In its efforts to tackle rapidly increasing air pollution in the country, the government of India is planning to run only electric vehicles on the roads by 2030. It has launched a series of policy measures and incentives to promote electric two-wheelers and hybrid cars in the country. It will not only pave the way for cleaner air but also help check the country’s burgeoning oil import bills.
So, as we gear up to embrace complete electric mobility in the upcoming years, automobile manufacturers have also decided to ride this ecological wave and launch many electric vehicles in the upcoming years, replete with modern features and technology. A major portion of these are electric two-wheelers which are already finding increased adoption in India, thanks to their negligible refuelling prices and zero maintenance charges as compared to those running on fossil fuels.
Here is a list of some of the top upcoming electric scooters and motorbikes in India that are due to be launched in 2019:
Honda PCX
The makers of top-selling scooters in India like Activa and Aviator, Honda showcased its all new electric scooter named PCX at the Auto Expo 2018. It comes with a new innovative design language that provides a stylish and premium feel to the vehicle. The LED lightning at front, full-digital instrument console, and the sporty alloy-wheels gives it the appeal of a maxi-scooter.
The scooter will pack Honda’s own electric motor with two detachable batteries termed as ‘Honda Mobile Power Pack’ under the seat for enhanced range. The detachable batteries will provide both the options to the user, that of swapping the batteries or charging them at a station. The scooter which is expected to be launched in the latter half of the year should be priced between Rs.1 to Rs.1.2 lakh.
TVS Creon
TVS has now come up with an electric scooter named Creon. As seen during the Auto Expo of 2018, it looks striking with its sharp and futuristic design. Visual bits like diamond cut alloys, stylish front apron, sharp tail-end LED lights makes it look more appealing. It also packs a number of features such as cloud connectivity, riding modes, parking assist, GEO fencing and anti-theft mechanism.
The scooter derives its power from a 12 kW electric motor that allows it to accelerate from zero to 60 kmph in only 5 seconds. Also, the engine is efficient enough to run for a distance of about 80 km on a single charge. Again, we are expecting a price tag of around Rs.1 lakh to Rs.1.25 lakh when it makes to the final production model.
Hero Duet Electric
One of the largest two-wheeler manufacturers in India, Hero has showcased its tried and tested Duet scooter but in an all new electric version. The design and components draw many similarities from the petrol version of the vehicle. The engine can churn out close to 5 kW power and 14 Nm of maximum torque which is sufficient for a two-wheeler.
The scooter will be capable of reaching 60 kmph in just 6.5 seconds. The company has also revealed that the scooter is efficient enough to cover the distance of about 65 kilometres on a fully charged battery. This e-scooter from the Hero MotoCorp is expected to come with a launch price of Rs.75,000, an attractive choice for price-conscious buyers.
Okinawa iPraise
Okinawa will be replicating the design and mechanical components of its lead-acid scooter ‘Praise’ in the all new ‘iPraise’, with the only difference that it will come with a 1000-watt lithium ion battery. The company claims that the new battery will be up to 40% lighter while delivering a range of up to 180 kilometres on a single charge, and top speed of 75 kmph.
The most distinct advantage this scooter offers is that it can be fully charged in only two to three hours. The iPraise is expected to be launched in the first half of 2019 and should come with an affordable price tag of around Rs.70,000 to Rs.80,000.
Mahindra Gusto
The company which launched its durable scooter Gusto, build to tackle rugged Indian roads, has now come up with an electric version with the same design philosophy. It hopes to bring about a fresh lease of life for the company in the two-wheeler market in India. Not much information has been revealed by the company about its new offering, but it is expected to derive its basic technology and specifications from the US-based Mahindra GenZe e-scooter.
It promises to be an exciting wait for these environment-friendly vehicles that will come loaded with futuristic features and many prominent specifications. Insurance companies have also introduced new two-wheeler insurance plans to provide complete security for these electric scooters and ensure you are always protected while enjoying the ride.