- TVS is readying a new affordable variant of the popular TVS iQube electric scooter
- This new variant is expected to get a smaller battery and lesser features to make it cost-effective
- The TVS iQube ST variant with the larger 4.56kWh battery pack is still delayed in the light of reduced FAME II subsidies
The TVS iQube has been a successful offering from the company which is looking to build on it by introducing a new low-cost version of the electric scooter. Autocar Professional sources suggest that TVS could be developing a low-cost TVS iQube model with a smaller battery pack and lesser features. This move comes courtesy of the reduction of FAME II subsidies which has also affected sales figures in June 2023.
TVS iQube lower cost variant could do away with more expensive features
This new rumoured TVS iQube, which is expected to be more affordable than the current lineup, may get lesser features as compared to the outgoing models. Features like TFT display and connected tech could be dropped off to keep prices in check.
However, the TVS iQube already undercuts most of its direct rivals such as Ola S1 Pro, Ather 450X, and Bajaj Chetak in terms of price. To further bring prices down, TVS could choose to reduce the battery capacity. The TVS iQube and TVS iQube S come equipped with a 3.04kWh battery which offers a range of about 107.2km in Eco mode and 96km in Power mode, according to Autocar India’s test cycle. A TVS iQube ST variant with a larger 4.56kWh battery pack was also showcased sometime earlier which has been indefinitely delayed due to the updated FAME II subsidy norms.
Thus, the upcoming affordable TVS iQube electric scooter is expected to adopt a smaller battery pack. This will, however, affect the overall range of the electric scooter. This affordable iQube is expected to compete with the Ola S1 Air and the upcoming Ather 450S electric scooters in the Indian market. While the pricing is still unknown, one can expect it to be around the Rs 1 lakh mark (ex-showroom).
In other news, Ather is also readying a low-cost version of the Ather 450X electric scooter which has been named the Ather 450S. Its launch is scheduled for August 3rd.
