New Launches and Unveilings
- Suzuki e-Access: Suzuki is expected to enter the Indian electric scooter market with the e-Access this month. This model will mark Suzuki’s first electric two-wheeler in India and is anticipated to be a stylish and comfortable urban commuter with a claimed range of around 100 km.
- Bajaj Chetak 3001: Bajaj has expanded its popular Chetak lineup with the new, more affordable 3001 variant. Positioned below the existing models, it aims to compete with scooters like the TVS iQube and Ather Rizta with its modern features and competitive pricing.
- Vida VX2 Teased: Hero MotoCorp’s electric arm, Vida, has been actively teasing its upcoming electric scooter, the VX2, ahead of its official launch on July 1st. This entry-level model is expected to be more affordable than the current Vida V2 and will feature a minimalist design, a smaller TFT display, and drum brakes. It will be offered in two variants, ‘Go’ and ‘Plus’, with different battery capacities and a focus on cost-effectiveness.
- Matter Aera: The Matter Aera, an electric motorcycle with a unique 4-speed manual transmission, is a notable model in the market. This month, the company is expanding its dealership network to new cities like Pune, Bangalore, Jaipur, and Delhi, signaling a major push for this innovative product.
Market Trends and Sales Performance
- TVS iQube Leads the Market: TVS Motor Company’s iQube has continued its strong sales performance this month, maintaining its lead in the electric two-wheeler segment. This comes after TVS slashed prices and increased the battery capacity of some variants, boosting sales and market share.
- Bajaj Chetak and Ola S1 Remain Strong Contenders: The Bajaj Chetak has also shown robust sales growth, driven by new variants and a strong market presence. Meanwhile, Ola Electric remains a significant player, holding the third position in sales despite a delay in deliveries for some of its more affordable models like the Gig and S1 Z.
- Legacy OEMs vs. Startups: Traditional automotive manufacturers like TVS and Bajaj are holding their own against newer EV startups like Ola and Ather. Their established dealer networks and brand trust seem to be a key factor in their success.
Future Outlook and Upcoming Models
- Upcoming Models: Several new electric scooters and motorcycles are expected to launch in the coming months. These include the Vida Z, Kinetic Watts And Volts DX Electric, Suzuki Burgman Electric, and the high-performance Ultraviolette Tesseract (with ADAS and a claimed 100 km/h top speed).
- Focus on Affordability and BaaS: Manufacturers are focusing on making EVs more accessible to a wider audience. The Vida VX2, for instance, is rumored to offer a “Battery as a Service” (BaaS) model, which can significantly reduce the upfront cost of the scooter, a trend that is gaining traction in the market.
- Infrastructure Challenges: While the market is growing, a key challenge remains the charging infrastructure, especially for two-wheelers. The industry is working on solutions like dedicated charging spots and battery swapping networks to address this bottleneck.
This month’s news highlights a vibrant and competitive EV two-wheeler market in India, with a mix of new product launches, strategic expansions, and strong sales from key players.
