The TVS iQube is no stranger as its launch timeline was speculated through the years, ever since it debuted at the 2010 Auto Expo
TVS Motor Company has been on a roll lately by launching interesting products like Apache RR310 and Ntorq. The Hosur-based manufacturer is expected to introduce another during the course of this year but this time it won’t be a conventional two-wheeler. Instead, TVS is venturing into hybrid scooter segment with the iQube.
The TVS iQube is no stranger as its launch timeline was speculated through the years, ever since it debuted at the 2010 Auto Expo. It derives power from a regular 110 cc petrol engine or an electric motor mounted on the hub enabling two battery options: One has capacity of 150 Wh and the other with 500 Wh.
Also Read: Exclusive: India’s First Hybrid Scooter TVS IQube to be Launched Soon
Below the speeds of 20 kmph, the electric motor will be powering the scooter and beyond those speeds, the petrol engine does the propelling duties. The electric power will be crucial in traffic conditions as the scooter tends to be ridden at lower speeds and it increases the economy when compared to the regular IC-engined powertrain.
TVS could fiddle around with the design of the concept and make changes on the production version as well. Since the hybrid scooter will receive subsidy under FAME scheme, we can expect competitive pricing. Since the second FAME phase is tipped to be more desirable, we may see TVS bucking the trend and set new standards with the iQube by the end of this year.
The homegrown brand patented an IC-Electric hybrid drive system last year. The engine is coupled with a four-speed transmission and the system offers multiple riding modes such as Economy and Power. The hybrid unit works in tandem to provide better performance in Power model while the electric motor saves energy and increases efficiency with lowered emission.
Power is drawn from the brakes as the heat energy derived from there is applied on to the vehicle and it gets stored in a lithium ion battery pack before being sent to the electric motor. Instead of completely switching to a full-electric drivetrain, TVS’ hybrid power system makes for a sensible transition when affordability and efficiency are considered.
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