The Japanese automobile manufacturers, which makes two-wheelers to four-wheelers, have recently patented the Honda UC3, an electric scooter, in India for intellectual-property protection and are also hinting they may soon launch this all-electric two-wheeler in the Indian market. This model is currently on sale in only two South Asian countries, Vietnam and Thailand.
How’s the design of this Honda e-scooter?
The patent images are floating on the internet; the design is similar to the ones that are already on sale in the international market. On the front end, it has a three-piece slim LED daylight running light in a horizontal shape on the apron, and main headlamps are also integrated with the apron; they are placed just below the DRL strip.
The Honda letter is available on its front-end body to reflect branding; there’s a small sunscreen above the lighting setup to reduce the wind blast from the rider’s cheers. Other things that are clearly visible from the front are a handlebar-mounted rear-view mirror, a multiple-spoke alloy wheel with a solid single disc brake, two telescopic hydraulic forks as front suspension, and a sculpted mudguard.
From the sides, we get to see a long piece of seat that is designed in a way to enhance seating comfort for the pillion and riding ergonomics for the rider. Other features on the sides are a flat and spacious footboard for resting the feet and carrying small luggage; foldable footpegs for the pillion for leg support; side and center stands to enhance parking practicality; and a rear wheel hub-mounted e-motor.
At the back, it gets the same multiple-spoke alloy wheel that we see on the front end but with the drum brake, and features long-travel twin shock absorbers for better comfort even on rough roads. Its rear section has a slim half-circle-style LED taillight, and taillamps are halogen, placed on the rear fender with a reflector in the center.
What else do we know about this electric scooter?
For India, Honda hasn’t yet revealed even a single detail about this e-scooter. The Japanese automaker has only patented the model design, confirming that they may launch the Honda UC3 electric scooter in the Indian market with the same design as the one sold overseas. It is still uncertain if they will offer this two-wheeler electric vehicle in India, borrowing all features and specs from the overseas model.
Besides the design, the ones sold in Vietnam and Thailand also have the same specifications and features. This electric scooter is equipped with a 6.0 kW electric motor and 3.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The claimed range is 122 km, and the top speed is 80 km/h. Three driving modes, Econ, Standard, and Sport, are available; also have regenerative braking, reverse assist, and a combined braking system.
It comes with a 26-liter cargo space under the seat that enhances practicality for carrying the small items; this space is ample for one full-size helmet, tackling the headache of carrying the helmet along when the scooter is parked. The 5-inch TFT with Honda RoadSync for wireless connectivity, Smart Key for keyless start, and a USB Type-C port for phone charging add premiumness.
Two Honda electric scooters on sale in the Indian market.
In the Indian market, two electric scooters are available for sale under the Honda banner. They are Activa e and QC1; the starting ex-showroom prices are ₹120,133 and ₹90,708, respectively. The former one has an IDC range of 102 km, and the same for the latter is only 80 km. With the 6 kW peak motor power, the Activa e can reach the top speed of 80 km/h, and the QC1 has a 1.8 kW motor with a 50 km/h maximum top speed.