Honda QC1 2025, launched at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 on January 17, 2025, is a 125cc electric scooter priced at ₹90,000 (ex-showroom), designed for budget-conscious urban commuters in India’s rapidly growing electric two-wheeler segment, which accounted for 7% of scooter sales in 2024. Powered by a 1.5 kWh fixed lithium-ion battery and a 1.8 kW in-wheel motor, it offers an 80 km range, a top speed of 50 kmph, and practical features like a 26-litre under-seat storage and USB-C charging. With a lightweight 89.5 kg frame and a clean, Activa-inspired design, it targets short-distance travel, such as daily commutes or errands. This analysis details the QC1’s powertrain, design, features, efficiency, and market positioning for those researching the Honda QC1 2025 price in India or its rank as a top budget electric scooter for 2025.
Powertrain and Performance: Compact and Efficient
The QC1 is equipped with a 1.5 kWh fixed lithium-ion battery using BP Cell chemistry, paired with a 1.8 kW (2.4 bhp) BLDC in-wheel motor delivering 77 Nm of torque, as per Honda’s internal testing. The scooter achieves a top speed of 50 kmph and accelerates from 0-40 kmph in approximately 8-9 seconds, suitable for 5-30 km city rides. It offers two riding modes—Econ and Standard—with Econ prioritizing efficiency (limiting speed to 30 kmph) and Standard balancing performance for urban traffic. The motor’s compact design ensures low maintenance, but the throttle response in Standard mode can feel abrupt, described as an “on-off switch” by some testers, which may require adjustment for new riders. Compared to the Honda Activa e:’s 6 kW motor, the QC1 is less powerful but tailored for cost-effective commuting
Battery and Range: Practical Urban Mobility
The QC1’s 1.5 kWh battery provides a claimed range of 80 km, with real-world estimates of 70-75 km in Standard mode and 75-80 km in Econ mode, based on urban conditions. The 5.3-liter equivalent energy capacity translates to a range sufficient for a week of 10-15 km daily commutes in cities like Mumbai. In scooter range comparisons, it trails the Activa e:’s 102 km but matches the Ola S1 Air’s 75-85 km. Charging takes 6 hours 50 minutes for a full charge or 4.5 hours to 80% using a 330W home charger with CAN-controlled auto-cut technology, preventing overcharging. At ₹2/kWh electricity rates, a full charge costs ₹30-₹40, significantly cheaper than petrol scooters like the Suzuki Access 125’s ₹530 per tank. The fixed battery, unlike the Activa e:’s swappable system, requires home charging, which may inconvenience users without dedicated outlets.
Design and Build: Familiar and Functional
The QC1 borrows heavily from the Activa e:, featuring a compact, Activa-like design with a flat floorboard, integrated LED headlamp, and minimalist side panels. It measures 1,826 mm long, 701 mm wide, 1,129 mm tall, with a 1,260 mm wheelbase, 160 mm ground clearance, and an 89.5 kg kerb weight. Available in five colors—Pearl Igneous Black, Pearl Misty White, Matt Foggy Silver Metallic, Pearl Shallow Blue, and Pearl Serenity Blue—it appeals to a broad audience. The 762 mm seat height accommodates riders from 5’2” to 5’8”, and the wide seat fits two average-sized adults, though taller riders may find the floorboard cramped. The 26-litre under-seat storage holds a half-face helmet or groceries, and a 1.45-litre front pocket adds utility. Build quality is sturdy, with decent plastics and tight panel gaps, but the absence of LED DRLs and a basic LED taillight (criticized as an afterthought) detract from its premium appeal.
Suspension and Handling: City-Focused Ride
The QC1 features telescopic front forks and dual rear shock absorbers with 5-step adjustability, tuned for urban roads at 20-40 kmph. The 12-inch front and 10-inch rear alloy wheels with tubeless tires provide adequate grip, though the small rear wheel limits stability on uneven surfaces. The lightweight frame ensures nimble handling in traffic, ideal for weaving through city streets, but the suspension feels firm on potholes, offering less comfort than the TVS Jupiter 125’s softer setup. The 160 mm ground clearance clears speed breakers, and the low weight makes it accessible for new riders, particularly women and students. Compared to the Ola S1 Air’s more planted ride, the QC1 prioritizes agility over long-distance comfort
Braking and Safety: Reliable Stopping
The QC1 is equipped with 130 mm front and 110 mm rear drum brakes with a Combi Brake System (CBS), ensuring balanced stopping from 40 kmph in about 3-4 seconds. The absence of a disc brake option, unlike the Activa e:’s front disc, limits braking precision in wet conditions. Safety features include a side-stand cut-off, LED headlamp, and a pass light switch, though the headlamp’s range is average for night riding. The IP67-rated battery adds durability against water and dust, critical for India’s monsoon-heavy climate. Compared to the TVS iQube’s disc brake option, the QC1’s drum setup is basic but sufficient for its 50 kmph top speed
Pricing and Variants: Affordable Positioning
The QC1 is available in a single variant:
Standard : ₹90,000 (ex-showroom)
On-road prices in Bengaluru reach ₹1,06,000-₹1,11,500, including RTO and insurance. It undercuts the Honda Activa e: (₹1,17,000) and TVS iQube 2.2kWh (₹94,434) but is slightly pricier than the Ampere Magnus Neo (₹83,300). Financing requires a ₹5,000-₹10,000 down payment, with EMIs of ₹3,000-₹3,500/month at 10% over 36 months. Bookings opened January 1, 2025, with a ₹1,000 token, and deliveries began in February, though high demand may extend waits to 30-45 days. A 3-year/50,000 km warranty, three free services, and one year of roadside assistance enhance value
Technology and Features: Practical Connectivity
The QC1 features a 5-inch LCD display showing speed, battery percentage, time, trip data, ride mode, side-stand warning, and estimated charging time, but it lacks smartphone connectivity or navigation, unlike the Activa e:’s 7-inch TFT with RoadSync Duo. A 40W USB-C port near the front pocket supports on-the-go charging, and the 26-litre under-seat storage and 1.45-litre inner pocket add practicality. The CAN-controlled charger ensures safe home charging, and two ride modes (Econ, Standard) cater to efficiency or performance needs. While functional, the lack of Bluetooth and a boot light trails competitors like the Ola S1 Air’s connected features
Segment Rivals: 125cc Electric Competition
The QC1 competes with:
Ola S1 Air: 2.7 kW, 85 km range, ₹89,999—better connectivity, similar range
TVS iQube 2.2kWh: 3 kW, 75-100 km range, ₹94,434—disc brake option, pricier
Ampere Magnus Neo: 1.8 kW, 81 km range, ₹83,300—cheaper, less refined
Okaya Faast: 2.5 kW, 80 km range, ₹98,190—higher speed, basic design
Honda’s 2,000+ dealerships and brand trust give it an edge, but the Ola S1 Air’s tech and TVS iQube’s performance pose challenges. The QC1’s lightweight design and storage make it a practical choice, with 10,000+ units sold by March 2025.
Purchase and Delivery: Buying Process
Bookings are open at Honda dealerships in cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi, requiring a ₹1,000 token. Deliveries started in February 2025, with 30-45 day waits for high-demand regions. Financing involves a ₹5,000-₹10,000 down payment, with EMIs of ₹3,000-₹3,500/month at 10% over 36 months. Insurance costs ₹6,000-₹8,000 yearly, with online quotes saving 10%. Test-rides are advised to evaluate ergonomics and throttle response, especially for first-time EV users.
Operating Costs: Maintenance and Upkeep
Annual maintenance ranges from ₹2,000-₹3,000, covering motor checks and software updates, significantly lower than petrol scooters like the Activa 125’s ₹3,000-₹5,000. The 70-80 km range keeps charging costs at ₹30-₹40 per cycle. The battery, rated for 4-6 years or 500-600 cycles, may cost ₹15,000-₹20,000 to replace. The IP67 rating ensures durability, but early owners report throttle calibration issues, requiring free service fixes. Honda’s service network is robust, though rural areas may face delays
Insurance Costs: Coverage Details
Insurance ranges from ₹6,000-₹8,000 yearly, depending on the city. Third-party coverage costs ₹2,000, while comprehensive coverage at ₹7,000 includes theft and damage, with online quotes saving 10%. Zero-depreciation add-ons at ₹800 suit urban commuters. Coverage aligns with budget EV norms for a ₹90,000 scooter.
Conclusion: Budget-Friendly Urban EV
The Honda QC1 2025, priced at ₹90,000, offers a 1.5 kWh battery, 80 km range, and an 89.5 kg frame with practical features like 26-litre storage, a USB-C port, and a 5-inch LCD. Designed for 5-30 km city commutes, it delivers affordability and Honda’s reliability but lags in connectivity and braking compared to rivals like the Ola S1 Air. Its lightweight design and low running costs make it ideal for students, small families, and budget EV buyers, though the fixed battery and abrupt throttle may limit appeal for tech-savvy or long-distance riders. The QC1 strengthens Honda’s electric portfolio, provided service support keeps pace with demand.
FAQs About Honda QC1 2025
What is the price range?
₹90,000 ex-showroom, ₹1,06,000-₹1,11,500 on-road in Bengaluru.
What is the range?
80 km claimed, 70-80 km real-world.
What are the key features?
5-inch LCD, 26-litre storage, USB-C port, LED headlamp, two ride modes, CBS.
How does it compare to the Ola S1 Air?
QC1 is lighter, cheaper; S1 Air offers better connectivity, slightly longer range.
Is it good for city commutes?
Yes, 70-80 km range and 89.5 kg weight suit 5-30 km daily trips.
What is the insurance cost?
₹6,000-₹8,000 yearly, with online quotes saving 10%.
