India’s Third Largest Automaker Registers New Electric Vehicle Model in Vietnam: Expected Price Under $1,100, Offering a 95 km Range

According to data published in Gazette No. 448, Volume A, Issue 2, by the National Office of Intellectual Property of Vietnam, a new motorcycle design has been registered by TVS Motors (India). This upcoming model is speculated to be TVS’s most groundbreaking release in recent years – an affordable electric scooter, possibly named the Orbiter. TVS has already established a strong presence in the electric vehicle segment with its iQube scooter.

The base variant of the TVS iQube is priced at approximately 100,000 Rupees (around 30 million VND), while this new electric scooter is expected to be priced below 90,000 Rupees (below 27 million VND).

Aesthetically, the scooter features a headlight integrated into the handlebar cowl, complemented by a compact visor. A distinctive LED daytime running light (DRL) strip runs across the front and rear, also serving as turn signals. Although the official dimensions are yet to be confirmed, a closer look at the design suggests slightly larger front wheels, possibly 14 inches, with smaller rear wheels to enhance functionality, particularly in terms of under-seat storage and ride height.

Notably, the TVS electric scooter forgoes a traditional exhaust system and wheel hub motors, opting for a mid-mounted motor connected to the rear wheel via a belt drive. This design choice likely improves riding comfort and balance. The scooter also features a long, flat seat and a spacious floorboard, enhancing rider convenience, especially for urban commuting.

Experts predict that the scooter will be equipped with a 2.2 kWh battery, offering a realistic range of 90-95 km, making it ideal for daily urban commutes. While these specifications are yet to be confirmed, they align with the expected affordable price point.

While there is a strong possibility that this is TVS Motor’s new electric scooter, some speculate that it could also be a global-market ICE scooter. TVS offers large-wheel scooters such as the TVS Dazz 110 in Indonesia and Vietnam. This upcoming model could be a successor or an entirely new offering.

TVS is currently one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in India and ranks fourth globally in terms of sales. The brand officially entered the Vietnamese market in 2023 with five models, including the TVS Ntorq 125, Callisto 110, Callisto 125, TVS Dazz 110, and the semi-automatic motorcycle TVS Rockz 125, with prices ranging from 25 to 36 million VND.

TVS’s competitive pricing strategy is considered an advantage in the Vietnamese market, but it doesn’t guarantee consumer attraction. Brands like Suzuki, SYM, and Kymco also offer attractively priced models, yet Honda and Yamaha remain the primary choices for most Vietnamese consumers.