Hero MotoCorp’s budget-friendly Vida VX2 electric scooter hits Indian roads tomorrow, July 1st, promising to shake up the affordable EV segment with its innovative battery subscription model.
The VX2 represents Hero’s bold attempt to democratize electric mobility in India. Positioned below the existing Vida V2, this entry-level offering could be the game-changer that finally makes electric scooters accessible to the masses. With an expected starting price of just ₹65,000 (ex-showroom) thanks to its Battery-as-a-Service model, the VX2 is set to undercut rivals like the Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube significantly.
Design and Variants
The VX2 essentially brings the Vida Z concept from last year’s EICMA show to production reality. Hero has kept the styling familiar yet fresh – you know, that sweet spot where it doesn’t look too radical but still catches your eye at traffic signals. They’re offering the scooter in four attractive paint schemes, including a striking matte yellow finish that honestly reminds me of those old Kinetic Honda days.
The company plans to launch multiple variants – likely the VX2 Go, VX2 Plus, and VX2 Pro. Each one’s differentiated by battery capacity and feature sets, which makes sense. It’s like ordering pizza – sometimes you want just margherita, sometimes you go all out with the works.
Battery and Performance
Here’s where things get interesting, and I mean really interesting. The VX2 rides on Hero’s modular platform that can accommodate battery packs ranging from 2.2kWh all the way up to 4.4kWh. All batteries are removable and IP67-rated, so you can literally carry them up to your third-floor apartment without breaking a sweat. No more hunting for parking spots near charging stations!
The permanent magnet synchronous motor promises efficient performance, though Hero’s playing their cards close to their chest with the exact power figures. What we do know? The claimed range could stretch up to 165km on a full charge. That’s enough to get you from Delhi to Agra and back – not that you’d want to do that on a scooter, but hey, the option’s there.
Features and Tech
Don’t expect the VX2 to skimp on modern conveniences. The scooter comes loaded with:
- Touchscreen TFT display for navigation and vehicle telematics
- All-LED lighting including projector headlamps (finally, no more yellowish halogen bulbs!)
- Smartphone connectivity for the tech-savvy rider
- Advanced telematics to keep you connected
- Regenerative braking for improved efficiency
One interesting design choice that might ruffle some feathers: Hero has confirmed drum brakes at both ends instead of the usual front disc setup. Now, before the enthusiasts start typing angry comments, hear me out. Yes, it might not look as sporty, but it keeps costs down while still providing adequate stopping power for city riding. Plus, drum brakes are practically maintenance-free – ask any old Royal Enfield owner.
Read Also: Hero HF Deluxe Now Available for Just Rs 25,000 Down Payment
The Battery Subscription Game-Changer
The real headline here is Hero’s Battery-as-a-Service model, and honestly, it’s about time someone tried this properly in India. Instead of paying the full battery cost upfront (which, let’s face it, hurts the wallet), buyers can subscribe to battery usage with flexible daily, monthly, or distance-based plans.
Think of it like your mobile phone plan – you pay for what you use. Heavy commuters might opt for unlimited monthly plans, while occasional riders could choose pay-per-use options. It’s basically removing the biggest mental barrier to EV adoption: that “Oh God, I need to pay ₹40,000 extra for the battery” moment.
Market Positioning
With prices expected between ₹70,000 to ₹1.05 lakh across variants, the VX2 sits right in that sweet spot where middle-class India starts paying attention. It’s positioned to take on the lower variants of the Bajaj Chetak Electric and TVS iQube, but with a potentially significant price advantage thanks to the BaaS model.
Hero’s backing this launch with serious infrastructure muscle – over 3,600 fast-charging stations and 500+ service centers across 100+ cities. That’s the kind of network that makes you think, “Okay, maybe I won’t be stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery.”
The Bottom Line
Tomorrow’s launch feels like one of those moments where you can sense the market shifting. If Hero gets the pricing and subscription model right, the VX2 could be the scooter that finally brings EVs to your neighborhood uncle who’s been complaining about petrol prices for the past two years.
The combination of Hero’s trusted brand (they’ve been around forever, haven’t they?), competitive pricing, and this innovative ownership model makes this one launch worth watching closely. For buyers tired of rising petrol prices and looking for a practical electric alternative without selling a kidney, the VX2 might just be the answer they’ve been waiting for.