Honda launches QC3 electric scooter in India at Rs 1.35 lakh, 145 km range

Honda has launched its new QC3 scooter in the Indian electric scooter market. The company has set its starting ex-showroom price at Rs 1.35 lakh. Customers who want to book it will have to pay a booking amount of Rs 5,000. In the first phase, the scooter will be sold only through select Honda RedWing dealerships in Delhi, Agra, Cuttack, Surat and Kollam.

The QC3 comes with a fixed 3 kWh battery, with no swappable option. On a full charge, the scooter offers a certified IDC range of 145 km. Interestingly, when Honda first unveiled the scooter it had claimed a range of 151 km, but when the production version launched, the standard range turned out to be 145 km.

On charging, the QC3 takes about 2 hours 40 minutes to charge from 0 to 80 percent, while a full charge takes about 4 hours. Since the battery is fixed, customers do not need to depend on battery swapping stations. This setup will be convenient for those who charge the scooter at home.

In terms of storage, the scooter has 32 litres of underseat space, which can easily hold a helmet and everyday items. The QC3 has a 5-inch TFT instrument cluster, and smartphone functions and turn-by-turn navigation can be used through Honda RoadSync connectivity. It also comes with a smart key and LED lighting.

In terms of design, the QC3 has a wide front apron, flat floorboard and a long single-piece seat, so that it fits the everyday needs of the whole family. The scooter will be available in four colour options: Matte Photon Grey Metallic, Pearl Precious White, Pearl Shallow Blue and Pearl Siren Blue.

The QC3 takes its place in Honda's Indian electric scooter lineup alongside the QC1 and the Activa e:. Compared to the QC1, the QC3 gets a bigger battery, more range, a TFT display and more storage. The Activa e:, meanwhile, offers a swappable battery option, while the QC3 has a fixed battery.

Honda has not yet revealed full details of the QC3's motor power, peak torque, top speed, kerb weight and tyres. The company has also not clarified when sales will begin in other cities after the initial five. Customers will be watching closely for its availability in the next phase and its full specifications, alongside the price and 145 km range.