The distinct electric vehicle qualifies for registration in the newly established L2-5 category, which identifies it as a hybrid of a 2-wheeler and a 3-wheeler. The startup owned by Hero MotoCorp states that the S32 can transform from a three-wheeler into a two-wheeler in just three minutes.
Hero MotoCorp is set to begin series production of the all-electric Surge 32 within the next year. This innovative vehicle, which transitions between a two-wheeler and a three-wheeler, has been classified under the new L2/L5 category, enabling it to be legally registered for road use. The company anticipates a production potential of 10,000 units annually, with a market launch projected around mid-2025.
At the EICMA 2024 motorcycle trade fair in Milan, Dr. Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman and Whole-Time Director of Hero MotoCorp, detailed the governmental approval for registering these hybrid vehicles. The Surge 32 features a unique design allowing it to operate as a standalone electric scooter or integrate into a three-wheeler, catering to both individual and family use.
The development of the Surge 32 involved extensive collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to establish the ‘L2-5’ category. This category accommodates vehicles that are a combination of a two-wheeled and a three-wheeled module, which can be connected or separated as needed. The Surge 32 is based on a modular EV platform developed by ‘Surge’, a startup incubated under Hero MotoCorp’s HeroHatch program. The design includes 40 patents and allows the vehicle to switch modes in approximately three minutes. This innovative approach has earned the Surge 32 the Red Dot: Best of the Best award in product design.
