand’s most important electric scooter yet. Not necessarily because it is the most powerful or feature-packed product in the segment, but because, unlike the Activa e and QC1, at least on paper the QC3 appears to understand what the average Indian buyer actually wants from an electric scooter.
The Honda Activa e and QC1 struggled to make a significant impact in the Indian market. The Activa e is relatively expensive and is built around a battery-swapping-focused ownership experience, while the QC1 is a compact electric scooter with a 50 kmph top speed and an 80 km claimed range. Both products have their strengths, but neither completely addressed the requirements of the mass-market Indian scooter buyer.

The biggest improvement is the battery and range. The Honda QC3 gets a 3 kWh battery pack and offers a claimed IDC range of 145 km. That is almost double the range of the QC1, which gets a smaller 1.5 kWh battery and an 80 km claimed range.
For the average Indian family, range is one of the most important factors when buying an electric scooter. A scooter needs to be capable of handling daily commutes, errands and occasional longer trips without constantly requiring a recharge. With higher claimed range, the QC3 appears far better equipped for this role. It also gets a 32-litre under-seat storage compartment, which is considerably more practical for everyday use. This is the kind of feature that matters to regular scooter buyers, whether they are carrying groceries, bags or other daily essentials.

The Honda QC3 also gets a 5-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync connectivity, bringing Bluetooth connectivity, call and SMS alerts, as well as navigation. There is also a USB charging port at the front and a smart key. These features may not be revolutionary, but they add to the everyday convenience of the scooter. Importantly, Honda has not gone overboard with complex or unnecessary technology. The QC3 appears to focus on the features that can genuinely make daily commuting easier.

This is where the QC3’s success will ultimately be determined. Honda has not revealed the price of the QC3 yet. For reference, the QC1 is currently priced at Rs 90,708 (ex-showroom), while the QC3 is expected to be more expensive due to its larger battery and additional equipment. The challenge for Honda will be to position the QC3 competitively against scooters such as the Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, Vida VX2, and Ather Rizta. Because for a mass-market product, specifications alone are not enough. Buyers also need to feel that they are getting genuine value for money.
The answer, at least on paper, appears to be yes. The QC3 addresses many of the key limitations of Honda’s earlier electric scooters. It has a larger battery, significantly more range, a spacious boot, useful features and a more family-focused approach. It also avoids the biggest issue with the Activa e for many buyers: the need to adapt to a battery-swapping-focused ownership experience. At the same time, it is far more capable and practical than the QC1.
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