Here Are The Top 3 Electric Two-wheelers That Made A Mark This Year

The electric 2-wheeler space in India has been growing rapidly in recent years and 2022 saw some interesting EV launches as well. While not of them passed muster,  the top three electric two-wheelers in this article offer a healthy mix of performance, efficiency and convenience, making them some of the best options available in the market.

TVS iQube S

TVS launched the 2022 iQube in three variants: standard, priced at Rs 98,564; iQube S at Rs 1,08,690 (both on-road Delhi); and the top-spec iQube ST variant for which prices haven’t been announced yet.

The highlight of the new iQube S is the bigger 3.04kWh lithium-ion battery pack that delivers a claimed range of 100km. Interestingly, our road test proved that the range can be extended to 114.76km if you're sensible with the throttle. That’s more than enough for a couple of days of commuting.

Another reason to love the iQube S is its Eco mode. It’s tuned to offer plenty of punch till you hit 32kmph, and only starts tapering thereafter. In fact, in Eco, you can get up to a speedo-indicated 50kmph (45kmph on the VBox). It’s even quicker than before to 75kmph despite gaining some weight. 

Also worth noting is the seven-inch full-colour TFT display, joystick interaction panel and four new colour schemes. The iQube S builds upon an already likeable machine, making it an even more wholesome package with more range and impressive features. You can read our full review here.

Ather 450X Gen 3

The Ather 450X Gen 3 comes in at Rs 1,57,507 (ex-showroom India including state subsidy), quite expensive for an e-scooter. However, the electric scooter packs a number of updates over the outgoing model. 

The updated 450X packs a larger 3.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack, as opposed to the older 2.9kWh unit. As a result, it offers a claimed Indian Driving Cycle (IDC) range of 146km, 30km more than the previous model. The true range of the e-scooter has also significantly increased in the Ride and Eco modes. A bigger battery also means better thermal efficiency but a bit more weight, though you’ll hardly notice the difference. 

Range

Lastly, Ather managed to improve the ride and handling package by swapping out the old 90/90-section MRF tyres at the front and back with new ones from MRF which are grippier thanks to a revised rubber compound. More on the Ather 450X Gen 3 here.

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Tork Kratos R

After a long delay, Tork Motors finally launched its electric bike, the Kratos on Jan 26, 2022. Priced at Rs 1,32,499 for the standard and Rs 1,47,499 for the ‘R’ variant, the Kratos has a lot going for it. For starters, it’s one of the nicest-looking electric motorcycles out there, built from the ground up, with attention to detail. 

As a result, everything’s been thought of – from the comfortable ergonomics and low seat height (785mm) to the quality of materials used.

Its mid-mounted motor with 9kW and 38Nm of peak torque delivers a claimed top speed of 105kmph, although it tops out at 85kmph (speedo-indicated). You get a pretty decent 4kWh battery pack, which allows you to ride for 120km in Eco mode without needing a charge. In most power-packed Sports mode, the range drops down to 70km.

Worry not as the Kratos R has fast charging capabilities which should give you enough juice to carry on with your journey if you were to run out.