Honda QC3 Launched at Rs 1.35 Lakh: 145 km Range, Features and How It Stacks Up Against iQube, Rizta, Chetak

Honda has finally given Indian buyers an electric scooter with a proper range number. The new Honda QC3 went on sale on 22 September 2026 at Rs 1.35 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), with a 3 kWh fixed battery and a certified IDC range of 145 km. That puts it right in the heart of the family e-scooter segment, where the TVS iQube, Ather Rizta and Bajaj Chetak already sell in big numbers. Here is what you get, what Honda has not told us yet, and whether it makes sense for your commute.

What is the Honda QC3 price and when was it launched?

The QC3 was priced on 22 September 2026 at Rs 1,35,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). There is one variant and four colours: Matt Photon Gray Metallic, Pearl Precious White, Pearl Shallow Blue and Pearl Siren Blue. Bookings are open on Honda's website and at dealers for a token of Rs 5,000.

It is Honda's third electric scooter in India after the Activa e and the QC1. Some reports describe the price as introductory, so it could change as sales expand beyond the first cities.

Honda QC3 specifications: battery, motor, range and charging

The big change from the Activa e is the battery. The Activa e uses two swappable 1.5 kWh packs that sit in the boot, which leaves little storage. The QC3 moves to a single fixed 3 kWh pack that you charge at home, and that frees up 32 litres under the seat, enough for a full-face helmet in most cases.

One gap stands out: Honda has not shared motor output or top speed. For a scooter in this price band, where rivals publish those numbers, that is worth asking your dealer about before booking.

Which features does the QC3 get?

The 5-inch TFT screen pairs with the Honda RoadSync app for turn-by-turn navigation and phone alerts. A Smart Key means keyless starting, and you get all-LED lights and a front disc brake. If you ride a bike or older scooter without built-in navigation, a handlebar screen like the Motoplay 5 inch CarPlay bike display brings similar maps and music control to almost any two-wheeler.

Where can you buy the Honda QC3, and when do deliveries start?

Sales begin in five cities through Honda's RedWing dealerships: Delhi, Agra, Cuttack, Surat and Kollam. Honda says a phased nationwide rollout will follow, but it has not given a timeline. Delivery dates were not announced at launch, so check with your local RedWing dealer after booking.

Honda QC3 vs TVS iQube vs Ather Rizta vs Bajaj Chetak vs Vida vs Ola

We picked the variant of each rival that sits closest to the QC3 on price or battery size. All prices are ex-showroom Delhi from Autocar India's model pages, updated in the last week of September 2026. Ranges are claimed figures, not real-world.

How does the QC3 compare on paper?

On price per km of claimed range, the QC3 is mid-pack. The Chetak 3501 costs about the same and claims 153 km, while the iQube 3.1 kWh is Rs 3,000 cheaper but claims 22 km less. The Ola S1 Pro 3 kWh and Vida VX2 Plus claim much more range for less money, and the Rizta 3.7 kWh claims more but costs about Rs 8,000 extra.

Where Honda hopes to win is on brand trust, build quality and after-sales. It also has one of the largest under-seat boots at 32 litres, level with the iQube. What it lacks, for now, is a wide dealer network for this model and published performance figures.

Honda QC3 running cost vs a 110cc petrol scooter

Here is simple maths for a rider covering 1,000 km a month. Our assumptions:

• Petrol at Rs 102.12 per litre (Delhi, late September 2026) and 50 km per litre for a 110cc scooter.
• Electricity at Rs 8 per unit (kWh) for home charging.
• QC3 real-world range of about 110 km per full charge (roughly 25% below the 145 km claim), and about 10% charging losses, so about 3.3 units per full charge.

That works out to about Rs 2.04 per km on petrol vs about Rs 0.24 per km on the QC3, a saving of roughly Rs 1,800 a month or about Rs 21,600 a year at 12,000 km. The Honda Activa 110 DLX costs Rs 86,360 ex-showroom in Delhi, so the QC3 is about Rs 48,600 dearer. On energy savings alone, you would recover that gap in a little over two years, sooner if you ride more or pay more for petrol.

Whatever you ride, parking outside is where most scooters take a beating. A waterproof scooter cover keeps the TFT screen and seat out of the rain and sun, and a 4-digit helmet lock is handy since you will want the 32-litre boot for shopping, not your helmet.

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Who should buy the Honda QC3?

• Buy it if you want a Honda badge and service network, can charge at home, and ride 30 to 60 km a day in the city.
• Buy it if boot space matters: 32 litres is a big step up from the Activa e.
• Look elsewhere if you live outside the five launch cities and need it soon, or want the longest range for your money (the Ola S1 Pro 3 kWh and Vida VX2 Plus claim more).
• Look elsewhere if you need battery swapping; the Activa e or Vida are better fits.

New EV riders also pick up a few basics early: a heavy duty cable lock for parking, a pair of riding gloves for the daily commute, and a brighter LED headlight for the petrol bike that stays in the family.

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