autocar-logo
Delhi
Fallback ad for 970x90

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

The electric bikes from this JV will be aimed at premium price segments, in the 350cc and above categories.
2 min read17 Jan '25
Ketan ThakkarKetan Thakkar
17K+ views
Hero premium electric bike India launch, built in partnership with Zero
Fallback ad for 728x90

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

Fallback ad for 728x90
Fallback ad for 728x90

Hero Splendor electric launch in 2027

The Splendor EV project has been under development for nearly two years, and Hero is eyeing 2 lakh units p.a. with this model.
2 min read16 Jan '25
Ketan ThakkarKetan Thakkar
Hero Splendor electric launch, sales start date, design
Fallback ad for 728x90

KTM 390 SMC R full specifications revealed; India launch this year

The KTM 390 SMC R is based on the 390 Adventure S and Enduro R.
3 min read15 Jan '25
Ved JanveVed Janve
KTM 390 SMC R
Fallback ad for 728x90

Honda CB650R, CBR650R relaunched

The CB650R is priced at Rs 9.20 lakh and the CBR650R at Rs 9.99 lakh; neither comes with E-clutch technology.
2 min read15 Jan '25
Dinshaw MagolDinshaw Magol
Honda CBR650R price and CB650R launched in India
Fallback ad for 728x90

Honda Dio updated with new TFT display, priced from Rs 74,930

The Honda Dio now gets the same TFT dash as the Activa 125.
2 min read15 Jan '25
Ved JanveVed Janve
2025 Honda Dio
Fallback ad for 728x90

Bikes, scooters confirmed for Auto Expo 2025

Major companies such as Hero MotoCorp, Honda, TVS and Suzuki will participate.
4 min read15 Jan '25
Ved JanveVed Janve
Hero Xpulse 210, Honda Activa electric launching at Auto Expo 2025
Fallback ad for 728x90