Upcoming Electric Two-wheeler Launches Of 2021

The electric revolution is set to intensify in 2021, with several new EV launches from mainstream brands

The rising fuel costs and concerns of pollution have jump-started the electric revolution in the country. And in this covid era, eco-friendly personal mobility is all set to reach even greater heights as several mainstream brands are expected to launch new electric two-wheelers in the country next year. Here’s what we can expect:

Hero eMaestro:

Expected price: Rs 1 lakh

Expected launch: Q1, 2021

A prototype version of the Hero eMaestro electric scooter was unveiled earlier this year. This will be Hero MotoCorp’s first modern electric scooter design, taking on the likes of the Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube Electric.

Its bodywork is derived from its petrol-powered cousin, the Maestro Edge. However, there are modern elements like LED headlamp, all-digital instrument cluster and brown-finished wheels, suspension and powertrain to make it stand apart from the regular ICE version. This electric scooter is likely to be launched in early 2021, at an expected price tag of around Rs 1 lakh (ex-showroom). You can read more about the Hero eMaestro here.

Honda PCX Electric:

Expected price: Rs 1.25 lakh - Rs 1.45 lakh

Expected launch: Q3, 2021

Honda is likely to launch the PCX Electric scooter in the third quarter of 2021. The Japanese bikemaker had already showcased the scooter at the 2018 Auto Expo in India. Expect the brand to tweak the scooter to make it friendlier for the Indian market. That means the swappable battery pack could be replaced with an India-specific one, offering reasonable range at an affordable price point.

That said, the upcoming Honda PCX Electric will still be a premium offering, going up against the Ather 450X. It is expected to be priced at around Rs 1.25 lakh to Rs 1.45 lakh (ex-showroom). To know more about Honda’s upcoming electric scooter, check this out.

TVS Creon:

Expected price: Rs 1.40 lakh

Expected launch: Q3, 2021 

TVS had also unveiled an electric scooter at the 2018 Auto Expo. Called the TVS Creon, it was the brand’s manifestation of a performance-oriented, modern electric scooter. The production version of the electric scooter is also expected to arrive around the same time as the Honda PCX electric.

While the TVS Creon Concept looks extremely sci-fi inspired, expect the production variant to be more in touch with reality. Being a sporty scooter, expect the range of the production version to be on par with the Ather 450X, perhaps around 80-90km on a full charge. It could come either with fast-charging capabilities or swappable batteries, which should somewhat resolve range anxiety. The TVS Creon could be priced at around Rs 1.4 lakh (ex-showroom).

Suzuki Burgman Electric:

Expected price: Rs 1.20 lakh

Expected launch: Q1, 2021

Suzuki had already revealed earlier that it is working on an electric two-wheeler specifically for India. Turns out, it is nothing but the Suzuki Burgman Electric, which was just recently spotted testing. The bodywork is identical to the 125cc maxi-style scooter but the powertrain is fully electric.

Not much is known in terms of power figures or range, but expect the scooter to offer performance equivalent to a 110cc petrol powered scooter. If we’re lucky, we can also see swappable batteries being offered. This upcoming scooter is expected to be launched in early 2021, likely at a price of around Rs 1.20 lakh (ex-showroom).

Revolt RV 400 Cafe Racer:

Expected price: Rs 1.25 lakh

Expected launch: Q3, 2021

Back when Revolt launched India’s first electric bike, the RV 400, the Indian startup also teased a cafe racer variant. Looks like the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has caused the brand to delay the launch of this motorcycle. If we’re being optimistic, we could see this bike hitting the roads in the third quarter of next year.

The Revolt RV 400 Cafe Racer is expected to carry over the mechanicals and powertrain from the regular variant. However, the bodywork is likely to be sportier, complementing a more aggressive riding stance, courtesy clip-on handlebars. The upcoming electric bike could command a price tag of around Rs 1.25 lakh (ex-showroom). Head here for more details.

Apart from the major electric two-wheeler brands, Mumbai-based electric startup Odysse is planning to launch not one but three products next year. The company plans to launch two low-speed electric scooters (likely to pack a lead-acid battery and will be license-free), and a commuter motorcycle. The latter is likely to be in the same league as the Revolt RV 400, and is expected to offer performance equivalent to that of a 110cc petrol-powered commuter bike.