Honda SC e: Electric Scooter Concept Showcased at Japan Mobility Show, Gets Swappable Batteries

The ongoing Japan Mobility Show has so far witnessed the debut of a range of exciting products that are going to be a part of upcoming mobility solutions. Many concept cars from various automakers worldwide have been displayed; these are expected to be among the important automobile launches in the months that follow. Honda, the Japanese manufacturer, has pulled the covers off its brand-new electric scooter concept, dubbed the Honda SC e:. With this, the firm intends to expand its global lineup of battery-powered vehicles. The SC e:, still in the concept stage, is the newest all-electric model on the two-wheeler market. The EV, which debuted beside the production-spec EM:1, is an obvious tease at a bigger, family-friendly version from Honda and shares a battery-swappable feature with the smaller model. The primary distinction is that the SC e: has room for two of these battery packs, as opposed to only one, like the EM:1. Now, let's see what more the SC e: has in store for us. 

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Honda SC e: Styling Cues

The SC e: concept's general design is reminiscent of standard contemporary scooters. It has a unique look thanks to the full-width LED light bar with an illuminated Honda insignia up front. The model also features pillion-foot pegs that fold flat into the bodywork and a large, wide, single-piece seat with a full-size pillion grab handle. Blue highlights on the floorboard, bub motor, handlebar, front lighting panel, and tail section add to its EV character. The vehicle looks similar to the EM 1e: e-scooter that is currently on the market in Europe, however, the former appears significantly larger. Additionally, two replaceable battery packs that take up most of the storage capacity are positioned behind the seat in the concept. 

According to Honda, the SC e: Concept is only a prototype, and there are no immediate plans to put this scooter into production. But since the platform might be used later, it could serve as a sneak peek at an electric scooter modelled after the Activa. Furthermore, although its design is undoubtedly futuristic, the company has made an effort to stay away from the bold visual cues that are typically associated with concept electric vehicles.

Honda SC e: Mechanical Details

Honda has termed the removable battery packs as "Mobile Power Packs" because of their 1.3kWh capacity for each unit. Nevertheless, the firm has not released any information on the motor's specifications, power, or range. A real-world range of about 100-kilometre is anticipated for the SC e: with two packs, though. The scooter may be able to reach a peak speed of about 60 to 70km/h thanks to its anticipated far stronger motor than the EM:1. Front disc and rear drum brakes, a rear mono-shock, and telescopic front forks will all be part of the underbody. The scooter further seems to have been equipped with 12-inch wheels.

Honda SC e: Expected Features

Regarding technological integrations, Bluetooth-based connectivity features are anticipated for the Honda SC e: electric scooter prototype. A rectangular area appears to be designated for a digital instrument cluster; however, as of now, it is not placed on the prototype. The instrument console will be smaller than the screens found on scooters such as the Ola S1 Pro and the Ather 450X.

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Honda SC e: Will it Come to India?

The auto major had earlier made it clear that it would enter the Indian market for electric two-wheelers next year and that it plans to sell a scooter with a swappable battery. However, it is unclear if the production version of the Honda SC e: will be available in our home market. Notably, Honda's two-wheelers will also be equipped with the "Mobile Power Pack," which is the same network that has already been implemented for three-wheelers in a few regions in Japan.