TVS Motor Company is planning to expand its electric vehicle portfolio in the next two years. Speaking to a media publication, Sudarshan Venu, TVS’s Joint Managing Director has revealed that the company aims to launch “over half of dozen EV vehicles across segments in the next 24 months”. The new TVS electric bikes and scooters will be designed and manufactured under the company’s new dedicated vertical. The two-wheeler maker will invest Rs 1,000 crore to support its new EV sub-brand. It could be named ‘TVS Electric’ or ‘TVS Hybrid’. Read – TVS Ronin Could Be the Name For Zeppelin Cruiser
The new EV vertical comprises a team of 500-600 engineers working on multiple EV concepts to serve market requirements. Alongside, the home-grown two-wheeler maker is developing an integrated vehicle platform with a major backend manufacturing of battery and other parts managed by in-house team.
One must note that the company hasn’t yet revealed names of the new TVS electric bikes and scooters. Though, the plan could outline the Creon electric scooter, Retron electric commuter, Zeppelin with hybrid powertrain along with the high performance electric bike under ‘Apache’ range and XL100 electric moped.
If reports are to be believed, the TVS Creon concept based electric scooter will be the next EV launch from the Chennai-based two-wheeler maker. Its production version is likely to arrive by the end of FY22. Claimed to be India’s most advanced connected scooter, the Creon might retain the 12kW electric motor and three lithium-ion batteries from the concept. It’s claimed to accelerate 0 to 60kmp in 5.1 seconds and deliver a range of 80km.
Previewed at the 2018 Auto Expo, the TVS Zeppelin cruiser motorcycle might be offered with the concept’s 220cc, single-cylinder engine with 1,200 watt regenerative assist motor and a 48 volt lithium-ion battery. It has an integrated starter generator (ISG) ensuring quick start. The Zeppelin could be the first mild hybrid motorcycle in the country.
