Collaborating with Readassist, Helloworld, Kitchens@ and Goodbox to expand its battery swapping infrastructure to 900 new locations across 10 cities, Bounce Infinity, which provides information but no formal office location on its website, has introduced the Bounce Infinity E1 electric scooter with a unique ‘Battery as a service’ option.

Claimed to be the the first of its kind in the Indian market, the e-scooter is priced at INR 68,999 (ex-showroom, Delhi) with battery and charger. It is priced at INR 45,099 (ex-showroom, Delhi) with battery-as-a-service, which includes the subscription for the same. Pre-booked by paying a minimal amount of INR 499, which is refundable, the Bounce Infinity E1 is FAME II eligible.

Promising substantially lower running costs with a (IP 67 standard compliant 48-volt 39 AH) battery that is removable for charging at home or office, the e-scooter is stylish and highly modern in its appearance. Marking a step ahead in facilitating faster adoption of EVs, according to Vivekananda Hallekere, CEO and Co-founder, Bounce, the vehicle is available in five exciting colour options.

Designed and engineered to cater to the evolving needs of electric scooter customers in India, the Infinity E1 is accompanied by a comprehensive warranty of three years/up to 50,000 km. It is ‘Made in India’ and features stylish alloy wheels, digital speedometer, 12-litre storage space, high-end projector headlights, LEDs etc.

Employing a tubular frame, hydraulic telescopic front suspension and twin shock absorbers at the rear, the e-scooter incorporates intelligent technological features such as CanBus (with six-axis accelerometer, overvoltage/undervoltage protection, side stand sensor, battery, motor controller, VCU and the display), smart app (that offers user-centric mobile application and a one-touch solution to control virtually every aspect of the scooter via Bluetooth), remote tracking and battery status, Geofencing, drag mode (that enables the vehicle to move along at walking speed in case of a puncture), reverse mode (to help exit tight and difficult parking spaces), cruise control, anti-theft (by sensing vibrations after being parked and locks its rear wheels) and tow alert (with notifications to the owner).

The Infinity E1 e-scooter is powered by BLDC motors that produce a torque of 83 Nm. Capable of a top speed of 65 kmph, the e-scooter has an advanced FOC controller and provides power based upon a unique algorithm. It thus has a power mode for quicker progress. The Eco mode provides longer range. Fitted with a twin-disc brake assembly that is integrated with an electronic (intelligent) braking system to ensure a smooth and quick halt, the vehicle also has regenerating facility. 

Taking about four to five hours to charge, the Infinity E1 has a range of 85 km per charge. It is backed by Bounce Infinity's acquisition of 22Motors for an estimated USD 7 million in 2021. The acquisition has provided the company with a modern manufacturing plant at Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, with an annual capacity of 180,000 units. The company, planning to set up another plant in South India as sales rise, has set aside USD 100 million to promote its EV business over the next one year.

Not stopping at simply selling an e-scooter with a removable battery, the company, following a vision to offer ready-to-go batteries that customers can easily swap with their near-empty batteries in under a minute through its collaborative efforts, is looking at making swapping stations available within one km of its customers. It is also investing in a robust swapping infrastructure to support over a million scooters over the next 24 months. (MT)

TVS Motor Company, a leading two- and three-wheeler manufacturer, has launched the updated TVS Apache RTR 160 4V at INR 139,000.

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is powered by a 159.7cc, oil-cooled, fuel-injected, 4-valve, which produces 17.55 PS at 9,250 rpm and 14.73 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm.

It comes with a segment-first 37mm Upside Down (USD) suspension and three ride modes — Sport, Urban, and Rain, which the company claims enhance control, stability, and adaptability across diverse riding conditions.

Like with most of the new models from the TVS Motor Co’s stable, the Apache RTR 160 4V now comes with TVS SmartXonnect technology, which provides Bluetooth connectivity, providing turn-by-turn navigation, call & SMS alerts, and voice assist.

In terms of design, the refreshed TVS Apache RTR 160 4V’s can be had in three colour options – Granite Grey, Matte Black, and Pearl White, which are complemented by sporty, race-inspired graphics, golden-finish USD forks, and red alloy wheels. 

Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “We are proud to lead the way in engineering and innovation in motorcycles. With that commitment, we are excited to announce the upgrade of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V with cutting-edge features and advanced technology. Built on a rich racing legacy, the TVS Apache Series proudly serves over 5.5 million enthusiasts, making it one of the fastest-growing premium motorcycle brands globally. We are committed to meeting the evolving needs of our customers by integrating performance, technology, and style. By constantly evolving in our set of offerings, we have set new benchmarks for performance motorcycles in India.”

KAW Veloce Motors Pvt Ltd (KVMPL) has unveiled the Brixton brand of motorcycles (600 cc and 1200 cc) and an e-scooter of the Italian brand Velocifero (VLF) called Tennis in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

The unveiling of both the machines – the motorcycle with an ICE and the e-scooter with a battery and motor – at the Highland Club on the outskirts of the city took place amid much fanfare.

The Brixton motorcycle and VLF e-scooter – with an angular bodywork overall that is synonymous with Italian design culture and featuring a 2.1kW hub motor, and a range of 130 km – will be offered through the MotoHaus retail channel, the first outlet of which is set to be commissioned in a few days from now in Kolhapur.

Both the two-wheelers – the e-scooter is priced at INR 1,30,000 ex-showroom – are being put together (from a CKD kit) at a plant that is about 12 km from the launch venue as part of the Phase I strategy. To be offered through MotoHaus outlets in cities Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Jaipur, Vapi, Goa, Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Nashik, Nagpur, Surat, Ahmedabad and Vadodara besides Kolhapur, the two vehicle brands are expected to be joined by a third Italian brand and an in-house electric two-wheeler brand at a later date.

Once the Phase I strategy plays out and the Bixton and VLF offerings find a footing in the Indian market, the company will embark on the Phase II strategy that will include a design and development centre at Kolhapur. The strategy will also include a manufacturing plant that can do 25,000 units and enable the engineering of a robust supply chain in terms of localisation.

It is at the Phase II level that investments from Brixton Motorcycles (Austria) and VLF are expected to come into the venture, which is initially supported by the parent company of KAW Veloce.

TVS Motor Company-owned British premium motorcycle brand Norton Motorcycles, has announced changes to its leadership structure.

The company has announced Dr. Robert Hentschel, currently CEO, will step back from his role effective immediately. He will transition to a non-executive director role within the company.

On the other hand, Nevijo Mance will join Norton Motorcycles as Executive Director, overseeing all upstream business operations, as part of the new leadership structure.

He will be responsible for product design, development and engineering, manufacturing, procurement, quality control, and supply chain management.

In addition, Richard Arnold, who was appointed Executive Director in June 2024, will be responsible for downstream business operations, including marketing, brand management, sales, distribution, customer relationship management, aftersales service, product management, and public relations.

He will also be responsible for enhancing customer experience, expanding Norton’s market reach, and strengthening the brand’s presence across global markets.

Dr Rober had been leading the company since 2021, and has been instrumental in strengthening Norton’s foundations, guiding the company through crucial stages of its growth plan and establishing a strong operational base. He had played a key role in synergistic relationship with parent TVS Motor Company, which has been pivotal in advancing Norton’s progress and setting the stage for future success.

TVS Motor Company (TVSM), a global manufacturer of two- and three-wheelers, has announced the date and venue for the fourth edition of its TVS MotoSoul festival. The two-day festival will be held at Vagator, Goa, on 6 and 7 December 2024 with a focus on eco-friendly branding and sustainable practices.

Riding on this year’s theme of ‘Feel the Adrenaline, Feel the Inspiration, Feel the Groove’, TVS MotoSoul 4.0 is expected to draw visitors not only from India but also from other countries where the company has a presence. The two-day event promises attractive sessions like culinary experiences, wellness and personal care sessions, bike trips and tricks sessions and community and bonding sessions, as well as live music performances by top artists. The festival will provide attendees with a chance to participate in motorsports including dirt track racing, stunt shows and flat track challenges. Additionally, the attendees will be able to interact with race champions, riding experts and motorcycling legends.

Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “TVS MotoSoul is a mark of the motorcycling spirit. It celebrates the bond between man and machine. Each edition has not only grown in scale but has also deepened this connection among enthusiasts. Our commitment goes beyond just motorcycles; we are devoted to nurturing a thriving ecosystem of riders. As we gear up for TVS MotoSoul 4.0, we are excited to redefine the journey with extraordinary experiences, all wrapped in a vibrant and colourful theme that captures the free-spirited essence of our community. We are confident that our mission to democratise these experiences will lead to one of the most exhilarating celebrations of riders and their journeys at TVS MotoSoul 4.0.”