Electric scooters have exploded in popularity across India over the last few years. Sales quadrupled in 2022 compared to the year before, largely driven by rising fuel prices, lower operating costs, and favorable government policies aimed at increasing the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
Two players leading the charge in the Indian electric scooter market are homegrown companies Ola Electric and TVS Motor. Ola Electric, founded in 2017 and based in Bengaluru, has quickly become India’s largest electric two-wheeler manufacturer. TVS Motor, headquartered in Chennai since 1978, is the country’s third-biggest motorcycle maker and has recently expanded into electric vehicles.
This post will compare two of the latest electric scooter models from these major brands – the Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 versus the TVS iQube. We’ll analyze the features, performance, pricing, and overall pros and cons of the S1 Pro Gen 2 and iQube to see which is the better buy in 2023 for most Indian riders.
Ola Electric S1 Pro Gen 2
Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 electric scooter has a max range of 195km on a single charge according to ARAI tests. It has a top speed of 115kmph and can go from 0-40kmph in just 2.9 seconds.
Powering the scooter is an 8.5kW electric motor with 4kWh lithium-ion battery capacity. The scooter measures 1835mm in length, 715mm in width, and 1160mm in height with a wheelbase of 1360mm. It tips the scales at 121kg.
The S1 Pro Gen 2 is offered in 5 exciting colors – Neo Mint, Coral Glam, Liquid Silver, Jet Black, and Marshmellow. There is only one variant available at the moment.
Some key features include the 7-inch touchscreen display with MoveOS 2, Bluetooth connectivity, geo-fencing, vacation mode, proximity unlock, and more. There is also a reverse mode to help with maneuvering.
Charging the 4kWh battery from 0-50% takes around 90 minutes with the fast charger. A full charge of 0-100% takes about 6 hours. Portable chargers can also be used.
The Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 is priced at Rs. 1.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It can be purchased directly from Ola Electric online or from their experience centers in major cities. A home delivery option is also available.
TVS iQube Overview
The TVS iQube electric scooter comes in three variants – the iQube, iQube S, and iQube ST.
The iQube has a range of 75km on a single charge with a top speed of 78 kmph. It is powered by a 4.4kW hub motor and uses a 2.25kWh lithium-ion battery. The iQube S variant has a 100km range with the same top speed and a higher capacity 3.55kWh battery. The iQube ST version boasts an impressive 145km range per charge.
Some smart features include a TFT digital cluster, LED headlamps, USB charging, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation assist, vehicle tracking, and geofencing. The TVS iQube also offers parking assist and reverse mode for added convenience.
Charging the battery from 0-80% takes about 5 hours with the bundled portable charger. Fast charging capability allows for quicker top-ups when required.
The TVS iQube electric scooter is priced starting at Rs. 99,130 (on-road Delhi) for the base iQube variant. The higher-spec iQube S and iQube ST versions retail for around Rs. 1.09 lakh and Rs. 1.14 lakh respectively. TVS offers 5 color options and test ride opportunities across their dealerships.
In summary, the TVS iQube offers smart connected features and aesthetic style in an affordable electric scooter package for Indian buyers. The range and charging times are also competitive in the segment.
Battery Pack
- The Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 is equipped with a 4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Ola does not specify the exact battery chemistry or estimated lifespan.
- The TVS iQube features a smaller 2.25 – 3.55 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, depending on the variant. TVS also does not reveal full battery chemistry or lifespan details.
- On paper, the larger 4 kWh battery in the Ola Scooter provides superior range up to 195 km per charge, compared to 75-145 km for the TVS model. However, real-world range can vary.
Charging Time
- Using the included portable charger, a full 0-100% charge for the Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 takes approximately 6.5 hours.
- For the TVS iQube, a full charge with the standard charger takes around 5 hours.
- Both scooters offer fast charging support to minimize downtime. Ola claims a 0-50% fast top-up can be achieved in 90 minutes. For TVS, fast charging from 0-80% takes about 60 minutes.
Public Charging Options
- The Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 and TVS iQube can make use of public EV charging stations. However, specific compatibility details with charging networks are unclear based on available information.
- More widespread public charging infrastructure tailored to two-wheel EVs will enhance the charging convenience for both models.
Here is a comparison of the Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 and TVS iQube electric scooters with subheadings and a pros/cons table using your provided information:
Pricing and Availability
The Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 has an ex-showroom price of ₹1,47,327 while the TVS iQube costs ₹1,34,859. On-road pricing is ₹1,68,000 for the Ola and ₹1,54,000 for the TVS model. Ola offers 6 colors in 1 variant and TVS has 3 colors in 2 variants. Both can be purchased online or at dealerships with financing options.
Service and Support
The Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 comes with a 3 year/40,000 km warranty for the scooter and battery. Extended coverage is optional. TVS iQube warranty details are unclear. Both have service centers and provide at-home servicing.
Ride Experience
The Ola scooter has a futuristic, striking design while the TVS styling is more traditional. Reviews suggest the S1 Pro Gen 2 has a wider, comfier seat compared to the iQube’s narrower, sportier seat. Details on ride quality, suspension and storage space are unavailable.
Pros and Cons Comparison
| Scooter | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 | – Longer 195 km range | – Slightly costlier |
| – Higher 11 kW power | ||
| – Eye-catching design | ||
| – Comfortable seat | ||
| TVS iQube | – Lower ex-showroom price | – Shorter 100 km range |
| – Quicker 5 hr charging | – Lower 4.4 kW power | |
| – Traditional design |
Conclusion
The Ola S1 Pro Gen 2 appears to be the better electric scooter in 2023 based on its superior range, power, design and comfort. However, the TVS iQube offers decent specs for a lower price point. Test rides can help buyers decide based on individual preferences.