TVS Motor Company is out to set new benchmarks for the global electric two-wheeler industry with the launch of the X crossover EV. With its new Xleton frame, the company boasts fresh new riding dynamics and superior design for the X to carve itself a niche in the e2W segment across global markets.
Retailed at INR 249,990 (ex-showroom Bengaluru), the X is priced quite high, topped only by the Ultraviolette F77, which costs nearly double the X. But the range of developments across design, chassis setup and the overall electronics package might just make the X a prime selection for the niche category of customers who would prefer a good quality crossover scooter.
Design Highlight
The skilfully crafted aerodynamic design is the centrepiece of the X. Its Xleton platform is not only rigid for enhanced agility, but the sculpting and colour coordination denote how serious TVS engineers have been with attention to detail. Built with a high precision cast aluminium alloy frame, the Xleton platform is supposed to provide more room for the rider while being sturdy at the same time to hold the battery pack. The stack LED headlights on the X has sequential turn indicators and programmable light sequences to delight customers. The two-wheeler maker's decision to pick the crossover segment is also appreciable, as the desire for electric-powered ‘moto-scooters’ is rising globally.
Performance Is Decent Enough
With the PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) motor supported by an integrated controller, all developed in-house, the 11kW peak power is good for a top speed of 105 kmph and a range of 140 km. These numbers might sound at par with what other EV players produce, but the whole point of the TVS X is handling performance and steering precision, making it more desirable than the others. The selectable re-gen modes on offer add relevant retardation for performance use or range extension as well.
All E2Ws come with selectable throttle maps to offer a variety of ride modes for different use cases. The performance can be selected as required for city commutes, or longer range or just limping home. But when sharp performance is considered, E2Ws do not have the progressive output of ICE engines or engine braking, which is required for track performance. While regenerative is offered on all these performance scooters, TVS X has selectable levels of regenerative braking, which should be able to assist and offer more engagement to the rider.
Battery Technology
Battery technology is an area of interest when brands are differentiated in performance, range and efficiency. Ola S1 Pro uses NMC cells (Lithium-Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt-oxide) with an efficient cooling battery case. Ather 450X Pro’s Li-Ion cylindrical stack has 21,700 cells and comes with a ‘warp mode’ for rapid acceleration. TVS X, too, has NMC at its side, with ram-air cooling as an additional enhancement to improve performance.
TVS X’s battery pack delivers 4.44kWh of installed capacity energy, controlled by an in-house developed Battery Management System, which continuously monitors current flow. It comes with an option of a rapid charger, charging 0 – 50% in 50 minutes (optional add-on 3kW fast charger) or a portable charger delivering 0 – 80% charge in four hours and thirty minutes (950W charger) and costs INR 16,275. The rider interface is a 10.2-inch touchscreen with customisation and a host of smart features working through a smartphone application.
How Does It Rival Other E2Ws
It can be mentioned that with its enhanced platform, design, handling dynamics and a plethora of features, the TVS X does not have any immediate competitors. Its design sits between the usual crop of scooters and electric motorcycles, radical to say the least. However, it is still an e2W and has competitors when customers consider acquisition costs and range. The Ola S1 Pro still has a better range at 195 km on a single charge with a higher top speed, while the Ather 450X Pro can match TVS X’s 140 km range at a much lower cost and enhanced riding dynamics.
Overall, only the market will decide whether customers prefer a well-designed agile handling crossover, or a high-performance practical scooter, or a conventionally designed electric motorcycle. The good news is the expansion of the e2W category, with established manufacturers like TVS taking it a notch above the rest with bold design and superior technology.
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