The state of Punjab is set to
play host to Hero’s billion dollar e-bike ventures as HMC company Lectro is
ready with its new project. The Punjab government is ready to allocate 100
acres of land for Hero’s project (Cycle/eBike Valley) with the latter
committing Rs 250 crore in investments.
The first manufactured lot of
Lectro EZephyr is already on Indian roads and production plans include 4000
units to be released in September and 8000 by January 19. Hero plans to launch
electric bicycles for 10 different segments by use case. For this purpose, HMC
will take up 5 different joint ventures with Japanese, Germans and Taiwanese
top of the line Companies on the table within next 6 months. HMC’s UK
subsidiary, Avocet, is also planning to launch these new models in September.
EZephyr is an electrically
pedal assisted cycle that is unique in its category because it is light enough
to be carried by an ordinary individual, having an aerodynamic design made of
light but durable alloy. Moreover, the battery is integrated with the chassis
instead of showing up as an external piece of hardware. This stylish, fat-free
design has been crafted in-house by its Manchester based Hero Global Design
Center.
“Globally, the e-bike market
is set to touch USD 21.3 billion by 2023 and there is every sign of e-bike
culture growing in India too. Electrically assisted vehicles like the Lectro
EZephyr are thinner, more convenient and safer to ride, with a running cost of
approx. Rs 5 for every 100KM. We will cater to various segments that currently
uses internal combustion engine to move. We have the ability to quickly scale
up production to a million bikes if needed with capacity already touching 6
million at 4 of our plants. Hero is looking for associations where the charging
of batteries is not required for up to 500 kms. We are funded and don't need
external support at this stage as Hero Motors will localize the EDU, with
partners funding their portions”, says. Pankaj M Munjal, Chairman, Hero Motors
Company.
Nevertheless, the global
e-bicycle market is projected to expand every year at a rapid speed with rising
fuel prices and government across the Globe promoting e-mobility with renewed
vigor. India, itself is home to some of the most polluted cities in the world
with a WHO study ranking major metropolises including Delhi, as one of the most
hazardous place to live with PM 2.5 particles well above safe levels.
On automotive business, HMC is
also ready with its e-transmission project for high end cars in the UK through
joint efforts with Hewland Transmissions. HMC already has a company Hexi for
bike sharing in India, which is in collaboration with leading global partner to
put last mile connectivity issue. This initiative will target users of
motorized vehicles under various segments of preference.
E-bicycles unlike any other
electric vehicle, can be simply paddled home in case the battery runs out of
charge mid-way, which is actually a great limp home service support it offers.
EZephyr, Hero’s new E-Bike, need a mere 4 hours of charging to last 30 kilometers
in one go and supports speeds of up to 25 km/hr. It can also be driven at a
leisurely 6 km/hr for easy conversation with a walking partner on walk along
mode.