Until now, electric scooters were not known for performance or efficiency. However, this stands to change as there have been significant technological advancements in the development of batteries.
Moreover, fuel prices are surging by the day, forcing automotive manufacturers to develop alternative technologies to replace fossil fuels. Here are the upcoming electric scooters that are slated to launch in India by 2021, which includes the Twenty-Two Motors Flow, TVS Jupiter Electric and the Vespa Elettrica among others.
1. Twenty-Two Flow
The Twenty-Two Flow is an upcoming electric scooter with a contemporary design and futuristic styling from Twenty-Two Motors. The Flow comes with a huge under seat storage capacity, which can accommodate two helmets and additional luggage. The scooter uses fibre-glass panelling and a high-tensile steel chassis.
While Twenty-Two Motors have announced the pricing of the Flow e-scooter, it is yet to commence deliveries. The Twenty-Two Flow is priced at INR 74,740 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The scooter has a top speed of 60 km/h and an electric riding range of 160 km with a dual battery setup, while the batteries can fully charge within 5 hours.
The Twenty-Two Flow uses a 2.1 kW electric motor that produces 90 Nm of peak torque, coupled to a lithium-ion battery. The electric scooter features LED lighting all around, LCD instrument cluster, front and rear disc brakes, electronic brake-assist and regenerative braking. The Flow E-scooter also comes with swappable batteries for an extended range.
2. Hero Duet E
Hero MotoCorp showcased the Hero Duet E in India at the 2016 Auto Expo in Greater Noida. The Duet E uses a BLDC electric motor, which coupled to a lithium-ion battery produces 5kW of maximum power and 14 Nm of peak torque. The scooter has a riding range of 65 km, while it can sprint from 0-60 km/h in 6.5 seconds.
The group already markets a range of e-scooters under the Hero Electric brand. That said, the Hero Duet E will be launched under the Hero MotoCorp umbrella.
Besides the essential plug-in charger, key features will include an anti-theft alarm and a bike finder.
3. TVS Jupiter Electric
TVS Motor Company has been developing electrified vehicles for over a decade. While the Jupiter Electric was reported to launch in March 2018 in India, the company has indefinitely put its EV plans on hold. TVS is focusing on updating the entire product portfolio to BS-6 compliance before the deadline of April 1, 2020.
The TVS Jupiter Electric will reportedly launch in India in 2 years time. The scooter shares its suspension and braking hardware with the regular gasoline variant. The electric motor on the Jupiter e-scooter will be paired with a lithium-ion battery.
4. TVS Creon based Electric Scooter
TVS Motor Company showcased the TVS Creon electric scooter concept at the Auto Expo 2018. TVS has launched many production vehicles based on the models that it showcases at the Auto Expo. The TVS Apache RR 310 (TVS Akula), Ntorq 125 (TVS Graphite) and the Apache RTR 200 (TVS Draken) are some examples.
Similarly, the company is expected to launch the production version of the TVS Creon electric scooter in the Indian market. The Creon concept sources power from a 12kW electric motor that has a claimed range of 80 km. The e-scooter can sprint from 0-60 km/h in 5.1 seconds. TVS claims that the battery can be charged to 80 percent capacity in 60 minutes.
5. Vespa Elettrica
The Vespa Elettrica concept debuted in India at the Auto Expo 2018. While Piaggio has already started production of the vehicle in Italy for the European market, the company has postponed the Indian launch plans.
The company already has the production and technology ready to launch in India. However, it is wary of the manufacturing costs and charging infrastructure. That said, the Vespa Elettrica employs a 4.2 kWh Lithium-ion battery that pumps out a maximum power of 5.4 bhp and a peak torque of 20 Nm.
Also Read: Top 5 Upcoming Scooters in India - Hero Destini 125 to Aprilia Storm 125
The Vespa Elettrica is available in two versions - Standard and X -, with an all-electric range of 100 km and 200 km, respectively, for both the variants. The e-scooter gets two riding modes - Eco and Power - with a restricted top speed of 30 km/h in the Eco mode.
6. Ather 340
Ather Energy will introduce the base-spec 340 variant this year, with production set to begin around November. The Ather 340 and Ather 450 share an identical design and paint options, but the scooters come equipped with different performance figures.
The Ather 450, with its peak power output of 5.4 kW and maximum torque of 20.5 Nm, can accelerate to 40 kmph in just 3.9 seconds while the top speed is rated at 80 km/h. The Ather 340, with a peak power output of 4.4 kW and maximum torque of 20 Nm, goes to 40 kmph from a standstill in 5.1 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 70 kmph