Hero MotoCorp has launched its first electric scooter in India in two variants. Dubbed V1 Pro and V1 Plus, these electric scooters have been launched under the Hero Vida brand for a starting price of INR 159,000 and INR 145,000 respectively.
Vida V1 Pro has been launched with a claimed range of 165 km with fast charging at 1.2 Km/minute. It can accelerate from zero to 40 kmph in 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 80 Kmph. Hero Vida V1 Plus, on the other hand, features a maximum range of 142 km with fast charging at 1.2 Km/minute. It can accelerate from zero to 40 Kmph in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 80 Kmph.
Also on the feature list of the Hero Vida V1 are connectivity options with smartphones and multiple ride modes. The OEM claims that 'industry first' customisable ride modes can be used to customise range and speed in 100 different variations. On offer with both models are a 7-inch touch screen, swappable IP68 batteries, cruise control, two-way throttle, keyless control, follow-me-home lights, and S.O.S alert.
The OEM will retail Vida V1 electric scooters using its existing Hero MotoCorp dealership network in the country. It will also take the omnichannel approach, powered by Vida Cloud, to retail and offer services for the recently launched electric scooters.
72 Hours Test Ride
Hero MotoCorp noted that it will be offering the Vida V1 electric scooters to users on finance rates that are 1.25% to 2% lower than other financiers. It has also introduced a buyback programme and will offer upto 70% of the purchase value within 16 to 18 months of the purchase. The OEM will offer test rides of the Vida V1 electric scooters for 72 hours.
Dr Pawan Munjal, Chairman and CEO, Hero MotoCorp, had recently said, 'We are revealing something that is much more than a product. We choose Vida as the brand name because Vida is not just a product but much more than that. It means life and a promise for a better world.'
Notably, the OEM has recently entered into a joint venture with Taiwan-based Gogoro to develop an electric vehicle charging and battery-swapping network in India. The two companies will launch similar electric vehicle charging networks and swap capabilities outside India.
'This partnership will strengthen and expedite the Indian Government’s electrification drive and will have a significant impact on India’s energy and mobility future,” Dr Munjal had said recently.
A unique installation showcasing actual parts and electric scooter prototypes that were tested at the vehicle maker's R&D centre in Jaipur was recently set up at Cyber Hub in Gurugram.
Meanwhile, Honda Motorcycles & Scooters India has overtaken Hero MotoCorp in terms of two-wheeler registrations in India in September 2022. On the other hand, electric two-wheeler sales have been on the rise in the country. Hero Electric currently leads the market in CY22. In September 2022, Ola Electric sold the most electric two-wheelers, followed by Okinawa and Hero Electric.
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