Hero MotoCorp, in collaboration with a premium electric motorcycle and powertrain manufacturer based in California, is currently developing a performance electric motorcycle. Although the exact launch date has not been announced, Hero MotoCorp plans to release its inaugural e-motorcycle in fiscal year 2026.
In a significant update from Hero MotoCorp, CEO Niranjan Gupta revealed during a mid-November 2024 analyst call that the company’s collaboration with California-based Zero Motorcycles to develop electric motorcycles is progressing well. The partnership, established in March 2023, aims to introduce premium electric motorcycles in the middle-weight performance segment, though a specific timeline has not yet been disclosed.
Additionally, Swadesh Srivastava, Chief Business Officer of Emerging Mobility at Hero MotoCorp, announced plans to expand the company’s electric scooter offerings within the year, promising a robust portfolio expansion into various user segments within six months.
The collaboration between Hero MotoCorp and Zero Motorcycles seeks to capture emerging market opportunities in India’s electric motorcycle sector, which, despite being dominated by electric scooters, is showing increasing consumer interest. Current market leaders include Revolt Motors, which reported selling 6,948 units in the first ten months of CY2024, and Ultraviolette’s F77 Mach 2, which sold 305 units in the same period.
Hero MotoCorp’s entry into the electric motorcycle market with Zero Motorcycles leverages its global manufacturing prowess and Zero’s expertise in electric powertrains. This strategic move positions Hero MotoCorp to challenge competitors in a segment that has relatively few players.
The demand for Hero MotoCorp’s Vida brand electric scooters is also on the rise, with a record 7,309 units sold in October 2024 alone, marking a 443% year-over-year growth. The company is expanding its Vida sales network and plans to introduce more products in the mid and affordable segments by FY2025.
Hero MotoCorp is actively working to reduce production costs and enhance the affordability of its electric vehicles, with CEO Niranjan Gupta emphasising efforts in powertrain advancements and localization to achieve lower price points in upcoming launches.
