Pros and Cons Of Retrofitment Kits On Two-wheelers
We analyse whether retrofitment kits to make your vehicles greener are a good idea or not
We analyse whether retrofitment kits to make your vehicles greener are a good idea or not
The rising concerns about climate change and ever increasing fuel prices has pushed electrification in several markets, including India. But as the country is well-known for jugaad, retrofitment kits also started gaining traction in the market. But what are the pros and cons of using such kits? We analyse:
Pros:
The biggest and the most obvious advantage of EV retrofitment kits are its inherent benefits: efficiency. Since they use electricity, which is a relatively cheaper resource, they result in considerably lower running costs. They also have less moving parts than ICE-powered two-wheelers, and hence their servicing costs are minimised as well.
Electric vehicles also offer instantaneous torque, making them perfect for navigating traffic-ridden roads. They’re silent too, so no concerns of noise pollution either. Nowadays, RTO-approved retrofitment kit are also available for specific ICE-powered models, making the switch even easier, and cleaner legally.
Cons:
Since retrofitment kits involve making major modifications to install onto existing ICE-powered vehicles, it will automatically void the warranty of the vehicles even if it’s an RTO-approved kit. So, when a problem arises, OEM support will prove to be expensive.
A lot of unapproved retrofitment kits are available in the market at a much cheaper price. Sure, they’re lighter on the pocket but their quality will be problematic, especially when it involves an energy storage device (battery pack) that’s prone to the risk of fire and in worst case, explosion. One must also note that the components of a retrofitment kit may be stable individually, but may not be so when they are put together. If the components do not have perfect compatibility, they may be prone to failure, especially in an extreme environment like India.
Retrofitment kits may also have negative effects on the dynamics of a vehicle as the latter’s chassis is designed specifically for a particular set of components. Adding a heavy component like a battery pack will have an effect on the EV’s handling, so one needs to be wary of that as well.
Another important aspect that one needs to keep in mind is the cost. Proper, RTO-approved retrofitment kits are expensive. In fact, this RTO-approved retrofitment kit for the Hero Splendor Plus costs Rs 1 lakh, and that’s excluding the on-road price of the donor bike.
Summing up, retrofitment kits are a double edged sword, and one needs to be fully aware of the pros and cons before investing in a kit. More often than not, selling the older ICE vehicle and buying a new EV would be a more straightforward way to go.
Hero Splendor Plus User Reviews
- Reliable and low maintenance bike for daily useBecause it's a simple bike with professional look and low maintenance cost. It has a simple and professional design and is comfortable for daily uses. It is also easy to handle in city traffic and suitable for regular commuting and everyday rides. Its riding experience has been good so far and also this bike feels comfortable and easy to handle, especially during daily city rides. The mileage is satisfactory, the performance is smooth, and the seating position is comfortable for regular use. Yes, because it comes with very low maintenance cost and good average bike and good looking a very simple and practical motorcycle for daily use. It offers good mileage, comfortable riding, easy handling. The professional design is also a plus point for the rider.Read More42 24
- MIND-BLOWINGThis is really good for villagers and middle class family, thankyou hero tum hi ek matra aise service dete ho, koi bhi nhi deta hai, Kya service hai ek shabd me bole to amazing, mai ek gaanv se hoon aur ye gaanv me bahut hi jyada popular bike hai, kitno ko hamne suggestions bhi diye hai ye bike khardne ke liye, mileage bhi acha hai.Read More40 15
- review of bike.Splendor is a good bike for daily commuters as it delivers a good mileage and smooth performance. In one word, a buget king or mileage king. Moreover maintainance is also low, parts are easily available in market. I will recommend this bike for all the office commuter as well as for local users. Overall nice bike.Read More32 21
- Hero Splendor Plus – The Everyday HeroMany people choose the hero splendor plus because it is practical and reliable commuter motorcycle. Excellent mileage around 65-70 kilometre per litre. Comfortable riding. Low maintenance and spare parts are widely available. I am happy with this bike. Easy to ride, light weight and very easy to handle. It is comfortable for beginners and city traffic. Hero has a large service network across India. Making repairs and servicing convenient. Budget friendly bike for everyday use. Yes, I would recommend hundred percent. It is trusted brand. Good resale value and easy to ride. It's engine is known for long term durability, mileage is good. Upright seating position and good suspension for daily riding.Read More32 22
- lord splendorIt's lord splendor what you talking about, splendor is like has it all the features mileage the beauty and the features not even a question why did i choose this bike becasue its smooth and comfortable, apple clutch kind of its great. Comfort is good, i don't i'm good with it, if youre heavy person you have to reconsider on the long run, safety no issues, mileage is top of everything, ride has been pretty good, and i love it, took many places without any trouble. If you're someone on budget and want travel as much as you want this bike will get you there no sweat, no maintenance issue at all, light wieght as it was, mileage is the best thing and its would recommend this to everyone.Read More34 21