Hero MotoCorp to Launch Zero Electric Bikes in India, Will be Manufactured Locally

Hero MotoCorp, one of the leading two-wheeler producers in India, recently revealed the next phase of its collaboration with American electric motorcycle producer Zero Motorcycles. After investing a sizeable $60 million (about Rs 490 crore) in the firm headquartered in California in 2022, the automaker expressed its intent to collaborate with Zero to create electric two-wheelers earlier in 2023. The Zero Motorcycles range will now be introduced to the Indian market by Hero MotoCorp, and the Zero models will also be locally produced in our country. A statement in the homegrown manufacturer's annual report read, "We will be bringing the Zero portfolio into India, increasing access for the Indian consumer to the best of international clean mobility options. California-headquartered Zero will be manufacturing its products in India too". This partnership allows Zero's expertise in creating electric two-wheelers and Hero MotoCorp's production, procurement, marketing, and distribution skills to be combined, according to the announcement.

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Zero Motorcycles Model Range

The Zero product lineup includes dual-sport models, naked bikes, an adventure-tourer, and a fully-faired sport bike. These bikes are currently solely produced in the firm's Scotts Valley plant. All motorcycles use battery packs with capacities that vary from 7.2kWh to 17.3kWh, and their prices (prior to local incentives) fall between $13,000 and $25,000, equivalent to Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. Which of Zero's current models are headed to our home market and the location where they are going to be developed are still unknown. It is also uncertain whether Hero MotoCorp would adopt a hybrid model approach with Zero as they have with Harley-Davidson, the majority of whose models are imported directly into India with the exception of the brand-new Harley-Davidson X440, which was developed and produced domestically.

Due to their enormous battery packs, the bikes would still be rather expensive regardless of whether the present Zero portfolio was localised. It is very likely that Hero and Zero will work together to create an electric motorcycle that is more affordable and might help Zero enter new emerging markets. The F77 sport bike is produced by Ultraviolette Automotive, which is supported by TVS and is currently the only other costly electric motorbike manufacturer in India.

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Hero MotoCorp's Other Partnerships

Recently, the market for electric two-wheelers has grown significantly. It's noteworthy to keep in mind, though, that electric scooters predominate in this market, while electric motorcycles are now in short supply. This is due to the dearth of solutions now offered on the market. Additionally, EV owners seek out the convenience and financial advantages offered by electric scooters at the moment. On the contrary, the cost of electric motorcycles is often higher. Along with having its own electric vehicle, the Vida, the OEM made investment in Ather Energy, a Bengaluru-based company, and holds a sizable 35 per cent stake. The firm also launched the Harley-Davidson X440, the first bike to result from its collaboration with Harley-Davidson, another US-based motorcycle manufacturer.