Hero Electric To Launch 2 New Scooters Every Year

While electric scooters aren't as popular as their fossil fuel-powered counterparts, they sure are gaining in popularity. Low running cost, no need of license to ride them, and easy to ride nature are aspects that have played key roles in electric two-wheelers gaining traction. Hero Electric, which has been among the biggest players in the segment, has some interesting products in pipeline for the Indian market. Hero Electric has said that it will be launching two new products every year starting from 2017. Hero Electric had recently launched the Flash e-scooter which has been priced at Rs 19,900. The Flash is among the cheapest e-scooters on sale in India. Also Read: Hero Electric Cruz Review

Hero Electric has also signed an agreement with German giant Bosch to supply its powertrains. The e-two wheeler market in India currently has a volume of just 24,000 units, which is minuscule compared to the petrol-powered scooter segment. But with the government pushing for e-scooters to reduce pollution and offering subsidies under FAME 2 initiative and the GST roll-out, market share is expected to almost double to 45,000 units by end of this year. 

According to Sohinder Gill, CEO, Hero Electric, the next generation products will be technologically advanced. Some of them will be smart vehicles which are mobile/wireless connected so that diagnostics can be done by the owner from the comfort of his/her residence.

Another problem faced by e-scooters in comparison to petrol-powered scooters is their cruising speed and according to Gill, the upcoming electric scooter can reach speeds between 50kmph and 65kmph. The scooters will be offered with two battery options - lithium or lead acid. The former will be portable, which means the owner can charge it in his residence itself and need not worry about charging points in a parking lot. But all the above features come at a cost and the next-generation Hero Electric e-scooters will be priced between Rs 80,000 and Rs 90,000 post government subsidies.

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