Fuel prices in India have been constantly on the rise. Most parts of the country have been witnessing continuous fuel price hikes, forcing commuters to look for alternative and cheaper mobility options. Electric Vehicles seem to hold the answer to the rising fuel prices. Conservative estimates indicate that the EV market in India is expected to hit the 63 lakh unit mark per annum by 2027. In parallel, charging stations too have been witnessing a growth to enable faster adoption of EVs. As per the EV industry body - Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles - there are 1,800 charging stations in India as of March 2021 You can get a complete list of charging stations in India at www.evplugs.co.in that are operational across the country. Here we give you a list of the 5 best electric scooters to buy in India to help you save big on petrol costs and do your bit for the environment as well.
Hero Electric Optima E2
Image Source: Google Images
Coming from one of the largest two-wheeler companies in the world, the Hero MotorCorp, the Hero Electric Optima E2 makes it apt and reliable for the average Indian rider and makes it fit for Indian roads. The Optima E2 allows a top speed of only 25kmph. However, a 5-year battery warranty allows the customers to be more relaxed about the life and maintenance of the scooter without much cost. The lightweight frame and the low cost of the vehicle make this an ideal ride for many customers.
Battery capacity: 48 V, 56 Ah
Power: 250 W
Fast Charge: Not available
Normal Charge (0 to 100%): Usually takes 4-5 hours for a full charge
EV Range: 85 kms / charge
Price: ₹ 51,440 to ₹ 67,440
Ola S1 and S1 Pro
Image Source: Google Images
The much-awaited Ola electric scooter has finally announced the prices of its two variants – S1 and S1 Pro. Priced at Rs. 99,999 and Rs. 1,21,999 (ex-showroom) respectively, the zero-emission scooter comes with EMI options as low as Rs. 2,999 and the top-spec variant has a claimed range of 181 km in IDC conditions with a top speed of 115 kmph. It can do 0-40 kmph in 3 seconds and 0-60 kmph in 5 seconds. Using a portable 750 W charger, it can be recharged back to 100 percent in 6 hours and using the hypercharging network, it recharges to 50 percent in 18 minutes.
Battery capacity: 2.98KWh lithium-ion (S1) and 3.97 KWh (S1 Pro)
Power: 8,500 W
Fast Charge: Yes
Normal Charge (0 to 100%): Approximately 6.30 hours
EV Range: 181 kms / charge
Price: Starts at ₹ 94,999 upto ₹ 1.24 lakhs
Ather 450X
Image Source: Google Images
Developed and manufactured entirely in the country, the Ather 450X competes with some of the best contenders on the list. Three different riding modes with adjustable attributes make this scooter a fine choice for Indian roads. Powered with a 3300w battery helps to produce an enormous amount of power that pushes the speed limit up to 80kmph with an average of 65kms per full charge. The stylish-looking scooter is sure to make any onlooker take a second look. The 450X is a successor to the 450 scooters and is currently priced at ₹ 1.13 lakh for the Plus going all the way upto ₹ 1.32 (ex-showroom)
Battery capacity: 2.9 KWh Lithium-ion battery
Power: Continuous power of 3 KW
Fast Charge: Yes
Normal Charge (0 to 100%): Approximately 5 hours
EV Range: Under normal mode 75 kms / charge
Price: Starts from ₹ 1.13 Lakhs upto ₹ 1.32 Lakhs
TVS iQube
Image Source: Google Images
Launched on January 25th last year (2020) close on the heels of the launch of the Bajaj Chetak Electric TVS’ first electric scooter comes with a 4.4 kW electric motor, with features like a TFT instrument cluster with connected tech. The iQube has a range of 75 km and can go from 0 to 40 kmph in just 4.2 seconds. TVS retails the iQube at a starting price of Rs 1.15 lakh (ex-showroom).
Battery capacity: 2.25 KWh Lithium-ion battery
Power: 6,000 W (Continuous power of 3,300W)
Fast Charge: Not available as of now
Normal Charge (0 to 100%): 4.30 hours for 0 – 80% charge and about 7 hours for 0 – 100% charge
EV Range: Top range of 75 kms / charge Price: ₹ 1.15 lakhs
Bajaj Chetak Electric
Image Source: Google Images
Bajaj Auto launched its first electric scooter back in January 2020. Christened after its iconic ‘Chetak’ scooter, it comes packed with a 3.8 kW/4.1 kW (continuous/peak power) electric motor paired to a lithium-ion battery pack, the scooter delivers a range of 95 km in Eco mode, and 85 km in the Sport mode. Positioned as a premium product, the Chetak Electric is equipped with high-quality materials along with features like its feather touch switchgear, full-LED lighting and a digital instrument cluster.
Battery capacity: 48 V, 60.3 Ah
Power: 4,080 W continuous / peak power
Fast Charge: Yes (25% charge in 60 minutes); 100% charge in 5 hours
Normal Charge (0 to 100%): 4.30 hours for 0 – 80% charge and about 7 hours for 0 – 100% charge
EV Range: 90 kms / charge on Eco mode
Price: ₹ 1.15 lakhs