Is TVS's 23 August launch a variant or a Hybrid scooter?

TVS Motor Company has sent out media invites for a launch without revealing the specifics of the product. Speculation is rife that the company could launch the TVS iQube Hybrid scooter on 23 August.

The company showcased the TVS iQube Hybrid scooter in India at the Auto Expo 2010. The two-wheeler uses a 110 cc internal combustion engine that works in sync with a battery-operated electric motor. The iQube will benefit from the Government of India’s FAME scheme, which provides a subsidy to hybrid and electric two-wheelers. The TVS management feels that electric two-wheelers don't make economic or commercial sense at the moment, but is continuing to work on hybrid technology.

In May 2017, TVS received a patent for iQube hybrid scooter in India. The TVS iQube concept, displayed at the Auto Expo 2010, featured a boxy design with minimal curves. The upcoming two-wheeler is likely to carry forward some styling from the concept and could share borrow heavily from the TVS Creon which was showcased at the Auto Expo 2018. As far as pricing is concerned, the TVS iQube Hybrid could be priced around INR 80,000 (ex-showroom).

As far as features are concerned, the TVS iQube is likely to get LED headlights and tail lamps, along with an all-digital instrument cluster. The digital console will display information like an odometer, speedometer, clock, fuel gauge and onboard diagnostics. The display is also likely to feature Bluetooth Smartphone connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation, and perhaps, riding modes as well. The instrument cluster will also display the ‘Hybrid Mode’ on the console.

Also Read: TVS Creon Concept - Auto Expo 2018 Live

Powering the TVS iQube scooter could be a hybrid powertrain comprising of a 110 cc, single-cylinder engine and an electric motor with a lithium-ion battery pack. The hybrid system comes with a brake energy regeneration system that recharges the battery. The powertrain comes mated to a CVT gearbox. The scooter can run in pure-electric mode, while it will get multiple driving modes - Hybrid Economy and Hybrid Power. The TVS iQube, if launched, will rival the Ather 430, Okinawa Praise, and the Hero Electric scooters.

Either this or TVS introduces a version (like a special edition) of an existing vehicle!