Since the internal reshuffling of the Hero brand, Hero Electric has emerged as the pioneer and market leader of the electric two-wheeler industry in India. It is the first and largest manufacturer of electric two-wheelers in the country.
This is the sub-25 kmph range which does not require a license to ride on Indian roads, given its 250-Watt motor and top speed of 25 kmph. In this range there are three bikes:
1. Hero Eddy
2. Hero Electric Atria LX
3. Hero Electric Flash LX
These have speeds upwards of 45 kmph, therefore requiring a license. Currently, the models include:
1. Hero Electric Photon Hx
2. Hero Electric Optima CX
3. Hero Electric Nyx HX
Hero Electric intends to add five more bikes to its stable by 2022. Let's take a look at these expected electric bikes:
Unveiled at the Auto Expo 2020, the AE-47 is expected to launch by September, 2022. It borrows heavily from the CBR 300 in terms of design. It claims a maximum range of 160 km on a single charge, in Eco mode, while reaching a top speed of 85 kmph. It takes about four hours to charge completely.
Revealed at the Auto Expo 2020, the Hero Electric AE-75 is an entry-to-mid-ranged electric scooter with a claimed top speed of 55 kmph and range of about 80 km on a single charge. Expected to launch between June to September 2022, not much is known about this variant, yet.
Sporting a conventional design, the AE-29 is expected to be powered by a 1000-Watt motor, paired to a lithium-ion battery that offers upto 80 km range on a single charge. The battery can be charged fully in four hours. It gets a Bluetooth-enabled digital instrument cluster, with a mobile charging port, anti-theft protection, walk and reverse assist.
This electric trike is a first for Hero Electric. Featuring twin front wheels, it comes with a gyroscope-assisted auto-balance feature which keeps the scooter upright when stationary. It also comes with a digital instrument cluster, walk and reverse assist, and app connectivity. The e-trike claims a top speed of 80 kmph, with a maximum range of 100 km on a single charge.
Expected to launch by the end of the year, or early-2023, the Hero Electric AE-8 sports a retro look, but is powered by an electric motor generating a top speed of 25 kmph. The AE-8 offers up to 80 km range on a single charge. Not much else is known about the AE-8 at the time of writing.
With these new launches, Hero Electric aims to take the fight to emerging players in the electric two-wheeler segment, and consolidate its market leadership position. Covering the price range from Rs. 60,000-Rs. 1.5 lakh, Hero Electric has an electric bike for everyone.
