The Two wheeler market (especially scooters) in India has seen a phenomenal growth from past 7-10 years. India as a country embraces innovation – the scooters with automatic transmission saw an easier adoption here because of the ease of use and simplicity offered in its operation.
Things go hand in hand, with the raise in 2 wheelers and automobiles in India, the air pollution levels increased drastically. Many cities in India, ( like Delhi ) faced head-on challenge – people battling against respiratory disorders and other health issues because of air pollution (especially in winter). In April 2017, The Supreme court of India intervened and imposed regulations and norms like BS4 (Bharat Stage 4) and imposed a blanket ban on selling of new BS3 vehicles to curb the pollution. Adding to that, the Government has mandated vehicle manufacturers in India to sell only BS6 vehicles starting April, 2020. The BS6 which is in par with EURO6 standard, reduces the contamination level (PM level) by 80% compared to current BS4 standard.
In India, Government imposes luxury taxes and other cess on consumer for products like automobiles ( attracting 28% + other cess ). In order to completely switch over to electric to make vehicles Zero emission free – worldwide auto companies are switching to Electric technology. India’s 2 wheeler market is the largest in the world – selling highest number of Two wheelers anywhere in the world. The Government of India now has a responsibility to aggressively push electric tech to the Indian automobile scene and wants to become a first mover in this transition.
The Union Budget 2019 has laid out plan to enable India’s EV dream by allocating dedicated funds to promote Electric vehicles by introducing schemes like FAME2 and bringing the GST down to lowest slab (5%) on purchase of new electric vehicles. This is an interesting move by Government to make its people help switch to electric vehicles.
How will the low GST and other interest schemes help you? A fossil fuel product like Honda Activa is priced substantially higher as it includes 28% GST. A scooter of value 1,00,000 rupees if it runs on petrol, the consumer would pay 1,28,000/ – where as the same scooter if it runs on Electric tech – will cost you just 1,05,000/- making it Rs 23,000/- cheaper and also the road tax on Electric vehicles are almost nil.
If you are planning to buy a scooter and have made your mind to go fully Electric there are many EV manufacturers out their like Okinawa, Ather, Ampere, etc – But when it comes to number of outlets across the country – Hero Electric leads the race with over 600+ sales and service outlets across the nation.
The eco friendly days are here with the future ready electric two-wheelers from Hero Electric. The country’s oldest and biggest electric two-wheeler maker has introduced their new range of E2W to raise a hand towards environment protection, saying no to pollution and yes to clean air. With high power, low cost and more output in single charge, E2W make a strong case for themselves for the last mile connectivity and seamless commute.
Below we list few important products from Hero Electric with price, power, Km range which it offers. Going forward we will be exclusively testing these electric scooters and bring detailed review, test ride experience to you.
Check out the list:
Optima HS500 ER
The Hero Optima HS500 ER is the latest offering from the E2W’s market leader in India. With a range of 110 kms on a single charge and a top speed of 42 km/h the scooter is the perfect companion to ride long distances in ultimate comfort that is now eligible for the FAME II scheme. With a body weight of just 83 kgs, the Optima HS500 ER offers effortless riding pleasure and strikes the perfect balance between ride and comfort. Further, a peak power of 1300W from the fast-charging double battery gives the HS500 the ability to cover more kilometers while keeping the charging times short.
- Price: INR 73,303 (Pan India)
- Range: 110 km per charge
- Top Speed: 42km/h
- Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
- Charging time: 4-5 hours
- Battery capacity: 56 Ah @ C5 rating
Photon LP
The Photon LP is a stylish EV with a long list of features which makes it one of the finest electric scooters available in the Indian market. This is probably the most powerful segment among the entire range. Standard features of the scooter include mobile charging, Combi Brakes and comes with Anti-Theft technology and Remote Lock. The Photon LP is now also eligible for the FAME II scheme.
- Price: INR 70,285 (Pan India)
- Range: 80 km per charge
- Top Speed: 45 km/h
- Battery Type: Li-Ion
- Charging time: 5 hours
- Battery capacity: 26 Ah @ C5 rating
Flash Lithium Ion
Hero Electric’s Flash Li-Ion is the company’s multipurpose clean mobility offering. The light-weight scooter is powered by a 28 ampere hour battery that is capable of thrusting the bike to a top speed of 25 km/h with a maximum range of a healthy 65km per charge. The single chargeable li-ion battery is easily portable with a charging time of 4-5 hours. The Flash also comes with a 3 year warranty for both the bike and the battery for a peace of mind.
- Price: INR 52,974 (Pan India); NA (North East India)
- Range: 65 km per charge
- Top Speed: 25km/h
- Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
- Charging time: 4-5 hours
- Battery capacity: 28 Ah @ C5 rating
Optima Lithium Ion
Optima Li-Ion is one of the highest selling E2W from Hero Electric. With an efficient li-ion battery that is smoother, charges faster and lasts longer, the Optima is the best value for money Hero Electric product on sale right now. With segment best features like regenerative braking, 140mm ground clearance and a 4-degree gradeability the Optima is a versatile eco-friendly mobility option for the young and stylish. It comes in attractive colour options to match your style: Red, Grey and Blue.
- Price: INR 57,990 (Pan India); NA (North East India)
- Range: 65 km per charge
- Top Speed: 25km/h
- Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
- Charging time: 4-5 hours
- Battery capacity: 28 Ah @ C5 rating
NYX ER
Hero Electric’s NYX ER is the company’s multipurpose clean mobility offering. The light-weight scooter is powered by a 56-ampere hour battery that is capable of thrusting the bike to a top speed of 42 km/h with a maximum range of a healthy 100km per charge. The dual li-ion battery is easily portable with a charging time of 4-5 hours. Ground clearance of this bike is 141mm, one of the highest in this category. The NYX E5 also comes with a 3-year warranty for both the bike and the battery for a hassle free ownership. The highly capable Nyx ER is now eligible for the FAME II scheme making it available at an even more attractive price.
- Price: INR 74,404 (Pan India)
- Range: 100 km per charge
- Top Speed: 42 km/h
- Battery Type: Li-Ion
- Charging time: 4-5 hours
- Battery capacity: 56 Ah @ C5 rating
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