Honda Activa e and QC1 Test Ride Review with Comparison [Video]

These are two closely related electric scooters from Honda in India to solve the new-age mobility challenges

We recently got the opportunity to review and compare the Honda Active e and QC1 as part of the media drive. You must have seen the immense growth of the electric two-wheeler category in India within the last couple of years. As the country shifts to electric mobility, two-wheelers play a crucial role in addition to the commercial three-wheelers, buses and passenger cars. We have seen new players emerge in this space. Also, the legacy two-wheeler manufacturers have also pivoted their businesses slightly to offer EVs. For now, let us take a look at the two scooters in the flesh.

Honda Activa e and QC1 Review with Comparison

To begin with, it is evident that the overall design of the two EVs is quite similar. At the front, both scooters get LED headlamps, although the Activa e even boasts an LED DRL, which is missing on the QC1. Apart from that, both EVs offer alloy wheels. However, the Activa e gets disc brakes in higher variants, whereas the QC1 just gets the drum brakes on both ends. In terms of the features, the Active e has a 7-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth, navigation, telematics, etc. On the other hand, the QC1 gets a 5-inch LCD display, which is less sophisticated. Both of them have USB charging. Also, the overall ergonomics are largely similar.

The major fundamental difference between these is the charging and battery setup. The Activa e possesses two swappable 1.5 kWh batteries with no option of charging. This results in a decent performance with a top speed of 80 km/h and a range of 102 km. There are three drive modes – Eco, Standard and Sport. On the contrary, the QC1 gets a fixed 1.5 kWh battery pack, which needs to be charged. Hence, the top speed is limited to 50 km and the range is 80 km on a single charge. You can choose between Standard and Eco modes.

Ride Impressions and Price

Due to the larger battery, the performance of the Honda Activa e is more impressive than the QC1. In fact, the QC1 feels a bit sluggish even in Standard mode, whereas the top speed is limited to just 30 km/h in Eco mode, which makes overtaking almost impossible. Due to the light weight, the Honda QC1 is a better handler, and the stiff suspension inspires confidence. In comparison, the Activa e certainly feels more plush to absorb the undulations of the road. Even the fit-and-finish of the QC1 is not as great as Activa e. The QC1 retails for Rs 90,000, and the Activa e starts at Rs 1.17 lakh and goes up to Rs 1.52 lakh, ex-showroom.

My View

Now, the Honda Activa e is available in two variants, but the QC1 is on sale in a single trim. Hence, the Activa e base trim is a considerable Rs 27,000 more expensive than the QC1. However, with this price gap, you get more features, better performance, more range and better aesthetics. Nevertheless, if you are strict on budget and don’t mind compromising on features and performance, the QC1 can suit your needs just fine. In any case, you can choose between these two as per your requirements.

Also Read: Pillion Carrying a Crocodile on Honda Activa is Batshit Crazy