Hero-Zero partnership to yield first electric bikes by 2026-27

Aside from working on the Splendor electric and other self-developed projects, Hero MotoCorp is also working on a number of models with the American electric motorcycle maker Zero Motorcycles. These EVs should see light of day around 2026-27 and will be aimed at the premium price points in the 350cc and above equivalent segments.

1. Six e-bikes being readied under the Vida banner
2. 500-600cc equivalent e-bikes being built with Zero
3. Some premium e-bike concepts could debut in 2026

Last year, Hero MotoCorp revealed that it plans to launch over a dozen electric two-wheeler models without disclosing the exact segments, price points and timeline. A portfolio of six electric motorcycles under the Vida range and another four motorcycles under its alliance with Zero Motors starting from 2025-26 were under plans.

Our sister publication, Autocar Professional, learns that the automaker is working to roll out two electric motorcycles equivalent to 500-600 cc models with Zero Motors in 2026-27. Sources said the company is looking at a monthly production volume in the range of 300 to 500 units.

While speaking at the Hero World event in early 2024, Hero MotoCorp’s CEO Niranjan Gupta had said the automaker could showcase some high-end electric motorcycle concepts in 2026. 

Though electrification in India is being driven by two-wheelers, the electric motorcycle segment is yet to see significant traction in India with limited offerings from a few startups such as Revolt and Ultraviolette. Most major two-wheeler OEMs are consciously abstaining from entering the electric motorcycle arena today due to battery technology not being able to cater to the range requirements expected from a motorcycle.

India's largest electric two-wheeler maker Ola Electric is working on a portfolio of four electric motorcycles and plans to launch its first electric motorcycle in the first half of the financial year 2026. Ather Energy is developing a new platform named Zenith to support new electric two-wheelers targeting the 125-300 cc motorcycle segments. Among the major traditional OEMs, none of them have disclosed any exact timeline for launching their electric motorcycles in the Indian market except for Royal Enfield. RE is expected to launch its first set of electric motorcycles under the Flying Flea brand early next year. The Chennai based company is likely to target international markets initially before launching a wider launch in India.

With inputs from KIRAN MURALI