TVS To Unveil Its First-Ever Electric Scooter Soon In India

TVS 125CC HYBRID IQUBE CREON ELECTRIC-1 (tvs electric scooter launch)

TVS’ first-ever production electric scooter could be revealed in December or January 2019 with good riding range

TVS Motor Company introduced a number of key products to its lineup this year with the range-topping Apache RR310 was accompanied by Apache RTR 160 4V, Ntorq 125 and Radeon 110 affordable commuter. The Hosur-based manufacturer wants to strengthen its position in the emerging as well as developed segments and the latest crop of motorcycles stand in testament to that strategy.

While TVS was expected to launch 125 cc version of the Jupiter this month, the outcome was the Grande edition with a new body colour and exterior enhancements over the regular model. TVS’ Auto Expo showcases were nothing short of innovative over the last four editions as iQube, Creon and Entorq 210 gave glimpses of the future as far as scooterisation is concerned.

We suspect TVS’ next product will be an electric scooter due to go on sale in the December-January period. TVS announced investment of Rs. 5 crore in Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler startup Ultraviolette Automotive and purchased 14.78 percent stake in the company as part of its electrification push.

The production version of Creon e-scooter could also be in the line. Receiving plenty of attraction alongside Zeppelin 220 power cruiser at this year’s Auto Expo, the concept featured three Lithium ion batteries developing 12 kW (16 hp) of power and zero to 60 kmph in claimed in 5.1 seconds with rated range of 80 km. In just an hour, the Creon can charge up to 80 percent from empty.

TVS iqube hybrid

There is a high chance of TVS venturing into hybrid or electric scooter space with the production take on the iQube concept and evidently patent filings were made in recent times including the IC-Electric hybrid drive system  connected to a four-speed automatic transmission last year.

This seems more viable due to the adaptable technology of the conceptual version. It used a standard 110 cc single-cylinder petrol engine or an electric motor mounted on the hub with 150 Wh and 500 Wh battery options. At speeds below 20 kmph, the electric motor supplies power and beyond it, the petrol engine takes control. The hybrid system could ensure higher fuel economy in traffic situations when it will be electrically ridden at lower speeds.

Speculations earlier this year also suggested that TVS was developing parking assist for its electrified scooters, helping the rider to park easily in tight spaces. It evaluates the vehicle speed, throttle and braking and the forward moving assist works only when throttle is opened and speed should be below 6 kmph. The reverse assist, on the other hand, works at 0 kmph without usage of brakes.