TVS to test-market hybrid scooter in June

TVS Motor has said it will launch four products in 2012, including two motorcycles in the executive segment and two scooters. It will also test market its hybrid scooter, TVS Qube starting June 2012 ( a pilot of 200 scooters) before its commercial launch in 2013. The TVS Qube has two sources of power, including a 100cc four-stroke engine and an electric hub motor. The rider has the option to choose from a range of modes. This hybrid system charges the battery (lithium ion) when the brakes are applied and utilises this power whenever required, therefore making efficient use of the energy available. In addition, it conserves energy at traffic signal halts or is in standstill condition by halting the power source. Patents for this technology are pending. The scooter, TVS says, also comes with the additional option of electric only with zero petrol consumption and zero emissions and can be used for short trips. There is also an engine only mode, for use when the battery charge is very low. The Qube also has the options of Hybrid Economy Mode and Hybrid Power Mode. In the economy mode, the engine and electric motor run as per the programmed strategy while in the power mode, both engine and electric engage together for better acceleration.

TVS says this technology delivers significant emission reduction and improved fuel economy in city traffic driving with 35 percent reduction i n CO2 emission, 30 percent in HC + NOx reduction and an increase of 35 percent in fuel economy. The scooter TVS Hybrid Scooter is therefore expected to deliver 70 kmpl in typical city conditions.

With regard to the motorcycles, TVS will launch one product with a 125ccengine capacity, 4 speed gear box and all features that are offered in this segment, in June 2012. The second bike will be a new TVS Victor brand that will be equipped with an advanced programmed ignition system. Its launch is slated for December 2012.

In the scooter segment, where TVS currently has the Scooty and Wego, it plans to launch a 125 cc scooter, also in December, that will offer high fuel efficiency in typical city riding conditions. These new launches will complete the motorcycle portfolio while additional scooter variants complete the company’s product portfolio .