Companies Aligned To Govts Make-In-India Vision And Sustainable Mobility

The increasing monthly budgetary expenses of households and the issue further compounded by fossil fuel prices touching the skies, a large section of the middle-class is on the lookout to economize. The environmental concerns, hazards of pollution, climate-change have added another dimension of global significance.

Estimates suggest, the transport sector accounts for 18% of total energy consumption in India. Keeping in view the climate change commitments made by Government of India during the COP21 Summit, to reduce emission intensity by 33% - 35% by 2030 from 2005 levels, it is pertinent to introduce alternative means to travel in the transport sector.

To realize its environment conservation commitment and related initiatives, transition to Electric Mobility was recognized as one of the key programs. This was followed by incentivizing purchase of Electric Vehicles (EVs) by the Indian government to accelerate EV adoption in the country by rolling out various subsidies to both manufacturers and car buyers. The Department of Heavy Industries, in its updated ‘Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles (FAME-II) scheme’ offers 50% higher incentives on two-wheeler EVs. The new incentives for two-wheelers includes Rs 15,000 per kWh of battery capacity, up to 40 per cent of the vehicle cost.

Further, in line with the 'Make-In-India' vision and commitment to sustainable eco-friendly mobility solutions, here is a list of companies and their electric vehicles’ offerings that also address customers’ aspirations of technology loaded features in their vehicles:-

Nexzu Mobility, Roadlark: Nexzu Mobility launched a new electric bicycle in April this year and the brand also claims that it is the first in the country to offer a range of up to 100 km in a single charge. The new Roadlark electric bicycle boasts features like a removable battery and disc brakes at both end along with a dual battery system. A primary 8.7Ah lightweight, removable battery and a secondary 5.2 Ah in-frame battery that can be charged on a domestic socket. The new Roadlark claims to go upto a 100-km riding range in pedlec mode and a 75-km range in a throttle mode. The e-bike does speeds of upto 25 km/hour. It is priced at Rs 42,000.

Qubit Foldable Bike:  Qubit offers a range of e-bikes that can be foldable and easily put back together in only three steps. The X1 weighs in at 15.5 kg, including the battery pack and does a top speed of 25 km/h and 30 km (pas) range. This e-cycle also has amazing features that can add cherry on the cake. The X2 claims a longer range of 35 km (pas mode) with a top speed of 25 km/h, weighing in at 18.5 kg (including battery). The bikes come with the five modes – cruise, throttle, walk and pas, pedal,

Nahak Motors: Nahak Motors’ first-ever Made-in-India electric bicycle, priced at Rs 27,000, comes with a lithium battery and it will take around 2 hours to get fully charged. Per single full charge, the e-cycle can run up to 25 km.

The e-cycle was launched in three variants – Regular, Premium and Luxury. This brand caters to different consumers with the launch of these three models. While the Regular and Premium variants offer 25 km range in throttle mode and 40+ km range in Padlec mode, the Luxury variant comes with 35+ km range in throttle mode and 50+ km range in Padlec mode. All three models support a load of 120 Kg.

Hero Lectro: Hero Lectro range offers various options like C5 i, C6 700c, C3 and more. Lectro e-bikes come with four ride modes – throttle (twist and go), cruise (6 km/h), pedalec (pedaling mode assisted by an electric motor), and pedal.  This ebikes is priced at Rs 24,999.This ebikes offer a range of up to 25 km and 25 km/h top speed. Hero Electric said that the e-bikes will deliver about 7 paisa/km of economy. It supports a load of 100 Kgs.

HOP LEO- The electric-scooter HOP Leo is available in three variants -- LEO Basic, LEO and LEO Extended. The product can gear up a top speed up to 60 km per hour. With a dual 2X Li-ion battery, the scooter is capable of going up to 125 km range on a single charge. The electric motor of LEO Extended can produce mechanical power up to 2700W in a single go.

HOP LYF- The three variants of HOP LYF consist of LYF Basic, LYF and LYF Extended. Like HOP LEO, the LYF model offers a 125 km range per charge with a dual 2X Li-ion battery. The e-scooter comes with a top speed up to 50 km per hour. The electric motor of LYF Extended can produce mechanical power up to 2000W.

Okinawa Ridge Plus: Okinawa Ridge Plus is an entry level scooter and priced at INR 69,000 prior to the fame II Policy. It has a 1.74Kwh removable lithium battery along with 2.3 hp electric motor. It also support smartphone connectivity and features like real time tracking and geo fencing etc.

Ather 450X: Ather 450X  can go upto 116 km.  This product is priced at riced at INR 1.32 lakh (ex-showroom), Ather 450X bids a top speed of 80 km/h. The scooter has a 2.61kWh battery. This scooter can be 80% charged in 3 hrs 35 minutes.