Sleek Design with Modern Appeal
Launched alongside the Activa e: at Auto Expo 2025, the Honda QC1 is a game-changer in India’s electric scooter market, blending futuristic styling with practical commuter appeal. Priced at ₹90,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi), its minimalist design features smooth body lines, a front apron-mounted LED headlamp, a smiling DRL strip, and a sleek LED taillight, drawing inspiration from the Activa e:. Available in five vibrant colors—Pearl Serenity Blue, Pearl Misty White, Matt Foggy Silver Metallic, Pearl Igneous Black, and Pearl Shallow Blue—it rivals the bold aesthetics of the Yamaha MT-15 V2 and outshines the Ola S1’s conventional look. The compact 1838 mm length, 704 mm width, 1128 mm height, and 89.5 kg kerb weight make it nimble for city streets, perfect for daily commuters.
Impressive Range and Efficient Performance
The QC1 is powered by a 1.8 kW (2.4 hp) BLDC hub motor delivering 77 Nm of torque, achieving a top speed of 50 km/h and a 0–40 km/h sprint in 9.7 seconds. Its 1.5 kWh fixed lithium-ion battery, using BP Cell chemistry, offers an IDC-claimed range of 80 km per charge (real-world ~60–70 km), ideal for urban commutes but less versatile than the Ola S1 Air’s 165 km range. Charging from 0–80% takes 4.5 hours with a 330W home charger, or 6 hours 50 minutes for a full charge, slower than Ola’s fast-charging options. Two ride modes—Standard and Econ—optimize power and efficiency, making it a practical rival to the TVS iQube, though its low top speed limits highway use.
Feature-Packed for Everyday Convenience
The QC1 boasts a 5-inch LCD display showing speed, battery level, and ride mode, paired with a USB Type-C charging port and a spacious 26-liter underseat storage for a helmet or small items. Its flat floorboard, inner rack, and ergonomic design enhance usability, surpassing the Hero Xtreme 160R’s basic commuter features. While it lacks the Ola S1 Pro’s 7-inch touchscreen and MoveOS 5 smartwatch app, the QC1’s simplicity appeals to riders prioritizing reliability over connectivity. Telescopic front forks, 5-step adjustable hydraulic rear suspension, and 130 mm front/110 mm rear drum brakes ensure a smooth, safe ride, though Ola’s disc brake options offer sharper stopping power.
Comfort and Practicality for City Life
With a 765 mm seat height and 1265 mm wheelbase, the QC1 is accessible to riders of all sizes, offering a comfortable upright posture for short commutes. Its 12-inch front and 10-inch rear alloy wheels with tubeless tires handle urban roads well, though the suspension feels basic on rough terrain compared to the Maruti Fronx’s robust setup. The single-piece seat and chunky grab rail provide decent pillion comfort, unlike the TVS XL100’s load-focused design. Users praise its lightweight handling and Honda’s build quality, but some note the lack of ABS and a modest top speed as drawbacks compared to Ola’s 125 km/h S1 Pro.
Price, Value, and Comparison with Ola
At ₹90,000 (ex-showroom, ~₹1.02–1.10 lakh on-road, Delhi), the QC1 is more affordable than the Ola S1 Air (₹89,999–1.09 lakh) and S1 Pro (₹1.15–1.35 lakh), undercutting rivals like the Bajaj Chetak and Ather 450S. Its 3-year/50,000 km warranty, three free services, and complimentary roadside assistance for the first year enhance value, backed by Honda’s trusted service network, unlike Ola’s reported service inconsistencies. While Ola’s S1 Pro offers a superior 242 km range, faster 2.7-second 0–40 km/h sprint, and advanced features like ABS and brake-by-wire, the QC1’s stylish design, reliable performance, and lower price make it a strong contender for budget-conscious commuters. Available from February 2025 at Honda Red Wing dealers in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, with bookings open from January 1, 2025, it’s a practical choice via honda2wheelersindia.com or BikeWale. Like a rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, the QC1 is a valuable find for those seeking style and efficiency.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | ₹90,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi); ~₹1.02–1.10 lakh (on-road, Delhi) |
| Motor | 1.8 kW (2.4 hp) BLDC hub-mounted, 77 Nm torque |
| Battery | 1.5 kWh fixed lithium-ion (BP Cell), IP67-rated |
| Range | 80 km (IDC-claimed); ~60–70 km (real-world) |
| Charging Time | 4.5 hr (0–80%); 6 hr 50 min (0–100%) with 330W charger |
| Top Speed | 50 km/h |
| Weight | 89.5 kg (kerb) |
| Seat Height | 765 mm |
| Suspension | Front: Telescopic forks; Rear: 5-step adjustable hydraulic |
| Brakes | Front: 130 mm drum; Rear: 110 mm drum; Combined Braking System (CBS) |
| Tires | 90/90-12 (front), 90/100-10 (rear), tubeless, alloy wheels |
| Dimensions | 1838 mm (L), 704 mm (W), 1128 mm (H); 1265 mm wheelbase |
| Features | 5-inch LCD display, USB Type-C port, 26L underseat storage, LED lighting, 2 ride modes (Standard, Econ) |
| Colors | Pearl Serenity Blue, Pearl Misty White, Matt Foggy Silver Metallic, Pearl Igneous Black, Pearl Shallow Blue |
| Warranty | 3 years/50,000 km; 3 free services, 1-year roadside assistance |
| Availability | Honda Red Wing dealers, honda2wheelersindia.com, BikeWale; Deliveries from February 2025 |