The morning traffic in Delhi flows around me in its typical chaotic symphony as I wait at yet another red light, surrounded by a sea of commuter motorcycles. Most prominent among them is the ubiquitous Hero Splendor Electric – that humble, reliable 100cc motorcycle that has dominated Indian roads for decades. The distinctive putt-putt-putt of its single-cylinder engine provides a familiar soundtrack to urban life across the subcontinent. But change is coming, and it’s coming to the very heart of India’s motorcycle culture.
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Hero MotoCorp’s plans to electrify the Splendor – the world’s highest-selling motorcycle model with lifetime sales exceeding 40 million units – represents more than just another entry in the increasingly crowded electric two-wheeler segment. It signifies a fundamental shift in how India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer views the future of mobility in its most important market.
“This isn’t just another electric model for us,” explains Rajiv Kumar, a senior product manager at Hero MotoCorp whom I’m meeting at the company’s sprawling R&D facility in Jaipur. “Electrifying the Splendor is like electrifying a national institution. It carries both enormous opportunity and enormous responsibility.”
After spending several days researching the development of the electric Splendor, speaking with Hero executives, industry analysts, and potential customers, I’ve gained valuable insights into what might be the most significant transformation in India’s two-wheeler market since the original Splendor’s introduction in 1994.
The Icon’s Hero Splendor Electric Evolution: Balancing Heritage and Innovation
The Splendor’s journey from conventional internal combustion engine to electric power hasn’t been straightforward. Hero MotoCorp’s approach reveals a company carefully balancing respect for a beloved product’s heritage with the imperative to embrace technological change.
“We’ve been developing electric two-wheelers for years through various channels, including our investment in Ather Energy and our own Vida sub-brand,” notes Vikram Singh, part of Hero’s electric vehicle strategy team. “But the electric Splendor represents something fundamentally different – taking our most recognized model and reimagining it for the electric age while maintaining its core identity.”
This dual imperative – preserving what makes a Splendor a Splendor while completely changing its powertrain – has led to some fascinating engineering and design decisions. From the outside, the prototype electric Splendor maintains a silhouette remarkably similar to its ICE predecessor, with the trademark simple, upright riding position and practical design ethos intact.
“The Splendor has always been about functional simplicity, not flashy design,” explains Meena Sharma, senior designer on the project. “Our research consistently showed that potential customers wanted the electric version to maintain that recognizable Splendor DNA. They don’t want to make a statement with their vehicle – they want reliable, affordable transportation that happens to be electric.”
Technical Approach: Practical Electrification
Where many electric two-wheeler startups have pursued maximum range and performance to compete with conventional motorcycles, Hero’s approach with the Splendor Electric emphasizes practical, real-world utility over spec-sheet superiority.
The prototype I was shown features a 3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack housed in a specially designed cradle where the engine would traditionally sit. This provides a claimed real-world range of 110 kilometers in typical Indian city riding conditions – substantially less than some premium electric scooters, but deliberately calibrated to match the typical daily usage patterns of current Splendor owners.
“Our extensive rider surveys showed that the average Splendor user covers approximately 45-50 kilometers daily,” notes Kumar. “We’ve designed the battery capacity to comfortably handle two days of typical usage between charges, which balances range with cost and weight considerations.”
The mid-mounted motor produces 4.5 kW of continuous power (approximately 6 horsepower) and 30 Nm of torque, with peak output reaching 8 kW for short durations. These figures almost exactly match the power characteristics of the conventional Splendor’s 97.2cc engine, again reflecting Hero’s philosophy of providing a familiar riding experience despite the revolutionary powertrain change.
“We could have made it much more powerful,” admits Singh. “Electric motors make that easy. But the Splendor has never been about performance – it’s about reliability, efficiency, and ease of use. We wanted the electric version to feel immediately familiar to someone upgrading from the conventional model.”
Market Positioning: Threading the Needle on Price
Perhaps the most significant challenge facing the Hero Splendor Electric – and indeed all electric two-wheelers in the Indian market – is cost. The conventional Splendor’s success has been built on a foundation of affordability, with current models starting at approximately ₹70,000 (around $850). Replicating this value proposition with electric technology presents substantial hurdles.
“The honest truth is that achieving price parity with the ICE Splendor simply isn’t possible with current battery technology,” acknowledges Kumar. “Our focus instead has been on achieving the lowest possible total cost of ownership while maintaining an acceptable purchase price.”
Hero’s internal targets reportedly aim for a starting price between ₹90,000 and ₹1,10,000 for the base variant of the electric Splendor, positioning it below premium electric scooters from companies like Ola Electric and Ather while remaining above the price of its ICE counterpart.
To make this economic equation work for consumers, Hero is emphasizing the significant operating cost advantages. With electricity costs substantially lower than petrol and maintenance requirements reduced by approximately 40% according to the company’s estimates, the electric Splendor could recoup its price premium within 2-3 years for high-mileage users.
Multiple Variants for Different Use Cases
Recognizing the diverse needs of potential customers, Hero plans to offer the electric Splendor in at least three distinct variants when it launches:
The base “City” model will feature the standard 3 kWh battery and basic instrumentation, targeted at cost-conscious urban commuters seeking the most affordable entry point.
A mid-level “Plus” variant will add enhanced features including Bluetooth connectivity, a more sophisticated digital instrument cluster, and potentially a slightly larger battery for improved range.
The top “Pro” model will cater to commercial users such as delivery personnel, with a dual-battery option that extends range to approximately 180 kilometers, alongside durability enhancements for intensive daily use.
“The Splendor has always served both individual commuters and commercial users,” explains Singh. “With the electric version, we’re acknowledging these different use cases more explicitly through purpose-designed variants rather than one-size-fits-all approach.”
This strategy reflects growing sophistication in India’s electric two-wheeler market, moving beyond the initial phase where simply being electric was the primary selling point toward a more nuanced approach addressing specific customer needs and use cases.
Real-World Practicality: Addressing the Charging Question
Throughout my conversations with Hero executives and potential customers, one topic consistently dominated discussions: charging infrastructure. While the limitations of India’s public charging network are well-documented, Hero’s approach with the electric Splendor reveals a pragmatic understanding of how their target customers actually live and work.
“Most Splendor owners don’t have dedicated parking, let alone access to private charging infrastructure,” notes Vikram Mehta, head of charging ecosystem development at Hero. “Our solution needs to work within these constraints rather than assuming an ideal charging scenario.”
Hero’s multi-pronged approach includes:
A standard portable charger that can connect to any conventional 5A domestic power outlet, fully recharging the battery in approximately 4.5 hours. This “lunch break charging” model works well for both office commuters and commercial users with predictable downtime periods.
An optional fast charger compatible with emerging public charging networks, capable of delivering an 80% charge in under 40 minutes. While this requires specific infrastructure, it provides a fallback option for unexpected longer journeys.
Most interestingly, a battery subscription program for commercial users that enables battery swapping at designated Hero service centers, eliminating charging downtime entirely for delivery and business users.
“We recognized early that there’s no single perfect charging solution for all users,” explains Mehta. “Instead, we’re providing multiple options that customers can combine based on their specific circumstances.”
This flexible approach acknowledges the realities of Indian urban infrastructure while providing pathways to address range anxiety – consistently cited as the primary concern among potential electric two-wheeler buyers in Hero’s market research.
Battery Durability and Replacement Economics
Another critical aspect of the ownership experience is battery longevity. Hero claims the electric Splendor’s battery pack is designed to maintain at least 80% of its original capacity after 1,000 charge cycles – translating to approximately 110,000 kilometers of riding or about 7-8 years of typical use.
When replacement eventually becomes necessary, Hero plans to offer multiple options: a full-price new battery, a discounted exchange program where the old battery’s residual value is credited toward the new one, or a third-party refurbished battery program for more cost-conscious owners.
“We’re thinking about the entire lifecycle, not just the initial purchase,” notes Kumar. “India’s tremendous mechanical repair ecosystem will inevitably adapt to electric vehicles. We want to provide official paths for sustainable, affordable maintenance while ensuring safety standards are maintained.”
This holistic approach to ownership costs reflects Hero’s deep understanding of their customer base – predominantly middle-class families and small business owners for whom two-wheelers represent essential transportation rather than discretionary purchases. The company’s internal modeling suggests that including battery replacement in the total cost calculation still results in the electric Splendor being more economical than its petrol counterpart over an 8-year ownership period for typical users.
The Riding Experience: Familiar Yet Different
During my visit to Hero’s test facility, I had the opportunity to briefly ride a near-production prototype of the electric Splendor. The experience was fascinating – simultaneously familiar and novel in ways that perfectly encapsulate the model’s evolutionary approach.
The riding position, control layout, and general ergonomics remain virtually identical to the conventional Splendor, creating an immediate sense of familiarity for anyone who has ridden the ICE version. The key difference, of course, is the powertrain – twist the throttle, and the bike moves forward with the smooth, silent surge characteristic of electric motorcycles.
“We’ve actually had to add a slight artificial sound at very low speeds for pedestrian safety,” mentions Sharma, the designer. “But otherwise, we’ve embraced the quiet, smooth nature of electric propulsion as a genuine upgrade from the vibration and noise of the petrol engine.”
The power delivery has been carefully calibrated to mimic the conventional Splendor’s characteristics – moderate acceleration, a focus on mid-range torque rather than top speed, and predictable throttle response. Top speed is limited to 80 km/h, again matching the practical performance envelope of the ICE model rather than trying to impress with higher figures that would rarely be utilized in real-world riding.
“We had extensive discussions about whether to make it noticeably quicker than the petrol version,” reveals Singh. “Ultimately, we decided that consistency with the established Splendor character was more important than showcasing the potential performance advantages of electric power.”
This decision reflects Hero’s understanding that for their core customer base, the Splendor represents trusted, predictable transportation rather than a source of excitement or status. The electric version maintains this focus on practical utility while adding the benefits of zero emissions and reduced operating costs.
Market Impact: Beyond the Product Itself
The significance of the electric Splendor extends far beyond its technical specifications or even its sales potential. As India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer electrifies its flagship model, it sends powerful signals throughout the industry and to consumers about the direction of the market.
“When Hero puts the Splendor name on an electric motorcycle, it legitimizes the entire category for mainstream buyers,” explains Priya Sharma, an automotive industry analyst I consulted for perspective. “It moves electric two-wheelers from being perceived as experimental technology to being accepted as the natural evolution of personal mobility.”
This mainstreaming effect could accelerate electric adoption across the entire two-wheeler market, which represents over 80% of India’s automotive sales volume. While premium electric scooters from companies like Ola and Ather have captured media attention and urban early adopters, the mass market has been slower to embrace electrification – precisely the segment where Hero’s Splendor has always dominated.
Production Plans and Timeline
Hero is taking a measured approach to production ramp-up, reflecting both prudence and the realities of establishing new supply chains. Initial production is planned at approximately 10,000 units monthly, with capacity to scale significantly based on market response.
“We’re not rushing this to market,” emphasizes Kumar. “The Splendor name carries too much equity to risk associating it with a product that hasn’t been exhaustively tested and refined. We’ll launch when we’re completely confident in the product’s readiness, not according to an artificial timeline.”
Current projections suggest a phased launch beginning in late 2024, with initial availability in major metropolitan areas before expanding to smaller cities and rural markets where Hero’s dealer network gives it a significant advantage over EV-only competitors.
A Watershed Moment for Indian Mobility
As I conclude my reporting on the electric Splendor, what strikes me most is how this single model encapsulates the broader transformation happening in Indian mobility. The Splendor has always been more than just a motorcycle – it’s been a enabler of social mobility, economic opportunity, and family transportation for millions of Indians. Its electrification represents not just a technological evolution but a social one.
“For many families, the Splendor was their first motorized vehicle, the thing that expanded their opportunities and connected them to jobs, education, and services,” reflects Singh. “The electric version has the potential to play the same role for a new generation, but in a more sustainable way.”
The Hero Splendor Electric won’t be the fastest, longest-range, or most technologically advanced electric two-wheeler when it launches. But by bringing electric mobility to the heart of India’s motorcycle market with a product that prioritizes practical utility, affordability, and familiarity, it may ultimately prove more transformative than any of its more headline-grabbing competitors.
In a market as vast and diverse as India, true transportation revolutions don’t begin with premium products for early adopters – they start with practical, accessible vehicles for ordinary people. By electrifying the Splendor, Hero isn’t just updating a model; it’s helping to rewrite the future of mobility for hundreds of millions of potential riders. And that might just make it the most important electric two-wheeler yet to emerge from India’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
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