Alright, let’s talk about something exciting I came across recently TVS is dropping a new electric scooter, and it’s coming just in time for the festive season in 2025! I read about this on Autocar India, and it sounds like a big deal for anyone who’s been hunting for an affordable, eco-friendly ride. TVS has been killing it with their iQube, but this new scooter is aimed at a lower price point, which could make it a perfect fit for city folks like you and me. Let’s dig into what this scooter might be all about and whether it’s something you’d want to check out.
What’s Happening with TVS?
If you’ve followed the electric scooter scene in India, you know TVS isn’t messing around. Their iQube has been one of the top-selling electric scooters for a while now, often ranking in the top three every month. They’ve built a solid rep for making reliable EVs, and now they’re planning to add a cheaper model to their lineup. The plan is to launch this new scooter before the festive season probably around late September or October 2025. That’s a smart move because everyone’s out shopping for vehicles during festivals like Diwali, and a budget-friendly option could grab a lot of attention.
What Might This Scooter Look Like?
Since this is an entry-level scooter, don’t expect anything too fancy it’s all about keeping things simple to hit that lower price tag. I’m guessing it’ll look a bit like the iQube but toned down. Picture a basic design with a small LED headlamp, a simple seat for two, and maybe a few color options like black, white, or blue to keep it fresh. It’ll probably be around 1800 mm long, 700 mm wide, and 1100 mm tall, with a ground clearance of about 150 mm enough to handle city speed bumps but nothing crazy for rough roads. At around 80-90 kg, it should be light enough to move around easily, which is great if you’re dealing with tight parking spots in a city like Mumbai or Delhi.
How Far Can It Take You?
Now, let’s get to the important stuff range and performance. Since this is a budget model, TVS is likely going with a smaller battery to keep costs down. I’d say a 2 kWh battery is a safe bet, which might give you a range of 50-70 km in real life. That’s not a lot, but if you’re just riding 10-20 km a day to work or college, it’s more than enough. The top speed will probably be capped at 40-45 km/h, which is fine for city streets but means you’re not taking this on a highway. Charging should take around 4-5 hours, so you can plug it in after you get home and it’ll be ready by morning. Just a heads up range can drop if you’re stuck in traffic or riding with a passenger, so you might need to keep an eye on the battery level if you’re pushing it close to 50 km.
How Does It Feel to Ride?
I don’t expect this scooter to be a powerhouse, but it should be easy to ride for most people. It’ll likely have a basic setup with telescopic forks in the front and a single shock at the back, which means it’ll handle small bumps okay but might feel a bit shaky on bigger potholes. The 150 mm ground clearance is decent for city roads, but don’t try taking it on rough village paths it’s not built for that. Braking will probably be drum brakes on both wheels, maybe with a combined braking system to make stops smoother. I really wish they’d offer a disc brake option, even if it’s just for the front, because drum brakes can feel a bit soft when you need to stop quickly. The wheels will likely be 10 or 12 inches with tubeless tires, so you’ve got decent grip for city riding. The seat should be low enough for most riders to feel confident, and it’s a 2-seater, but don’t expect the pillion to be super comfy on long rides.
What Features Will It Have?
Since this is an entry-level scooter, TVS is likely keeping the features pretty basic. You’ll probably get a small digital display showing your speed, battery level, and maybe a trip meter—nothing fancy like the touchscreen on the iQube. It might have LED headlights for better night rides and a USB port to charge your phone, which is super handy. Don’t expect stuff like app connectivity, navigation, or a ton of smart features—those are reserved for pricier models. There’s a good chance the battery takes up the under-seat space, so you won’t have storage for things like a helmet or groceries. If you need to carry stuff, a small bag or a side box might be your best bet.
Will It Save You Money?
This is where electric scooters really shine. With a 50-70 km range, you’re looking at about ₹0.15-0.20 per km to run this scooter, assuming electricity costs ₹6.5 per unit. A full charge might cost you ₹30-40, which is basically nothing compared to a petrol scooter that’d cost you ₹4-5 per km with petrol at ₹100/litre. That’s a saving of around ₹15,000 a year if you’re riding 40 km a day, and you’re also doing your part for the environment by cutting down on emissions. Cities like Delhi are pushing hard for cleaner air—there’s even talk of banning new petrol two-wheeler registrations by 2026—so going electric now could save you headaches later. Just keep in mind that range can drop to 40 km or so in heavy traffic, so you’ll need a reliable charging spot at home since public stations aren’t everywhere yet.
How Much Will It Cost and Where Can You Buy It?
TVS is aiming to price this scooter between ₹90,000 and ₹1 lakh ex-showroom, which would make it a lot cheaper than the iQube’s starting price of ₹1.07 lakh. On-road in a city like Delhi, you’re probably looking at ₹95,000 to ₹1.10 lakh. You could get it on EMI for about ₹2,000 a month with a ₹10,000 down payment over 3 years at 9% interest. TVS has over 1000 dealerships across India, so you’ll be able to find it in cities like Bangalore, Chennai, or even smaller towns. You can also book it online through their website. Since it’s launching before the festive season, deliveries should start around late September or October 2025. Festive deals might throw in a discount or some free accessories, so it’s worth checking with your local dealer.
What Else Is Out There?
At this price, the TVS scooter will have some competition. The Odysse HyFy, which launched recently for ₹42,000, gives you a 70-89 km range but is limited to 25 km/h, so it’s more for short, slow rides. The Hero Optima starts around ₹85,000 and offers a 60-100 km range, which is pretty similar to what TVS might bring. Then there’s the Bounce Infinity E1 at ₹1.12 lakh with a 100 km range and a better build, but it’s a bit more expensive. TVS has an edge with their brand name and service network, which is a big deal smaller brands like Odysse can struggle with spare parts and support, so you’re less likely to run into those headaches with TVS.
Final Thoughts
This new TVS electric scooter sounds like a promising option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to go green. At ₹90,000 to ₹1 lakh, with a 50-70 km range and TVS’s solid reputation, it could be a great daily ride for city folks. But the limited range and basic features mean it’s not for everyone—think of it as a practical commuter rather than a premium scooter. If TVS gets the price and reliability right, this could be a big hit during the festive season. Just make sure your local dealer has good support for EVs, because that can make or break your experience.
Disclaimer: All this is based on what’s out there as of May 2025. Be sure to check with TVS dealers for the latest details when it launches.
