The Honda QC1 emerges as a breath of fresh air. Launched at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 on January 17, this electric scooter from Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) promises to make green commuting accessible without breaking the bank.
Priced at an ex-showroom starting point of Rs 90,000, the QC1 is Honda’s most budget-friendly entry into the electric two-wheeler segment. It’s not just a scooter, it’s a practical solution for daily errands, school runs, and short office commutes, blending reliability with eco-friendliness.
As India’s electric vehicle market surges accounting for 7% of scooter sales in 2024 and projected to grow further in 2025, the QC1 stands out for its no-frills approach.
Unlike flashier rivals, it focuses on what urban riders truly need: affordability, ease of use, and Honda’s trusted build quality. With bookings opening on January 1, 2025, and deliveries kicking off in February, over 10,000 units were sold by March, signaling strong early demand.
A Design That Echoes Simplicity and Familiarity
At first glance, the Honda QC1 feels like a familiar friend. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Honda Activa lineup, it sports a minimalist, clean design that’s devoid of unnecessary flair. The body panels are smooth and unadorned, giving it a sleek, urban-ready profile that’s easy on the eyes and even easier to maneuver.
Available in five appealing colors Pearl Serenity Blue, Matte Foggy Silver Metallic, Pearl Misty White, Pearl Shallow Blue, and Pearl Igneous Black, it caters to riders who prefer understated elegance over bold statements.
The scooter’s dimensions are commuter-friendly: a seat height of 769 mm ensures flat-footing for most riders, including those around 5 feet tall, while the 169 mm ground clearance handles pothole-ridden city roads with grace. Weighing just 89.5 kg, it’s remarkably lightweight, making it flickable in tight traffic and effortless to park. The flat floorboard adds to the practicality, allowing riders to stretch their legs comfortably during those stop-and-go moments.
Up front, a compact LED headlamp integrated with daytime running lights (DRLs) provides crisp illumination for early morning or evening rides. The all-LED setup extends to the tail light and indicators, ensuring visibility and longevity.
One standout practical touch is the 26-liter under-seat storage generous enough for a full week’s groceries or a couple of helmets. There’s even a small front cubby with a USB Type-C port for charging your phone on the go. This thoughtful layout screams “family-friendly,” positioning the QC1 as a second vehicle for households transitioning to EVs.
In a market flooded with aggressive styling, the QC1’s Activa-like charm appeals to conservative buyers. It’s built on an all-new underbone chassis, promising the durability Honda is famous for, and it’s manufactured at HMSI’s Narsapura plant near Bengaluru for both domestic and potential export needs.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood or rather, in the wheel—the Honda QC1 packs a 1.8 kW BLDC hub-mounted motor that delivers peak torque of 77 Nm. This setup isn’t about blistering acceleration; it’s tuned for smooth, predictable city sprints.
Honda claims a 0-40 kmph time of 9.4 seconds, which feels linear and forgiving, ideal for riders switching from petrol scooters. The top speed caps at 50 kmph, keeping things safe and efficient for urban limits without tempting highway heroics.
Two ride modes Eco and Standard let you tailor the experience. Eco prioritizes range for those cautious commutes, while Standard offers a bit more pep for zipping through signals. Real-world tests show it handles inclines decently, thanks to the instant torque, but it’s best suited for flat cityscapes rather than hilly terrains.
At the heart is a fixed 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery with IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. Honda’s claimed range is 80 km per charge, translating to 70-75 km in Standard mode and up to 80 km in Eco under mixed urban conditions.
For a daily 10-15 km round trip, that’s easily a week’s worth on one charge perfect for reducing range anxiety. Charging is straightforward with a 330W off-board home charger that plugs into any standard socket. It reaches 80% in 4 hours 30 minutes and a full top-up in 6 hours 50 minutes, complete with auto-cut tech to prevent overcharging.
Running costs? Expect pennies per kilometer. With electricity rates averaging Rs 7-8 per unit, a full charge costs under Rs 15, versus Rs 100+ for petrol equivalents. Over 50,000 km, that’s massive savings, plus zero tailpipe emissions for a cleaner ride.
Features That Prioritize Essentials Over Extras
The Honda QC1 keeps things simple, but what it offers punches above its weight for the price. The 5-inch negative LCD instrument cluster is clear and informative, displaying speed, battery percentage, odometer, trip meter, ride mode, time, and estimated charge time. It even warns about the side stand a small but smart safety nudge. While it skips Bluetooth connectivity or navigation (reserving those for the pricier Activa e:), the basics cover 90% of daily needs without overwhelming new EV users.
Safety comes via 130 mm front and 110 mm rear drum brakes, paired with a combined braking system for balanced stops. Suspension is straightforward: telescopic forks up front and 5-step adjustable hydraulic dampers at the rear, soaking up bumps without drama. Tubeless tires on 12-inch front and 10-inch rear alloy wheels ensure puncture resilience and a stable footprint.
For family use, the long 769 mm seat accommodates a pillion comfortably, and the 26-liter boot swallows helmets or school bags effortlessly. The USB-C port in the front pocket keeps devices juiced, and the overall build exudes Honda’s renowned reliability. It’s backed by a 3-year/50,000 km warranty on the vehicle and battery, plus three free services and a year of roadside assistance. An optional Care Plus package at Rs 9,900 extends pan-India coverage.
In 2025 updates, Honda hasn’t announced major overhauls yet, but early feedback suggests software tweaks for better mode transitions could be on the horizon.