Hero MotoCorp’s electric vehicle arm, VIDA, is set to transform India’s two-wheeler EV landscape with its Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model for the upcoming VIDA VX2 scooter. Launching on July 1, 2025, this pay-as-you-go subscription plan eliminates high upfront battery costs, making electric mobility more affordable and accessible.
Key Highlights
Reduce Upfront Cost: Pay only for the scooter chassis; battery via flexible monthly plans.
Tailored Subscriptions: Choose plans based on daily/monthly usage.
Pan-India Support: 3,600+ fast-charging stations, 500+ service centers across 100+ cities.
Future-Ready Ownership: Swap/upgrade batteries without long-term commitments.
Why the BaaS Model is a Game-Changer
1. Democratizing EV Adoption
- No large battery investment: Customers finance the scooter and battery separately.
- Lower entry barrier: Ideal for price-sensitive buyers hesitant about high EV costs.
2. Flexibility & Convenience
- Usage-based plans: Opt for daily/weekly/monthly subscriptions.
- Battery swaps: Access fresh batteries at VIDA’s charging stations.
3. Hero MotoCorp’s Robust EV Ecosystem
- 3,600+ fast chargers – One of India’s largest EV networks.
- 500+ service points – Hassle-free maintenance.
How It Compares to Rivals
| Feature | VIDA VX2 (BaaS) | Ola S1 Pro | Ather 450X | TVS iQube |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership Model | Battery Subscription | Full Purchase | Full Purchase | Full Purchase |
| Upfront Cost | Lower (Chassis only) | High | High | High |
| Battery Flexibility | Swap/Upgrade | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed |
| Charging Network | 3,600+ stations | 1,000+ | 1,500+ | 800+ |
VIDA’s Edge
Affordability – Pay monthly, not ₹30k–₹50k upfront for a battery.
Scalability – Hero’s vast service network ensures reliability.
No Obsolescence Fear – Upgrade to newer battery tech seamlessly.
What to Expect on July 1, 2025
- Pricing: Expected ₹80k–₹1L (scooter chassis) + monthly battery plans.
- Subscription Tiers:
- Lite: ~₹799/month (low usage).
- Pro: ~₹1,499/month (unlimited swaps).
- Launch Cities: Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune.
FAQs: VIDA VX2 Battery Subscription
1. How does BaaS reduce costs?
Pay for the scooter (₹80k–₹1L) and battery separately via subscriptions (from ₹799/month).
2. Can I own the battery later?
Yes, Hero may offer a buyout option post-subscription.
3. What if I run out of charge?
Use VIDA’s battery swap stations or fast-charging network.
4. Is this model available for existing VIDA scooters?
Currently announced for VX2; may extend to older models later.
5. How does swapping work?
Visit a VIDA station, swap depleted battery for a charged one in <5 mins.
The Bigger Picture: Hero’s EV Vision
- Goal: Make EVs accessible to 50% of two-wheeler buyers by 2030.
- Strategy: Leverage Hero’s 6,000+ dealerships for VIDA expansion.
- Sustainability: Aligns with India’s net-zero targets by reducing ICE dependence.
Why This Matters
- For Riders: Affordable entry into EVs without battery depreciation worries.
- For Industry: Sets a precedent for Ola, Ather, Bajaj to adopt BaaS.
- For India: Accelerates EV adoption in the world’s largest two-wheeler market.
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