TVS Motor Company updated the entry-level version of its popular iQube electric scooter with a larger 2.3kWh battery.
The new version replaces the previous 2.2kWh model and has 20km more claimed IDC range (in a price that is almost the same as ₹1.16 lakh ex-showroom).
But the extra range is accompanied by some changes in performance and equipment. The new version has a less powerful motor, a lower top speed and drum brakes instead of the front disc brake on the outgoing model.
TVS iQube 2.3kWh Gets More Range
The biggest change is the battery.
The new iQube has a 2.3kWh battery pack compared to the 2.2kWh battery in the previous entry-level version.
Despite the relatively small increase in battery capacity, the claimed IDC range has been increased from 94km to 114km, giving riders 20km on full charge. TVS' official website currently lists the 2.3kWh version with 114km IDC range.
The new scooter is priced at ₹1,16,310 ex-showroom, including the charger and GST. The price remains broadly in line with the outgoing base model.
I suspect for consumers that will mainly be using the electric scooter to commute to the city, the extra range could prove helpful. It would less frequently need to charge and make longer daily trips simple.
The new model also has an LCD display with features such as turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS alerts and over-the-air updates.
More Range Comes With Performance Cuts
The bigger battery is not the only change.
TVS has reduced the motor output on this entry-level version to 3.68kW. As a result, the top speed has dropped to 68kmph, compared to 75kmph for the outgoing version.
It is also slower. The new model takes about 4.7 seconds to reach 40kmph, compared to 4.2 seconds earlier.
Charging time has also been increased slightly. With the 650W charger, the battery takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes to charge from 0 to 80%. TVS says the 2.3kWh version can also charge from 0 to 80% in about 2 hours when using its 950W charger.
There is also a change to the braking setup.
The new base variant features drum brakes at both ends, replacing the front disc brake on the previous version.
So this isn’t just a bigger-battery version of the old scooter. TVS has made a few concessions to make the model affordable and have a longer range.
A good deal of trade-off for someone who wants a practical electric scooter for city travel. A bit slower top speed might not be much for the everyday urban riding and the extended range would be more useful.
The TVS iQube 2.3kWh has a 68kmph top speed and 114km IDC range according to TVS. The larger iQube variants have a higher range and performance, but also come at higher prices.
The new version thus provides TVS another option for buyers who want an electric scooter with a decent range without moving into the more expensive versions.
The real-world range will, of course, depend on factors such as riding speed, traffic, rider weight, road conditions and weather. IDC figures are standardised test figures and should not be considered as the exact distance every rider will get.
In general, the new TVS iQube 2.3kWh has only one clear improvement: more range at entry level.
But buyers need to understand that there are also those sacrifices, as in a lower top speed, slower acceleration and simpler braking system.
At around ₹1.16 lakh ex-showroom, the new variant could appeal to urban riders who are more interested in practicality and range than outright performance.
