In an exciting development for the electric vehicle (EV) market in India, Hero MotoCorp has partnered with California-based Zero Motorcycles to launch an affordable electric bike soon. The collaboration, which has gained significant traction over the past year, is set to produce a mid-sized performance electric bike aimed at meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly two-wheelers in India and other global markets.
Table of Contents
Hero MotoCorp and Zero Motorcycles: A Game-Changing Partnership
Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer by volume, is stepping into the electric motorcycle space with an ambitious plan to launch a new performance electric bike. The partnership with Zero Motorcycles is expected to deliver a middleweight electric motorcycle that combines cutting-edge technology with Hero’s expertise in large-scale production and marketing.
Niranjan Gupta, CEO of Hero MotoCorp, confirmed in a recent analyst call that the companies are in the advanced stages of developing this exciting product. He stated:
“As far as EV motorcycles, we are developing in partnership with Zero Motorcycles… it (bike) will be coming in the middle-weight segment. I would say it’s in the advanced stage. We haven’t announced the timeline as yet, but we would be looking at something which would not be too far off.”
This mid-sized electric bike will target performance enthusiasts looking for a balance between power, performance, and affordability. According to reports, Hero MotoCorp plans to release this electric bike by FY2026.
The Affordable E-Bike Revolution
One of the primary goals of the Hero-Zero partnership is to make electric motorcycles more affordable for a broader audience. While Zero Motorcycles has built a reputation for premium electric bikes, Hero MotoCorp’s manufacturing scale and expertise in mass production are expected to make this new model accessible at a competitive price point.
Hero MotoCorp’s Vida brand of electric scooters has already gained significant popularity in India, with strong year-over-year growth. The company is leveraging this success to create more affordable EV models, including electric motorcycles.
“We are working very aggressively, and on the powertrain side, to bring the costs down by technological improvements, by localization, obviously, by bringing scale. You will see that benefit coming out into our further launches as well.”
— Niranjan Gupta, CEO, Hero MotoCorp
The collaboration also aligns with India’s push for greater adoption of electric vehicles, aided by incentives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Hero MotoCorp expects that its electric vehicles will comply with the PLI scheme by FY2026, further reducing costs for consumers.
What Can Consumers Expect from the Hero-Zero Electric Motorcycle?
The Hero MotoCorp – Zero Motorcycles electric bike will focus on offering a performance-driven experience in a mid-weight segment. While exact specifications are still under wraps, several key features are likely to be included:
- Advanced Electric Powertrains: Leveraging Zero Motorcycles’ expertise in developing high-performance electric powertrains.
- Affordability: Thanks to Hero’s massive production capabilities, the bike will be priced more affordably compared to other high-performance electric bikes currently on the market.
- Sustainability: With zero emissions and eco-friendly design, the new bike will cater to environmentally-conscious riders.
- Wide Availability: Hero’s extensive dealer network ensures that the electric bike will be widely accessible across India and select international markets.
The exact release date and final specs are still a work in progress, but Hero MotoCorp has promised that the launch is “not too far off.”
Hero’s Electric Scooter Success: A Step Toward the Future
In addition to its electric motorcycle ambitions, Hero MotoCorp is also rapidly expanding its electric scooter lineup. The VIDA range, priced between ₹1-1.5 lakh (including subsidies), has been performing well, with strong demand recorded in cities across India.
- VIDA V1 Plus and V1 Pro: The scooters have already established a foothold in the Indian market, with a growing network of 203 touchpoints across 116 cities.
- Charging Infrastructure: Hero MotoCorp has partnered with Ather Energy to build 2,500 charging stations, making the transition to electric vehicles even more convenient for consumers.
By expanding its electric offerings, Hero is positioning itself as a major player in India’s rapidly growing EV market, with both scooters and motorcycles set to cater to different consumer segments.
Global Expansion and Positive Market Response
Hero MotoCorp’s international presence is also expanding, with promising growth in markets like Colombia and Mexico. The company’s focus on key regions is proving to be a successful strategy.
“In fact, Colombia delivered their first quarter of a bottom-line turnaround. They are cash and EBITDA positive for the first time. And of course, then we see traction coming from Mexico and from some of the other countries as well.”
— Niranjan Gupta, CEO, Hero MotoCorp
This positive international traction is further fueling Hero’s confidence as it ventures into the electric motorcycle market.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Hero MotoCorp’s Affordable Electric Bike
With the collaboration between Hero MotoCorp and Zero Motorcycles, the future of electric two-wheelers in India looks promising. The launch of an affordable electric bike is expected to bring much-needed innovation to the market, meeting the demands of environmentally conscious consumers and performance enthusiasts alike.
The Hero MotoCorp – Zero Motorcycle launch is not just about a product; it’s about ushering in a new era of electric mobility, combining advanced technology with the power of mass production to make electric bikes more accessible to the masses.
Read more: Ather Eight70 Warranty Plan: Ultimate Protection for Ather Scooters
FAQs
When will the Hero MotoCorp – Zero Motorcycle be launched?
The launch of Hero MotoCorp’s performance electric bike is expected to take place by FY2026. While the exact date is not confirmed, the bike is currently in the advanced stages of development.
What is the target price range for the Hero-Zero electric motorcycle?
While the exact price is yet to be announced, the Hero-Zero motorcycle will be designed to be affordable for a wide range of consumers. It will likely be priced competitively in the mid-weight segment.
Will Hero MotoCorp continue to expand its electric scooter lineup?
Yes, Hero MotoCorp is actively expanding its VIDA range of electric scooters, with plans to cover multiple price segments and customer segments by the end of this calendar year.
Which international markets are Hero MotoCorp focusing on for electric vehicles?
Hero MotoCorp is seeing strong traction in Colombia and Mexico, with positive results in these markets. The company is also focusing on key regions while selectively entering other emerging markets.
What are the benefits of Hero MotoCorp’s collaboration with Zero Motorcycles?
The collaboration combines Zero’s expertise in electric motorcycles and powertrains with Hero MotoCorp’s production and marketing capabilities, ensuring the development of high-performance, affordable electric bikes for global markets.
