EXCLUSIVE: Honda Benly E Spotted Testing Without Camouflage, India Launch Possible?

While this is the second time it was spotted this year, the implications aren’t as straightforward as you think

After being spotted earlier this year, the Benly e has been spotted testing once again. So does it mean that Honda will launch the e-scooter here? It’s not as simple as it sounds. 

Honda Benly e - What is it?

The Benly e debuted at 46th Tokyo Motor Show back in 2019. It is essentially a B2B e-scooter targeted towards pickup, delivery and logistics companies. 

Why Is It Here?

More than the electric scooter itself, we believe Honda India is testing its swappable battery system, called the Honda Mobile Power Pack, in the Benly e. It’s likely that the Japanese giant will use this very swappable battery pack in its upcoming electric scooter for India. If the company manages to establish a strong network of swap stations, it will be able to compete with upcoming initiatives like the Ola Hypercharger network and the Hero Gogoro swap stations. 

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What Does The E-scooter Pack?

The Honda Benly e I and I Pro come powered by a 2.8 kW electric motor putting out 13 Nm of torque, while the Benly e II and II Pro feature a 4.2 kW electric motor making 15 Nm peak torque.

Range per charge is 87 km (at 30 km/hr on a flat road) for Benly e I and I Pro and 43 km (at 60 km/hr on a flat road) for Benly e II and II Pro. Honda claims the Benly e can climb hills with up to a 12-degree incline with cargo (30 kg for Benly e I and I Pro and 60 kg for Benly e II and II Pro), while there is a reverse assist feature as well.

Will It Be Launched In India?

If the scooter does make its way to India, we hope it is tailored to fit the Indian conditions. Honda has also confirmed the launch of the Activa Electric, which could exploit the Activa’s famed familiarity. Either way, it will still be some time before we see it on our roads.