TVS

iQube

Introduction

This review is all about finding out how well does the new TVS iQube fit into the expanding space of electronic two wheelers in India. The electronic market is getting bigger with more scooters rolling out and getting familiar. The new TVS iQube is the proper foray of TVS into the electronic two-wheeler market of India. The transition of TVS towards e-mobility is quite a big deal and we wonder what kind of an impact the iQube is going to make. TVS has a huge reputation in the two-wheeler market and it is yet to find out if this e-scooter is able to live up to it. 

How is the design? 

Now coming to the styling and design, the new TVS iQube has drawn polarising feedback regarding its looks. It can be best described as inspired from a futuristic product, but also something that was unveiled nearly a decade ago. TVS actually showcased this concept design of the iQube back in 2012. However, there is nothing wrong about it anyway. The horizontal and narrow headlamps carry a Robocop like styling. The tail light will give you a similar impression. With a general shape which is more of a conventional design, this scooter has some similarity with Jupiter. Only the front is arguably the only part of this scooter that comes with a futuristic aspiration. The rest of the work is rather simple and plain for attracting a wider range of demographic. There are some minor quality issues in the design that require fixing. 

How is the performance?

On the go, the new electronic TVS iQube, propelled by a hub motor of 4.4 kW can accelerate smoothly and quickly to achieve a 78 kmph top speed. Like the Bajaj Chetak, this electric-scooter also has a dual riding mode- Eco mode and Power mode. In Eco mode it can achieve a top speed of 50 kmph. The acceleration is pretty linear on both modes and pulls through neatly on either. The 140 Nm of torque power at its wheels helps it pick up a speed from 0 to 40 kmph in only 4.2 seconds, quite impressive. Upon releasing the throttle, the scooter’s regenerative brake will immediately kick in. It can be ridden effectively and smoothly without the minimal interruption from the rear drum and front disc braking mechanism. This scooter has the most powerful system of regeneration that can be seen on any electric two-wheeler in the country. 

How does the TVS iQube ride? 

The TVS iQube scooter will leave you all impressed, on the move, particularly when it comes to accelerating. The power output is fairly higher than Chetak’s, however, the throttle response feels pretty immediate and not as smoothly delivered as the Chetak, when the accelerator is opened. Another thing to like about this is that its performance does not degrade drastically with a drop in its battery level. Fortunately, enough, this machine, unlike most Chinese e-scooters out there, will not cut the input from the throttle upon braking. Frame-mounted motors are considerably superior to the hub-mounted motor carried by the iQube but this does not seem to be a problem with this scooter. On low charge, this scooter can still deliver a maximum speed of 35 kmph. The grippy improves the stability of the and allows you to pick up a good speed around corners. 

How comfortable is the TVS iQube? 

The iQube is a well-built scooter having a sturdy silhouette and good feedback from the suspensions. The seats are wide, soft and well-cushioned for delivering long-term comfort even when travelling longer distances. The telescopic suspension at the front and the hydraulic twin-tubes at the rear provide good support when passing through rough terrains. It moderates the impacts coming from potholes and speed breakers making the ride comfortable. The scooter rides well even on low battery level to ensure that the ride quality is not degraded at any point of time. Therefore, acceleration remains pretty smooth throughout your riding experience.  

How's the tech? 

The following are some of the significant technical specifications of the TVS iQube that contribute to its performance. 

• Both the tachometer and the speedometer are fully digital, owing to its somewhat futuristic design. 
• There is an indicator for low battery.
• A pillion grabrail has been provided. 
• There is a clock display in the digital console. 
• The trip metre is also fully digital. 
• Geofencing and navigation assistance is available in this scooter. 
• Q-park assist and incoming call alerts are also provided. 
• Smart statistics and remote charge status are also found in this scooter. 

How's the mileage of the TVS iQube? 

The TVS iQube can give you an average mileage of 100 kmph/ charge while you can achieve a top speed of 45 kmph to 75 kmph on economy mode depending on your battery level and almost 80 kmph on power mode which can go down straight to 55 kmph with a drop in your battery level. 

Is the TVS iQube good value for money? 

At Rs 115,000, this electronic model from TVS is slightly cheaper than Chetak and more affordable than Ather 450X. The cost of annual subscription is also cheaper than that of the rival e-scooters. It is a quirky-looking and simple city runabout, having the limited range as its only set back. However, this issue will eventually fade away when battery and electronic technologies mature. This is the second-best option if you want to buy from a reputed manufacturer. 

How is the after sales service? 

For the TVS iQube the first service is scheduled after riding 4000 km or 6 months from the purchase date, the second service is scheduled after riding 8000 km or 12 months from the purchase date. The following services are scheduled after every 4000 km of riding or 12 months, whichever is earlier. 

Which scooters compete in this segment? 

Some of the other scooters that compete in the same segment as TVS iQube are Bajaj Chetak, Ather450X, Aprilia SXR 125 and Revolt RV 400. 

Verdict (Value for money)

The iQube is inspired from a concept design to provide an outlook of the future aspirations of electronic transmission. IT provides an average mileage and comes at a cheaper price than the Chetak or the Ather 450. Overall, this is only a good value for money if you are particularly interested in trying out e-scooters.