Two-wheeler major TVS Motors’ plan to launch an electric scooter in the Indian market has been uncovered by Autocar India reader and Scooty Pep rider Reena Narayan who clicked these exclusive pictures. This all-new, electric scooter, captured in a camouflaged state while being charged at an apartment complex in Bengaluru. , will be the manufacturer's first foray into the electric bike market since the Scooty Teenz electric scooter. The manufacturer’s logo on the instruments, inbound wiring and extra buttons on the handlebar shroud are all clear giveaways that this is a TVS product.
This, however, won't be the first electric scooter in the Indian market. Several small-time players have been offering cheap, Chinese-built models which are often unreliable and come with suspect aftersales services. Given TVS’ vast experience and its success in the scooter market, the upcoming model could be India’s first credible electric two-wheeler and the game changer the Indian EV market needs.
TVS is tight-lipped about its future EV plans but did confirm that the scooter we spied was the company’s new electric bike. Though still in its testing stages, the model looks all set to join the manufacturer's strong automatic scooter range, which includes hits like the Jupiter and the smaller, woman-friendly Scooty Pep.
The upcoming model is a full-size TVS scooter, evident from its large overall proportions. Expect the new electric scooter to share parts with the Jupiter and to come with a comfortable, spacious and lightly stepped seat. Also on the cards is a new monoshock suspension for the rear and drum brakes as can be seen in these images.
The images also reveal flush-fitted turn indicators, a roomy flat floorboard and handy bag storage hooks. As with all TVS scooters, expect premium bits like alloy wheels with tubeless tyres to be standard. The routing of the exposed wires suggests that the battery pack will be placed centrally, below the seat; exactly how much under-seat storage space this will leave remains to be seen. Power, charge time and range are still question marks and crucial aspects for an EV’s success.
There is no indication of a launch date but we understand that this is one of the early prototypes and a market introduction is still a way off and unlikely before mid-2018.