EV Scooter Brands to be excited for - Best upcoming electric scooters of 2024

Once a distant future, e-scooters are no longer a tech fad; they're the burgeoning answer to pollution-choked streets and skyrocketing fuel prices. The Indian government, with its ambitious FAME-II policy and rising fuel subsidies, is fueling this green fire. Startups are emerging like lightning bolts, established giants are revving up their engines, and the competition is fierce.

But beyond the numbers and specs, a bigger question echoes: can e-scooters truly conquer the diverse terrain of India's urban landscape? From bustling metropolises to winding country roads, will they withstand the heat, the rains, the sheer chaos of a million desires on wheels? This isn't just about technology; it's about adapting to a cultural shift, rethinking mobility, and rewriting the city's soundtrack. In the past year, the EV market of India has observed some galloping developments from companies like Ather, TVS, and Hero’s technological advancements to the public listing of OLA. So, can you imagine what the upcoming Indian EV market landscape looks like? Let's take a peek.

Upcoming EVs in 2024

Honda Activa

Honda revealed plans to build a brand-new electric vehicle (EV) production plant in Narsapura, Karnataka, named "Factory E." Honda has patented an electric vehicle (EV) with a swingarm-mounted motor, akin to the Hero Vida V1. The Activa Electric will probably be Honda's first electric vehicle available in India. This is due to the fact that Honda Activa has been the best-selling scooter in India for a number of years, so it makes sense that the Japanese company would want to capitalise on this and create an electric version of the scooter. It is probable that the e-scooter will have a fixed battery pack and be a mid-range vehicle. Additionally, Honda and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) collaborated to build a nationwide network of battery exchange locations at HPCL's gas stations.

The fact that Honda would be manufacturing the electric motor, battery packs, and power control unit (PCU) in India is another intriguing detail. This should indicate that the next Honda EVs will be more suited to the climate in India and will also be eligible for state and FAME II incentives for electric vehicles built in India (if the vehicle is launched before March 31, 2024, or the scheme is extended longer).

Suzuki Bugerman Electric

In 2021, spy footage of the Burgman Street 125 electric scooter was captured during testing in India. But there was a two-year delay in the Burgman Electric's introduction. The e-Burgman, an e-scooter, was then presented at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. We anticipate the Burgman Electric, which will be Suzuki's first electric scooter in India, to go on sale there sometime in 2024. It is anticipated to cost between Rs 1.2 and Rs 1.5 lakh (ex-showroom) and compete with the Hero Vida V1 Pro, TVS iQube S, Ola S1 Pro, and Ather 450X. The Burgman Street Electric's technical specifications are still unknown. Thus, anticipate a battery range of around 60–80 kilometres and a comparable peak speed. It may also include all the features of its competitors, including Bluetooth connection for smartphone pairing. It is unclear if it has battery-swapping capability and enables quick charging.

Ather 450 Apex

The Ather 450 Apex shares a new transparent than the Ather 450X and was created to commemorate the company's tenth anniversary. The mechanicals should also be roughly the same. The 3.7kWh battery pack should be the same, however, the motor may have a little higher maximum power output than the 6.4kW peak output of the 450X.

This is because there is an additional riding mode called Warp+ listed on the e-scooter's booking page. The vehicle is expected to accelerate 0-40kmph in just 2.9 seconds and give a top speed of 100 kmph. The USP of the vehicle is reported to be its throttle functioning as the EV scooter features acceleration and deceleration with the same throttle.

So expect some design statements from this year!

Gogoro Crossover GX250: The Two-Wheeler Transformer

The Gogoro CrossOver GX250 is an electric scooter manufactured in India by Gogoro, a Taiwan-based OEM and battery-swapping firm that makes electric two-wheelers. With its 2.5kW direct drive electric motor, the CrossOver GX250 can go at speeds higher than 60 kmph. The range of the scooter is 111 km. Keyless ignition and a computerised instrument console are standard on the CrossOver GX250. The vehicle can have a huge impact on India’s gig economy. So there are chances that your food delivery charges will get reduced.

5- Hero Electric AE-8: 

Hero's AE-8 aims to electrify the budget-conscious urban commuter with its practical charm. The vehicle is expected to provide a smooth start thanks to a 3 kW motor.  Further, Hero has claimed an 80 km range enough to conquer most city commutes, and a wallet-friendly price tag hovering around Rs. 70,000. No fancy tech gizmos here, just reliable performance and Hero's extensive service network for peace of mind. But, the lower top speed (45 km/h) might leave speed demons wanting, and the range could pinch those venturing beyond the city limits. Still, for the practical eco-warrior seeking an affordable electric sidekick, the AE-8 whispers a tempting proposition.

Expecting a further revolution in urban commute? It is here.

The Final Lap:

2024 is shaping up to be a thrilling year for electric scooters. With established players raising the bar and innovative newcomers disrupting the scene, the choices are getting exciting, varied, and affordable. So, whether you're a speed demon craving a lightning bolt on wheels, a practicality seeker on a budget, or a tech enthusiast itching for the latest gadgets, there's an electric scooter out there waiting to electrify your ride. Remember, the greenest ride is the one you take. So, test drive these eco-beasts, compare their specs, and choose the one that sets your urban heart racing. The asphalt jungle awaits, and the future is silent, smooth, and electric!