India’s electric two-wheeler space is expanding rapidly, and manufacturers are now experimenting with popular BaaS ownership models to make EVs more accessible. Recently, TVS Motor Company introduced the new TVS Orbiter V1 with Battery-As-A-Service (BaaS) option. The move puts it in direct competition with the Hero Vida VX2 from Hero MotoCorp’s electric brand Vida.
what is BaaS ownership model ?
A BaaS system decouples the cost of the battery from the vehicle. Instead of paying the full amount upfront, customers subscribe to the battery through a monthly plan. In case of Orbiter V1, these plans start at Rs 862 per month. The battery is also covered under extended warranty support as part of the subscription.
TVS Orbiter V1 vs Hero Vida VX2: Battery and Range
Powering the Orbiter V1 is a 1.8 kWh battery pack. TVS claims a certified IDC range of 86 km on a single charge. It takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to charge the battery from 0 to 80 percent. The scooter also gets two riding modes: Eco and Power.Meanwhile, Hero Vida VX2 is available in three main variants: Go, Go with bigger battery and Plus. The Go variant comes with a 2.2 kWh battery pack and the newly launched 3.4 kWh battery option, while the Plus variant only gets a 3.4 kWh battery option.
In terms of range, Hero claims that the Go variants deliver an IDC-certified range of 92 km and 142 km, while the Plus variant can travel up to 142 km on a full charge.
TVS Orbiter V1 vs Hero Vida VX2: Pricing
TVS Orbiter V1 is now the most affordable electric scooter in TVS Motor’s portfolio. With the BaaS model, its starting price drops to Rs 49,999, ex-showroom. If you want to buy the scooter with battery, you can opt for the standard purchase option at Rs 84,500, ex-showroom.VX2 prices start at Rs 44,990, ex-showroom, for the Go variant under the BaaS plan and go up to Rs 94,800, ex-showroom for the Plus variant when bought with batteries. There is also a Go variant with a larger 3.4 kWh battery pack, priced at Rs 84,800 without BaaS and Rs 60,000 with the subscription model. The company also says that the running cost of the scooter can be as low as Rs 0.96 per km.
