Published By: Rohit Chatterjee

Honda Goes Electric in Thailand With PCX e:HEV

After launching an updated version of the PCX 160 in Japan, Honda launched an electric version of the same scooter in the country of Thailand

The PCX 160 has been in the news since Honda launched the smaller cubic-centimetre scooter in the Japanese market. For the unversed souls, the Honda PCX 160 is powered by a 156cc, single-cylinder powertrain which makes around 15.8PS at 8,5000rpm of peak power along with a torque figure of 15Nm at 6,000rpm. The scooter is laden with several features such as Honda Selectable Torque Control, USB charging socket, Honda SMART Key feature and more. Apart from launching the scooter in the Japanese market, Honda also launched the scooter in Thailand at 91,900 Baht. However, this article is not about the PCX 160 but about the electric iteration of the same.

A few months ago, after launching the PCX 160, Honda launched the PCX e:HCV: an electric variant of the PCX 160. Accessible in Thailand at 1,07,500 Baht, a smaller 124cc, single-cylinder engine which makes a peak power of 12.5PS at 8,750rpm and a peak torque of 12Nm at 6,500rpm powers the scooter. Apart from the conventional engine, the scooter being a hybrid has an additional electric motor that is tuned to churn out a peak power of 1.9PS and a torque figure of 4.3Nm. Adding the figures from the two powertrains, the PCX hybrid makes a total power number of 14.4PS and a torque output of 16.3Nm. 

The rest of the scooter is analogous to the ordinary version. The front apron is sporty, with a V-shaped LED headlight unit positioned above the front fender, whereas the LED turn indicators are integrated at the top edges of the apron. A tall tinted windscreen has been added, which is found on almost every maxi-scooter for touring. The handlebars are wide and between them sits a fully digital instrumentation cluster. The floorboard is large and therefore, a tall rider should not suffer cramps in the pelvic joints while making long runs. However, the floorboard is not a conventional straight floorboard encountered on ordinary scooters. It is more like the one seen on mopeds and thus, one cannot place any type of luggage on the floorboard.

The rest of the elements on the scooter are premium. The single large stepped-up seat unit is comfortable for both the rider and the pillion. There is a long exhaust can fitted in an upswept fashion and therefore, a bit of cornering is possible. Last but not, the tail section is elegant because the tail light unit has been made in an X shape, giving the scooter an “X” touch!