India’s electric two-wheeler market is shifting gears again as Hero MotoCorp officially unveils the Splendor Electric in November 2025. On the other side, Honda’s Activa Electric continues to dominate headlines with its upcoming launch and battery-swapping plans.
For Indian commuters, the question now is simple — which one offers better range, lower daily running cost, and overall value? Let’s compare the Hero Splendor Electric Bike and the Activa Electric Scooter across design, performance, charging, and ownership economics.
Design and Build Quality
Both brands have chosen practical, commuter-friendly designs instead of flashy, futuristic looks.
| Feature | Hero Splendor Electric | Honda Activa Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Body Type | Electric Motorcycle | Electric Scooter |
| Chassis | Diamond Frame | Underbone Frame |
| Weight | 123 kg | 112 kg |
| Seat Height | 785 mm | 765 mm |
| Storage | External | Under-Seat (18L) |
The Splendor Electric looks nearly identical to the petrol version — upright stance, sturdy frame, and simple controls. In contrast, the Activa Electric keeps its classic scooter shape with LED lighting and better city comfort.
Verdict: Splendor Electric wins for motorcycle riders; Activa suits urban riders seeking convenience.
Motor and Performance
| Specification | Hero Splendor Electric | Honda Activa Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Type | BLDC Hub Motor | Mid-Mounted Motor |
| Peak Power | 5.5 kW | 6.0 kW |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 32 Nm |
| Top Speed | 95 km/h | 85 km/h |
| Drive Type | Chain Drive | Belt Drive |
The Splendor Electric offers slightly higher top speed and stronger acceleration in city traffic. Activa Electric, though slightly slower, provides smoother take-off and instant torque response due to its refined motor.
Verdict: Hero Splendor Electric delivers better highway readiness and stronger pickup.
Battery and Range Comparison
Battery efficiency is the heart of this comparison.
| Specification | Hero Splendor Electric | Honda Activa Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Type | 4 kWh Lithium-Ion (Fixed) | 3.8 kWh Lithium-Ion (Swappable) |
| Range (IDC) | 160 km | 140 km |
| Real-World Range | 135–145 km | 120–130 km |
| Battery Warranty | 3 years / 30,000 km | 3 years / 36,000 km |
The Splendor Electric’s fixed battery allows better range stability, while Activa Electric’s removable packs make recharging easier for apartment dwellers.
Verdict: Splendor leads on range; Activa wins in convenience.
Charging Time and Options
| Charging Mode | Hero Splendor Electric | Honda Activa Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Home Charger | 0–100% in 3.5 hours | 0–100% in 3 hours |
| Fast Charging | 0–80% in 1 hour | 0–80% in 45 minutes |
| Battery Swapping | No | Yes (Honda Swap Points) |
Hero focuses on standard fast-charging with its bundled wall charger, while Honda aims to roll out battery-swap kiosks across metro cities by mid-2026.
Verdict: Activa wins for convenience; Splendor wins for charging stability and wider home usability.
Riding Comfort and Handling
| Aspect | Hero Splendor Electric | Honda Activa Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | Telescopic + Twin Shock | Telescopic + Monoshock |
| Wheel Size | 18-inch Alloy | 12-inch Alloy |
| Tyres | 80/100 Tubeless | 90/90 Tubeless |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm | 155 mm |
The Splendor Electric’s larger wheels and dual shocks offer superior ride quality on uneven Indian roads. Activa Electric feels smoother at low speeds, perfect for short commutes and stop-start traffic.
Verdict: Hero Splendor Electric rides better on mixed roads; Activa remains more city-friendly.
Daily Running Cost (India, November 2025)
| Parameter | Hero Splendor Electric | Honda Activa Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity Cost (₹8/unit) | ₹0.22/km | ₹0.25/km |
| Daily Commute (30 km) | ₹6.6/day | ₹7.5/day |
| Monthly Commute | ₹198 | ₹225 |
| Yearly Commute | ₹2,376 | ₹2,700 |
Compared to petrol models that cost over ₹120/day, both these EVs are over 90% cheaper to operate.
Verdict: Hero offers slightly lower cost per kilometre, thanks to better energy efficiency.
Maintenance and Ownership
The Splendor Electric uses fewer moving parts and requires minimal maintenance — just brake checks and tyre pressure monitoring. Honda’s Activa Electric will rely on authorised service networks for battery swap upkeep.
| Service Interval | Every 5,000 km (basic check-up) |
| Battery Check | Twice a year |
| Tyre & Brake Change | Every 12,000 km |
Verdict: Both are low-maintenance, but Hero’s simpler structure makes servicing easier in small towns.
Safety and Features
| Feature | Hero Splendor Electric | Honda Activa Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | Front Disc + Rear Drum | Combined Braking System (CBS) |
| Regenerative Braking | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Features | Digital Display, Eco Mode, Reverse Assist | Bluetooth App, Ride Stats, Find My Scooter |
| Lighting | LED Headlamp | Full LED Setup |
Both brands prioritise rider safety with regenerative braking and LED lighting. The Activa Electric offers smarter connectivity, while Hero focuses on mechanical reliability.
Verdict: Tech lovers will prefer Activa; practical riders will favour Splendor.
Price and EMI in India (November 2025)
| Variant | Hero Splendor Electric | Honda Activa Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Base Model | ₹1.15 lakh (ex-showroom) | ₹1.25 lakh (expected) |
| On-Road Price | ₹1.30 lakh | ₹1.42 lakh |
| EMI (5 yrs @ 9%) | ₹2,650/month | ₹2,850/month |
The Splendor Electric is more accessible, especially for middle-class Indian buyers upgrading from traditional two-wheelers.
Verdict: Hero Splendor Electric wins on affordability and long-term value.
Final Verdict
Both Hero Splendor Electric and Activa Electric mark a significant step in India’s 2025 EV transition.
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Choose the Hero Splendor Electric if you value range, comfort, and lower cost-per-km — perfect for longer daily rides or semi-urban use.
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Choose the Activa Electric if you prefer swappable batteries, tech features, and compact handling for dense city traffic.
Final Verdict: As of November 2025, the Hero Splendor Electric offers the best combination of range, reliability, and affordability, making it India’s most practical electric two-wheeler for everyday riders.
FAQs
What is the real-world range of the Hero Splendor Electric?
It delivers around 135–145 km per charge under mixed city and highway conditions.
Can I charge it with a normal home plug?
Yes, it supports standard 3-pin home outlets and comes with a 1000W charger.
How much does it cost per kilometre to ride?
The Splendor Electric costs about ₹0.22/km, making it one of the cheapest daily commuters in India.
Does it support fast charging?
Yes, it can charge from 0–80% in approximately one hour using a compatible fast charger.
Is Activa Electric suitable for long rides?
It’s ideal for short urban rides, offering around 120–130 km of practical range.
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