Breaking: Hero To Hustle Up EV Push With Iconic “Splendor” Name
In a development which will be thought of as a significant one in India’s two-wheeler market, its largest motorcycle maker Hero MotoCorp is all set to enter the electric mobility space with an electric version of its iconic Splendor commuter motorcycle, the bike that has decimated competition for over one and half decades at the bottom end of Indian motorcycle market.
What We Know So Far
According to internal reports, the electric Splendor is being developed as part of a project codenamed “AEDA” and has been in development for close two years now at Hero’s technology centre in Jaipur.
Insider sources speculate the launch could be placed in 2027 as Hero intends to have a mass-market electric offering on sale.
And Hero is reportedly targeting a rather ambitious 2 lakh units per year only for the electric variant of the Splendor.
Why This Matters
For decades, the Splendor nameplate has reigned supreme in India’s commuter segment, appreciated for its no-fuss simplicity, dependability and price. In deciding to recycle that trusted brand for its first electric motorcycle targeted at the masses, Hero is signaling a strategic intent to push electric mobility into the mass market, and not merely be a performance niche player.
India’s move to electric two-wheelers is gaining momentum through policy action (e.g. FAME-II subsidies) and increasing consumer awareness on cost savings in operation. Competitively priced electric Splendor could be instrumental in breaking this eventual barrier.
Challenges Ahead
Battery cost & range: For a commuter's routine requirement, the electric Splendor should have enough juice and not burn a hole in your pocket for the initial buy. Hero has been reported aiming at “entry-level pricing” which will of course be heavily dependent on battery chemistry, scale and supply-chain security.
Charging infrastructure & consumer readiness: Particularly in semi-urban / rural facekesets – a stronghold of the Splendor – access to home charging or public infra may also be restricted. Hero will have to solve these pragmatic obstacles.
Brand perception & positioning: If the combustion‐engine Splendor stands for rugged simplicity, an EV would have to retain that promise of reliability but deliver contemporary EV performance and service support. Balancing both will be crucial.
What It Means for the Market
A mass-market electric motorcycle at an affordable price can help in faster adoption of EVs in India’s commuter segment and that too not just in metros, but smaller towns as well as rural areas.
This could also create pressure for rival manufacturers to bring to market their own commuter-EVs sooner rather than later. Hero getting in on this segment early could help it strategically.
To consumers, the switch to EV offers big-picture savings on running costs, less hassle in terms of maintenance (no oil changes here or engine service in a traditional sense) and potential financial subsidies — which can make ownership of an EV more viable.
Looking Ahead
Hero’s future electric-bike map is not only about the electric Splendor. We hear that the company is developing a range of products: right from commuter EVs (of course on the lower end of price and features) to even motorcycles with options in relatively higher capacity (matching 150-250cc ICE bikes). These should come under internal projects codenamed ADZA doing pretty well reports Surfboard Street.Surfbord also mentions an electric dirt bike by 2026 which will be called Vida Lynx.
Though a lot of the finer details (battery size, motor output, charging time, pricing) are still not officially confirmed at this point in time, stakes are high: as long as Hero gets this one right; it could also end up being a game changer and landmark moment in India’s EV tale.
In Summary
The electric Hero Splendor is not just another launch—it marks a change in India s two-wheeler landscape. By riding on a credible name and aiming at affordability, Hero is placing itself to be the link that connects the ICE (internal combustion engine) commuter bikes' era with the electric future. The efficacy of this move will hinge on how well it is executed – price, range, pricing and service readiness will decide if mass India is truly opened up to the possibilities of electric mobility.
Note: All details for final date, pricing, specs are to be finally confirmed by Hero MotoCorp. This piece is compiled from industry reports, and should be taken as indicative.
