Thursday | Jun 19 2025 | 09:05:06 PM
Bengaluru-based electric mobility startup Zeno has launched the Emara, India’s first Sport Utility Electric Motorcycle (SUEM), designed specifically for everyday commuters in the mass market. Founded by former executives from Tesla, Ola Electric, Apple, and Ather, Zeno is aiming to revolutionize the everyday two-wheeler market with a powerful and practical electric alternative built for Indian roads and riders.
While most electric vehicle players in India have focused on scooters or premium electric bikes, Zeno has chosen to target the country’s largest two-wheeler segment: the 100-150cc commuter motorcycle category. Models like the Hero Splendor and Honda Shine dominate this space, yet there have been few credible electric options for riders in this mass market. With the Emara, Zeno is bringing a rugged, affordable, and performance-oriented electric motorcycle to the people who rely on two-wheelers the most.
“With the Emara, we’ve built a motorcycle that works hard during the day and looks good at night - without compromising on charging or range,” said Michael Spencer, CEO of Zeno.
Key Features of the Emara
The Emara is designed to handle India’s challenging road conditions and the daily demands of working professionals and commuters. It comes equipped with an 8 kW peak power motor, a top speed of 95 km/h, and delivers a real-world range of over 100 kilometers on a single charge.
The battery has a 4 kWh onboard capacity, with the option to carry up to 8 kWh for longer trips. Its load-carrying capacity of 250 kg is more than double what most electric competitors offer, while a ground clearance of 190 mm ensures smooth rides even on rough roads. With up to 150 liters of secure, lockable storage available through accessories, the Emara also offers strong utility for delivery riders and small business owners.
Multi-Modal Charging - A first in India
One of the most notable innovations of the Emara is its multi-modal charging system, the first of its kind in India. Unlike other EV manufacturers who restrict users to either swappable or fixed battery options, Zeno’s system allows customers to choose how they want to charge. Riders can swap batteries at Zeno’s swap stations, use fast chargers (including public Type 6 chargers), or simply plug in at home with a regular socket. This flexibility gives riders more freedom and helps eliminate range anxiety, making electric commuting far more practical.
Zeno plans to start rolling out its charging infrastructure later this year, with a goal to have 20,000 charge points across India by 2029. The company says users in major cities will have access to a charging point within 2.5 km.
Pricing Options
To make the Emara accessible to a wide range of customers, Zeno has introduced two pricing models. The full ownership model includes the bike and battery and is priced at Rs 1,19,000, with significant discounts for early pre-orders. The first 5,000 customers can buy the Emara for Rs 1,00,000.
A second option is the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model, where customers purchase only the bike and subscribe to battery access separately. This model brings down the upfront cost to Rs 79,000, with pre-order prices starting at Rs 64,000. Subscription plans include prepaid options such as Rs1,500 per month for 40 km/day or Rs 2,500 for 100 km/day and a postpaid pay-as-you-go plan at Rs 52 per kWh.
Customers can now pre-order the Zeno Emara through the company’s website or Zeno mobile app by paying a booking amount of Rs 999, with early customers enjoying discounted pricing and priority delivery slots. Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2025.
In addition to the commuter-focused Emara, Zeno has also announced plans to launch the Emara ADV, an adventure-ready variant, in late 2026. This upcoming model will cater to riders seeking longer journeys and off-road capabilities. The Emara ADV will offer more than 200 km range, a 19-inch front wheel, and greater ground clearance, making it suitable for touring, hilly terrain, and more rugged use cases.
