Hosur-based TVS Motor Company has forayed in the electric vehicle segment with the launch of the iQube electric scooter. The new TVS iQube Electric Scooter is priced at Rs. 1.15 lakh (on-road) and will be first sold in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and will be introduced in other cities pan India in a phased manner. The iQube was first showcased as a concept at the 2012 Auto Expo and finally makes it to production eight years later. The TVS iQube rivals a number of 125 cc ICE scooters, while the electric scooter segment has some interesting options as well including the Ather 450X, Okinawa iPraise and the Bajaj Chetak. Bookings are open for the iQube at Rs. 5000 at select Bengaluru dealerships.
Visually, the TVS iQube looks quirky with the single LED headlamp up front in the centre, but gets nicer looking bits like the gloss black finish on the handlebar and the front apron. There's generous use of chrome around the side panels and the LED taillight. Mechanically, the e-scooter rides on the same underbone frame as the TVS Jupiter and comes with telescopic forks up front and twin shocks at the rear. Braking performance comes from a 220 mm disc brake at the front and a 130 mm rear drum brakes. The iQube rides on 90/90 R12 tyres.
The TVS iQube gets a 2.25 kWh lithium-ion battery that powers the 4.4 kW motor. The scooter gets two riding modes - Economy and Power and the top speed of the iQube EV is about 78 kmph. TVS promises a range of about 75 kilometres on a single charge. The battery can be charged fully with the standard 5 Amp charger in about 4.5 hours. The electric motor develops an equivalent of 6 bhp and 140 Nm of peak torque, while the 0-40 kmph is achievable in 4.2 seconds. The scooter uses a electric hub motor and comes with regenerative braking to improve range.
The TVS iQube is loaded on tech and comes with an all-digital TFT instrument console. The console comes with the new generation TVS SmartXonnect Bluetooth connectivity that comes with a host of tech including geo-fencing, navigation, over-speed alert, battery charge status, last park location, Incoming call alerts/SMS alerts among others. The iQuve also comes with the Q-park assist that brings in a reverse mode, as well as day and night display function. The electric scooter gets complete LED lighting and an illuminated TVS Electric badge on the swingarm.
The TVS iQube is the start of a new electric era for the brand. The company will set-up charging stations across Bengaluru to support its customers, and brand has tied up with Discom to complete the installation. The automaker has a production capacity of about 1000 units per annum, while initial sales are expected to be around 100 units.