With good response to iQube, TVS is looking to expand it EV portfolio with multiple new products
Mainstream two-wheeler manufacturers like TVS, Bajaj and Hero MotoCorp currently have a single product each in their electric portfolio. TVS is looking to strengthen its presence by launching new products in the range of 5kW to 25kW. These new products will be launched over the next 18 months.
TVS plans were revealed by the company’s CEO KN Radhakrishnan in a recent conference. TVS new electric two-wheelers will be getting a new powertrain. This is evident from a recent patent filed by the company. This new powertrain is what could be powering the upcoming Jupiter electric scooter, which will rival Activa electric next year.
TVS Jupiter Electric Scooter Patent Leaks – More powerful powertrain, higher range
iQube utilizes a hub motor that has its advantages such as silent operations and minimal energy loss. However, a hub motor may not be able to perform that well in cases where power output is more than 5kW. As TVS new electric two-wheelers will be in range of 5kW to 25kW, a new mid-mounted motor is being developed. A recent patent filing has revealed some interesting details about the new electric powertrain.
A simple transmission system has been used to connect the mid-mounted motor to the rear wheel. A unique aspect is that the transmission casing doubles up as the swingarm. This is likely to help reduce the overall weight of the intended electric two-wheeler. At the motor’s end, the casing is linked to a pivot. At the wheel end, the casing supports the rear axle.
A drive gear transfers power from the motor to the rear wheel. TVS has termed it as an ‘endless transmission drive’. The patent mentions the possibility of using either a chain drive or a belt drive. As compared to the hub motor where the motor and wheel spin at the same speed, this new powertrain is characterized by a speed reduction ratio. It means that the speed at which the motor and rear wheel spin will be different.
TVS new electric powertrain vs rivals
Mid-mounted motors are preferred for vehicles with higher power output. Similar systems are already in use with electric scooters like Ather 450X and Ola S1 Pro. TVS will probably be looking to create a new range of performance-oriented electric two-wheelers with this new powertrain. For reference, iQube has a 4.4 kW setup that achieves 0-40 kmph in just 4.2 seconds.
TVS Jupiter electric with the new mid-mounted motor will deliver a better overall ride experience. It will rival the upcoming Honda Activa electric scooter, which is planned for launch in Jan 2024. In the petrol scooter segment, Activa and Jupiter are the top 2 selling scooters in India. The rivalry is likely to continue in the EV era too.
With its new electric models, TVS will be able to target a wider customer base. As of now, iQube has already entered the list of top 10 bestselling scooters in the country. Sales in February 2023 were at 15,522 units, a YoY gain of 593.57%. With a diversified electric portfolio, TVS will also be able to increase market share. Enthusiasts are also waiting for launch of iQube ST variant that was announced last year.
