Despite a significant fall in central subsidies in the middle of the year, demand for electric two-wheelers (E2W) in India has remained high. According to the most recent registration data, over 8.36 lakh battery-powered scooters and motorbikes have been sold across the country this year, representing a 33% rise over previous year’s sales. However, it is evident that 2023 was not the best year for new model releases, which is poised to change in 2024, with a slew of new scooters and motorbikes on the way. Here’s a quick rundown of all the Upcoming Electric Two-Wheelers on the way.
Ather 450 Apex
The Ather 450 Apex is expected to receive a handful of stylistic tweaks, including transparent side panels, an homage to the translucent panels first seen on the Ather 450X Series 1. The 450 Apex’s more powerful engine will be the showpiece.
The Apex, which is expected to produce higher peak power than the conventional 450X, will be the first Ather to reach speeds of around 100 kmph. It will also most likely have an 0-40 kmph acceleration time of about 3 seconds. The 3.7 kWh battery pack from the 450X is expected to be retained. The 450 Apex will be released on January 6, with deliveries beginning in March 2024.
Ather Family Scooter
The new family-oriented electric scooter, which will be Ather’s second model line, is likely to be significantly larger than the 450 series e-scooters. Spy photos of camouflaged test mules show a horizontal headlamp cluster, telescopic front fork, 12-inch alloy wheels, and a front disc brake. The new electric scooter, like the 450 models, appears to use a mid-drive motor, however no specifics on performance or range are available at this time.
To keep the starting price point low and make it more inexpensive and accessible, Ather Energy is expected to use a smaller battery in the base form of the future electric scooter. Given the success of the TVS iQube, the next Ather is anticipated to be as close to, if not more accessible, than the popular TVS.
Ampere NXG
Greaves Electric Mobility showcased two electric scooter designs under the Ampere name at Auto Expo 2023. One of these, known as NXG, is aimed for private-use buyers and will be available in the first three months of 2024. The real NXG will most likely retain the LED headlight with a distinctive H-pattern DRL, turn indicators on the front apron, and flush folding foot pegs that were seen on the concept.
The NXG is projected to have a 7.0-inch TFT display and a mid-mounted electric motor, making it the most powerful Ampere e-scooter yet. The NXG is almost certainly going to be at the top of the Ampere scooter lineup, with a price tag of roughly Rs 1.50 lakh (ex-showroom).
Bajaj Chetak Premium
Following the release of the revised entry-level Urbane variant, Bajaj will release the modified Bajaj Chetak Premium in early 2024. While it is unlikely to look any different from the current model, the 2024 Chetak Premium will feature a larger, 3.2 kWh fixed battery and a range of up to 126 kilometers. More crucially, the Chetak Premium will be equipped with a 7.0-inch touchscreen dashboard with turn-by-turn navigation and notification alerts.
The kit will also have sequential turn indicators and an onboard charger, and the scooter’s top speed will be increased to 73 kmph. Expect the new edition to go on sale in early January, with costs expected to be in the Rs 1.25 range.
Gogoro Crossover
In December, Gogoro launched the Crossover electric scooter in India, which will be available in three varieties. While the GX250 can be ordered immediately, it is now only available to fleet buyers. Private-use versions will be available in 2024. These will include the Crossover 50, which will have a more powerful 5 kW hub motor, and the Crossover S, which will have a mid-drive motor with a peak output of 7.2 kW.
All models will come with two swappable 1.6 kWh battery packs, bringing the total capacity to 3.2 kWh. While Gogoro claims a range of 111 kilometers for the GX250, it has yet to divulge exact figures for the other variations, as well as a few other features, which will most likely be revealed by mid-2024.
Also Read: Upcoming Two-Wheelers In 2024
Honda Vidyut
India’s biggest scooter manufacturer plans to enter the electric vehicle (EV) market with a’mid-range’ electric scooter with a fixed battery pack that will rely on existing charging infrastructure. Following that, the business intends to release another scooter with a swappable battery system. Both scooters will be constructed on Honda’s new ‘Platform E,’ which is a dedicated EV architecture designed to produce both fixed and battery-swappable two-wheelers.
The first Honda electric scooter is likely to target affordability and family usage, with a practical range of about 80 kilometers and a top speed of 60-70 kilometers per hour. The scooter with a swappable battery system is most likely aimed at a younger demographic, with a more trendy style and additional functions. As part of Honda’s ‘e:Swap’ network, this model will include 1.5 kWh ‘Mobile Power Pack: e’ batteries.
Ola M1 Motorcycle
Ola Electric has shifted its focus from scooters to motorcycles, and the company revealed four designs on Independence Day to preview its impending motorbike portfolio. The Roadster, which stood out as the only operational prototype at the introduction and hinted at its preparedness to move closer to production, is expected to be the first model to arrive in 2024. The Roadster is equipped with an upside-down fork and a monoshock linked to a proarm.
The idea had 17-inch wheels, a front twin-disc brake arrangement, and a rear single-disc brake setup. Its bolt-on rear subframe is made of machined aluminum that has been polished. The motorcycle has tall clip-ons and mid-rear foot pegs, promoting a comfortable yet athletic riding stance. However, critical characteristics (including performance and range) as well as estimated costs remain unknown.
Tork Kartos X
Tork Motors, an electric two-wheeler start-up, unveiled the Kratos X, the latest member to the Kratos electric motorcycle family, at Auto Expo 2023. The Kratos X’s market introduction was forced to be pushed back to 2024 due to a considerable fall in FAME-II subsidies for electric two-wheelers. The bike that will be available in 2024 will be different from the one seen at the auto show.
The motorcycle on display featured an updated electric motor that was touted to give increased power and torque. It also has a lightweight aluminum swingarm and a 7-inch touchscreen console. It remains to be seen how many of these changes make it into the production-spec Kratos X, which is anticipated to hit the market in the first part of 2024.
