Hero MotoCorp has finally unveiled of the most awaited electric two-wheelers for the Indian market the Hero Splendor Electric. Renowned for being the best commuter bike in India, the Splendor range is all set to redefine the way people enjoy mobility. Bringing in an electric avatar of this legend, Hero has not just stared into the heart of nostalgia, but addressed the ever-increasing need of eco-friendly, pocket-friendly and reliable daily commute solutions.
The classic Splendor silhouette is there but look at the fine detailing, there is a clean design and cushioned backrest is added. It is instantly recognisable to millions of Indian riders and gives them a unique opportunity to ride cleaner, quieter and more economically than before. The development represents a firm step by Hero MotoCorp to transition to an electric future, particularly as far as affordable commuting is concerned.
A More Modern Take on Classic Design
The Splendor Electric signature styling that has made the motorcycle a household name in the country. From the signature fuel tank to retro fittings, from flat seat to lean design and from the slender frame to upright stance, Hero has been careful that the bike continues to resemble and feel like the Splendor people have been putting their trust on for ages. But there are some small changes to set it aside from the petrol version.
Out front, a new LED headlamp provides improved night visibility. The body panels are modified a little for the bike to look cleaner, more aerodynamic. It gets chrome elements on the side panels, mirrors and grab rails for an upmarket feel. The EV also benefits from an all-digital instrument cluster, which blends neatly into the handlebar area and replaces the retro-analog console with a modern unit that displays the current battery level, speed, trip meter, range/trip meter, and more.
Smooth and Quiet Ride
What riders will immediately feel first is the general riding feel. As opposed to its internal combustion engine variant, the Hero Splendor Electric delivers a silent, vibration-free ride. The electric drive provides instant power from a dead stop, which makes city riding that much more fluid and responsive. This rapid response is particularly handy when weaving through traffic or in short periods of stopping and starting.
Hero has also been focussing on refining the ride experience by tweaking the throttle response and the motor calibration. With no gear shifts and no engine noise, you can sweep through daily grind in unparalleled calm and control. “Motor7 was developed in the rear wheel hub, thanks to which we have a very compact but still powerful wheel drive with no boot space, or even balance, sacrifices.
Huge Battery and Range Potential
The Splendor Electric gets a lithium-ion battery pack that’s IP-rated for dust and water protection. The battery delivers up to about 120 kilometers of RL riding range on a single charge, depending upon traffic and riding style. This definitely qualifies it for day to day city usage, be it the office, market or tuitions.
The bike is also easy to charge! It includes a regular charger which can charge the battery to 100% in 4-5 hours when a normal 5A socket is used. The Hero can also be expected to feature a fast charge option in a top version. The battery remains glued down, but modular construction still leaves the door open for future repairs or upgrades of your own.
One of the obvious advantages of the electric is the incredibly low cost of ownership. As against the petrol bikes which cost ₹2-3 per km, the Splendor Electric can run at as low as 25-30 paise per kilometer. With time, this really adds up, especially if you’re someone who uses the grinder every day.
Ergonomic and Familiar Comfort
What we liked Hero has managed to retain the comfort that the Splendor is known for, in the electric version. The long, flat seat is great for around town, and the riding position lets you sit up in comfort. The Splendor Electric is the ideal companion for students, business pros, and delivery riders thanks to its ergonomic, easy-to-use design.
Suspension duties are carried out by telescopic forks up front and twin shock absorbers at the rear, set up for urban riding. Not only does this help soak up potholes, speed bumps, and rough roads with ease. The bike is light and easy to control for riders of all ages.
The riding surface grip and stability is good while the 18-inch wheels ensure the SUV is able to put up a tough fight against most of the road challenges Indian roads throw at it, without scraping its underbelly.
Modern Day Riders Get More default state
The Splendor Electric, however, still feels easy and Hero has added in smart touches to keep it modern. The digital dash, which looks sleek and provides a lot of information. Riders can track battery health, range at that moment, trip stats and current speed in real time.
Certain models are tipped to offer Bluetooth connectivity via the companion app, with navigation assist, call alerts and ride tracking likely to be part of the package. Hero is also experimenting with geo-fencing and theft protection features, starting with, as an example, the ability to lock the bike digitally or track it with GPS.
Premium feel and easy-to-use switchgear The motorcycle also gets Regenerative braking, which adds a certain amount of charge back to the battery pack on deceleration. This also contributes to a better cruising range and better riding efficiency.
Safety and Braking
No, safety hasn’t been compromised in this electric avatar. The Hero Splendor Electric is rumoured to come with drum brakes at both ends, along with CBS for improved braking performance. This system makes it so that both front and rear wheels have braking when you use the rear brake, reducing the likelihood of skidding.
The head-lamp provides good illumination in low-light conditions alongside and LED tail-lamp and turn indicators are easy on battery power and offer better visibility compared to the previous model. Additionally, the bike has a side-stand engine cut-off system and an emergency kill switch for extra safety.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Hero MotoCorp is known for their value-for-money pricing, and accordingly, the Splendor Electric will not burn a hole in your wallet either for sure. Industry experts estimate the base model could be priced between ₹85,000 and ₹95,000 (ex-showroom) based on the battery size and features.
If the government does decide to subsidize EVs, the effective price could go down further and the bike could become one of the cheapest electric motorcycles on offer in India. Given its iconic styling, well known brand name and electric attributes, the Splendor Electric is also expected to emerge as a preferred choice for value and quality-conscious buyers.
Conclusion
Hero MotoCorp has successfully combined the tried and tested Splendor know-how of our extensive engineering expertise along with sustainable mobility technology for a cleaner and smarter future. It’s an appealing blend of the traditional and the innovative, designed to attract riders who desire to transition to electric mobility, but do not want to sacrifice the simplicity and comfort of their old bike.
Be it the seamless ride, negligible running costs, or the ride comfort or iconic design don’t compromise with the Splendor Electric. It’s not just another electric bike; it’s an ultra-modern EV with the soul of India’s favorite commuter built in.