TVS iQube Electric Scooter: Top 5 Highlights

Shortly after the launch of the Bajaj Chetak electric, TVS has come up with a befitting reply in the form of the iQube Electric. Here’s everything you need to know about this electric scooter:

Costs as much as its rivals:

The TVS iQube Electric is priced at Rs 1.15 lakh. In comparison, the Bajaj Chetak Electric costs Rs 1,19,279 and the Ather 450, Rs 1,13,715. All prices are on-road Bengaluru. Interestingly, the Ather 450 is the most feature-laden but the least expensive among the trio.

Offers decent performance:

The TVS iQube Electric scooter is powered by a 4.4kW hub motor, which generates 140Nm of torque at the wheel. TVS claims it can propel the scooter from 0-40kmph in 4.2 seconds. In comparison, the Ather 450 takes 3.84 seconds to reach the same speed. The TVS iQube Electric scooter’s top speed is limited to 78kmph in Sport mode and 40kmph in Eco mode.

Theoretically, a hub motor results in greater unsprung weight, so it remains to be seen how the dynamics are affected because of this. As expected from a modern electric scooter, there’s regenerative braking too. Additionally, it also gets a reverse mode called Q-park assist.

Range and charging details:

TVS claims the iQube Electric scooter can cover around 75km on a full charge. It uses a 2.25kWh lithium-ion battery divided into three packs. One of them is under the floorboard for a lower centre of gravity whereas the other two batteries are located below the seat, at the rear portion of the scooter.

The batteries are charged using a conventional 5A home charger, which is provided for free along with installation. Like the Bajaj Chetak electric, this scooter also takes five hours to charge completely. TVS does not offer fast-charging capability. However, the company has set up charging infrastructure for the scooter in Bengaluru, where it is sold at present. There are 10 charging points in the city with more slated to be added later.

Features & underpinnings:

The TVS iQube Electric scooter comes with a TFT screen with smartphone connectivity via the iQube app. Thanks to this combo, one can access features including Geo-fencing, remote battery charge status, navigation assist, last park location, incoming call alerts/SMS alerts, ride statistics and range indication. TVS says that the first few customers can avail the connectivity features for free and for the rest, it will be available on a monthly subscription basis.

Underpinnings include a telescopic front fork and twin preload-adjustable shock absorbers at the rear. The scooter comes to a halt using a 220mm disc up front and a drum at the rear. It rolls on 12-inch alloy wheels, which look similar to the one on the TVS Jupiter Grande edition.

Marks TVS’ second innings into the EV segment:

Back in 2008, TVS had introduced the Scooty Teenz Electric scooter with a lead-acid battery. It offered a claimed range of 40km and a top speed of 40kmph. The iQube Electric marks the Hosur-based brand’s second innings into the EV segment.

Interestingly, the iQube is also the spiritual successor to the Qube electric scooter, which was showcased at the 2012 Auto Expo. This concept was a hybrid scooter with a combination of an electric motor and a 100cc petrol engine. Once the scooter crossed 20kmph, it was capable of switching automatically to petrol power. Theoretically, hybridisation is a costly affair and it also increases the weight of the scooter as it has to pack a fuel tank, engine, electric motor, as well as a battery pack. This explains why TVS has gone completely electric in the iQube.