Post Lockdown Hero Electric Foresees Faster Adoption Of E-bikes

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  • June 15, 2020
Renji Issac appointed Ceat R&D and Tech head

These factors are likely to significantly increase the sales of electric vehicles. Hero Electric, a pioneer of electric mobility and the largest electric two-wheeler manufacturer in India, foresees faster adoption of electric vehicles. Switching from ICE to Electric vehicles would also reduce any travel pitstops at the fuel stations given the fact that electric vehicles are supported by portable batteries further increasing the concept of contactless transportation thereby enhancing consumer confidence in these troubled times.

Considering the current scenario, it is almost certain that the Indian automotive sector will not be going back to the old normal market anytime soon. The new normal will bring in many challenges but multiple opportunities with it as well and Hero Electric is aptly prepared for it. To make the adoption of electric vehicles effortless, Hero Electric has recently announced an online sales scheme on its entire range. Taking the online-first approach, Hero Electric has been able to act very quickly and take advantage of the time on hands by introducing a lucrative online scheme - INR 5,000 cash discount (all models) and INR 3,000 cash discount on Glyde and e-Velocity, along with referral discount of INR 1,000 - for potential Hero Electric customers and the response has been rather encouraging. Limited to all online bookings made starting from 17 April till 15 May 2020, customers can take delivery of vehicles any time after the lockdown opens.

Post COVID-19, the global electric vehicle and electric vehicle infrastructure market is projected to reach 4.18 million units by 2021 from an estimated 3.42 million units in 2020, at a CAGR of 22.1 percent and India is expected to be a significant contributor to this growth.

The impact of COVID-19 witnessed air pollution plummet to unforeseen levels at 60% in New Delhi, presenting an opportunity towards the adoption of smarter and sustainable mobility solutions as consumers have taken note of the dramatic improvement in the air quality since lockdown. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is likely to change the way Indians commute.

Sohinder Gill, CEO of Hero Electric said, “The latest Harvard report of the adverse effect of air pollution particularly the PM 2.5 emitted from IC vehicles on COVID-19 patients is an eye opener. Given the upcoming ‘new normal’ era, consumer focus on sustainable mobility options, preference of sensibly priced electric two-wheelers, and reluctance in going back to the overcrowded public transport system; Hero Electric foresees an exponential increase in the number of electric vehicles on road post lockdown. We have with us a wide range of electric scooters that have zero tail pipe emissions, priced between INR 40,000 to INR 70,000 and have extremely low running costs.”

It may be noted that Hero Electric India has set up a manufacturing unit at Ludhiana, Punjab, with a total installed capacity of 100,000 units per annum. The company currently has over 610 sales and service outlets spread across the country, including top metros, min-metros, and even smaller towns.

It launched the first Lithium-ion based electric scooter in India and introduced the unique concept of charging stations for anywhere and everywhere usage. With close to 300,000 electric two-wheelers in India, the company has been delivering sustainable mobility solutions for the past 12 years.  (MT)

 

Suzuki Motorcycle India Intros New Pearl Grace White Colour Option For Burgman Street EX

Suzuki Burgman Ex

Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers, has introduced a Pearl Grace White colour option for the Suzuki Burgman Street EX. This addition brings the available colour choices for the scooter to three, joining Metallic Royal Bronze and Metallic Matte Black No. 2. The model is available at dealerships across India with a price of INR 107,902 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The Burgman Street EX is powered by a 124cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine producing 8.6 PS at 6,500 rpm and 10 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. It utilises Suzuki Eco Performance Alpha (SEP-α) and fuel injection technology to manage consumption and emissions. The scooter also features an Engine Auto Stop-Start (EASS) system to reduce fuel use during idling and a Silent Starter System for engine ignition.

The scooter is equipped with a 12-inch rear wheel and a 100/80-12 tyre profile to assist stability. Standard features include an LED headlight and tail lamp, a windscreen, and 21.5 litres of under-seat storage. The digital LCD instrument cluster is Bluetooth-enabled and integrates with the Suzuki Ride Connect system for mobile connectivity.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “The Burgman Street EX has been well appreciated for its blend of distinctive design, advanced technology and the relaxed comfort of its outstretched riding position. With this new update, we further enhance its overall appeal while staying true to the trusted quality and reliability that customers associate with Suzuki.”

TVS Launches Orbiter V1 E-Scooter, Intros BaaS Model Across Range

TVS Orbiter

Chennai-based two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has expanded its electric vehicle range with the launch of the TVS Orbiter V1, equipped with a 1.8 kWh battery.

The company also introduced a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) ownership model across its entire electric scooter portfolio. Under this programme, the entry price for the TVS electric range begins at INR 49,999, excluding battery costs. Customers opting to purchase the vehicle with the battery can acquire the Orbiter V1 for INR 84,500.

The TVS Orbiter V1 is intended for urban use, offering a certified range of 86 km. The 1.8 kWh battery reaches an 80 percent charge in approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. The EV features an LED headlamp, a 34-litre under-seat storage area and a flat-form seat. Other features include hill hold assist, cruise control and regenerative braking systems.

The e-scooter incorporates a mobile application and a digital cluster that provides turn-by-turn navigation and call alerts. Security features such as geo-fencing, anti-theft alerts, and crash detection are integrated into the software. The vehicle supports over-the-air (OTA) updates to maintain system performance.

The BaaS model allows users to subscribe to battery usage rather than paying the full cost at the time of purchase. Subscription plans start at INR 862 per month and include a warranty for five years or 70,000 km. This framework is designed to lower the initial purchase price and provide flexibility regarding running costs.

Gaurav Gupta, President – India 2W Business, TVS Motor Company, said, “TVS Motor has built a strong and well-defined EV portfolio, and the launch of TVS Orbiter V1 further strengthens this lineup by introducing the most accessible entry point into our electric scooter range. Alongside this, the introduction of BaaS represents an important shift in customers’ approach to EV ownership. By separating the vehicle price from the battery usage cost, we are enabling greater flexibility while providing customers a clear understanding of the overall cost of ownership.”

Triumph Crosses 100,000 Unit Sales Milestone In India

Triumph

Pune-based two-wheeler and three-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has announced that Triumph Motorcycles has crossed 100,000 units sales milestone in India.

The achievement was supported with Triumph Motorcycles' partnership in Q2 2023 with Bajaj Auto, which brought together its global engineering strength with latter’s R&D, manufacturing and distribution reach. At present, Triumph Motorcycles sells its products across 200 towns, through 230 stores in the country.

This was further supported by establishing a strong riding community through World of Triumph and the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. Furthermore, the made-in-India Triumph 400’s are now shipped to over 18 countries such as Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Mexico and South Korea.

Manik Nangia, President, Probiking, Bajaj Auto, said, Reaching 100,000 Triumph motorcycles on Indian roads within just 2.5 years is a proud milestone for us. Triumph customers are discerning riders who have strongly endorsed our engineering with our modern classic motorcycles. The brand has always been built for those who know the difference, and we remain committed to strengthening our premium ecosystem and deepening our engagement with riders across the country.”

Jayapradeep Vasudevan Joins Classic Legends As Head National Business Operations

Jayapradeep Vasudevan

Classic Legends, the Mahindra & Mahindra-backed manufacturer of Jawa, Yezdi and BSA motorcycles, has appointed Jayapradeep Vasudevan (JP) to its leadership team. He joins the organisation with around three decades of experience in the automotive industry, focusing on strategic leadership and commercial operations.

Jayapradeep previously served as the President of Kinetic Green’s two-wheeler business, where he managed the sales expansion of the Kinetic E-Luna e-scooter. His career includes nearly three decades in the automobile sector, with a tenure at Royal Enfield during its brand transformation.

For the past three years, he has operated within the electric vehicle (EV) sector, holding roles at Raptee.HV and Kinetic Green. This experience provided insights into consumer expectations and startup operations, which he now brings to the premium motorcycle segment.

In his new role at Classic Legends, Jayapradeep will work with the company’s dealer network and internal teams to scale the presence of its heritage brands. The company operates as a startup entity while managing a portfolio of established motorcycle marques.

“After nearly three decades in the automobile industry, I continue to feel grateful for the journeys that shape both my perspective and purpose. A significant part of my professional journey was with Royal Enfield, where I had the privilege of being part of a remarkable transformation journey with immense learning outcomes. With all the learning and experience of the transformational journey, three years back I stepped into the EV space with Raptee.HV and subsequently Kinetic Green. The experience with these EV startups offered valuable insights into the expectations of the new-generation consumers and helped me adapt to the pace and mindset of the startup ecosystem,” said Jayapradeep.