Top Electric Two-Wheelers of 2023: Ola S1 X, Ather 450S, Bajaj Chetak Urbane and More
From the Ather 450S to the Ultraviolette F77 Space Edition, we take a look at the top electric two-wheelers launched in the Indian market this year.
By Kanika Sachdeva
Owing to rising gas prices, environmental concerns, and other reasons, many people are shifting gears towards fuel-efficient vehicles. The EV sales numbers (15,00,219 units, as per India's Vahan website), and the launch of several new and updated electric two-wheelers in 2023 stand testament to that. From the Ather 450S to the Ultraviolette F77 Space Edition, we take a look at the top electric two-wheelers launched in the Indian market this year.
Ola S1 X
In August 2023, Ola launched its new product in India, called the S1 X. Offered in 3 variants, the S1 X starts at Rs 90,000 (ex-showroom) for the least expensive 2kWh variant. Choose the range-topping S1 X+, you will have to shell out an identical Rs 90,000 (ex-showroom), Rs 20,000 less than before. Notably, this pricing adjustment applies to the S1 X+ and is in effect until December 31, 2023, making the top-spec version more economically viable for potential buyers.
All three variants of the S1 X lineup are based on the brand’s cutting-edge Gen 2 EV platform, which is likely to spawn other Ola electric vehicles. That said, powering the base variant is a 2kWh battery pack, while the mid-spec and top-spec variants come with a 3kWh unit. However, the 6kW motor is the same for all three versions, which means a claimed top speed of 85km/h for the base model and 90km/h for the other two. An IDC-claimed range for the entry-level variant is 91km, whereas the other two come with a certified range of 151km.
Hardware-wise, the Ola S1 X range gets the same components as the S1 Air, which include 12-inch steel rims, combi brake systems, conventional drum brakes at both ends, telescopic front forks, and dual shock absorbers attached to a double-sided swingarm at the rear. Since it is based on Ola's new Gen2 platform, the S1 X+ comes with a flat floorboard for added convenience.
Ather 450S
Launched alongside the updated 450X, the new Ather 450S is the entry-level scooter in the 450 lineup. It slots below the 450X, and comes in 4 different colour options. With an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.30 lakh, the 450S is the most cost-effective model in Ather's lineup.
The Ather 450S comes with a 2.9kWh battery pack that offers a certified range of 115 kilometres, whereas the real-world range is 90 kilometres when SmartEco mode is engaged. It can accelerate from 0 to 40km/h in 3.9 seconds. Ather says that this electric scooter can be fully charged in a claimed time of over 8 and a half hours, using a 350-watt charger that comes as standard.
The sharp front end with the LED headlamp and turn indicators is complemented by a new seven-inch DeepView Display. Also on offer is the Pro Pack for an additional sum of Rs 20,000, allowing you to take advantage of 4 riding modes: SmartEco, Eco, Ride and Sport.
Other bits are multipoint Bluetooth connectivity in the Pro version, auto-hold, MapMyIndia-powered turn-by-turn navigation, Fall Safe (automatic motor cut-off when a scooter falls), an emergency stop signal, coasting regen (which increases range by up to 7 per cent), a revised mud flap, a new switchgear with two new switches, and an enhanced intercity travel planner.
Bajaj Chetak Urbane
The Bajaj Chetak Urbane, a new version of the Chetak, asks for Rs 1.15 lakh (ex-showroom) in its standard form. For those who want more features and better performance, the TecPac version will set you back by an additional Rs 6,000.
The Chetak Urbane is equipped with a 2.9kWh battery with an IDC-certified range of 113km on a full charge. In regular form, the Urbane has a 63km/h top speed, and gets only one riding mode – Eco. On the other hand, an upgrade to the TecPac enables you to reach a top speed of 73km/h. With the TecPac installation, you get two riding modes – Eco and Sport, hill hold, reverse mode, and smartphone connectivity.
The design highlights of the Urbane include a single-piece seat, a flat floorboard, curved body panels, and a circular LED headlight. There are 4 colour options available, namely Brooklyn Black, Indigo Metallic, Cyber White, and Matte Coarse Grey.
Ultraviolette F77 Space Edition
Carrying a sticker price of Rs 5.60 lakh (ex-showroom), the Ultraviolette F77 Space Edition comes powered by a 10.3kWh pack that sends power to a 40bhp motor. Meanwhile, the torque output stands at 100Nm. Ultraviolette claims that the F77 Space Edition can reach up to 100km/h in just 2.9 seconds and will go all the way up to 152km/h. Its 307km IDC-claimed range figure is identical to the riding range of the top-spec Recon variant of the F77.
The F77 Space Edition features a limited-edition paint scheme - 'Cosmic White' with orange and blue accents. This aerospace-grade paint can withstand most adverse circumstances, irrespective of the temperature of airspeed. Even this special white colour is claimed to help the motorcycle perform better by 'reducing drag', owing to its high level of specialisation and ability. Besides, the electric bike employs a strong alloy used in aerospace applications. Called 7075, it is a higher grade of aluminium. Also, the key for the limited-edition version is made out of a single piece of aerospace-grade aluminium.
Also Read: Ultraviolette F77 vs Orxa Mantis Spec Comparison: Which is Better?
The bike features a steel trellis frame, which is suspended by inverted front forks and a rear monoshock. Stopping power comes from a 320mm disc at the front and a 230mm disc at the back. The discs are mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 110/70 front and 150/60 rear Metzeler rubber tyres. Electronic enhancements include a TFT-LCD screen, fail-proof battery systems, as well as a 9-axis IMU that measures roll, pitch, and yaw.
