Hero Vida V2 : The Indian electric two-wheeler segment witnessed another significant milestone yesterday as Hero MotoCorp unveiled the much-anticipated Vida V2 electric scooter at a dazzling launch event in New Delhi.
Promoted with the tagline “Shandar Look, Behtar Future” (Spectacular Look, Better Future), the Vida V2 represents Hero’s strongest statement yet in the increasingly competitive electric mobility space.
Industry observers note that the V2 addresses several shortcomings of the original Vida V1, which, while technologically impressive, failed to capture significant market share due to its premium positioning and limited range.
This second-generation offering aims to combine the aspirational aesthetics Indian consumers demand with the practical range and value proposition necessary for mass-market adoption.
Hero MotoCorp Chairman Pawan Munjal described the Vida V2 as “the culmination of our learnings from both the global EV landscape and the specific needs of Indian riders seeking an electric future without compromise.”
Design Language and Aesthetics
The Vida V2 introduces what Hero calls “Neo-Retro Futurism”—a design philosophy that blends classic scooter proportions with distinctly futuristic elements.
Its silhouette maintains the familiar flowing lines that Indian consumers favor, while incorporating sharp character lines and angular surfaces that communicate its technological underpinnings.
The front fascia features a distinctive X-shaped LED headlight array that serves as both a unique identifier and a nod to the “V” in the Vida brand name.
Designers have paid particular attention to the scooter’s side profile, creating a sense of forward motion even when stationary through cleverly positioned panel gaps and surface transitions.
Available in seven carefully curated colors including the signature “Electric Teal” and the India-exclusive “Majestic Saffron,” the color palette was developed specifically to complement Indian complexions and fashion sensibilities.
Chrome accents are strategically placed around the bodywork, acknowledging the Indian market’s continued appreciation for this finish while using it judiciously to create a premium yet contemporary appearance.
The lighting signature deserves special mention, with a continuous LED strip running along the front apron that serves as both a daytime running light and a dynamic turn indicator.
Performance and Technical Specifications
At the heart of the Vida V2 sits a mid-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor producing 5.5 kW of continuous power and 8.0 kW at peak, delivering robust performance across diverse riding conditions.
This powerplant generates 25 Nm of instant torque, enabling the V2 to accelerate from 0-40 km/h in just 3.2 seconds despite its focus on everyday usability rather than outright performance.
Energy storage comes via a 3.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack utilizing NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) chemistry, selected for its optimal balance of energy density, thermal stability, and longevity.
The battery architecture incorporates a sophisticated thermal management system featuring liquid cooling that maintains optimal cell temperatures even during fast charging or in extreme ambient conditions.
True to the “Shandar” promise, the V2 delivers an impressive ARAI-certified range of 165 kilometers in Eco mode, with real-world range in mixed usage scenarios typically falling between 130-145 kilometers.
Three riding modes—Eco, Ride, and Sport—allow riders to prioritize either maximum range or responsive performance according to their journey requirements and personal preferences.
The entire powertrain is controlled by Hero’s proprietary vehicle control unit, which uses artificial intelligence to continuously optimize power delivery, regenerative braking intensity, and thermal management.
Technology Integration
The centerpiece of the rider interface is a 7-inch TFT touchscreen display with 800 nits of brightness, ensuring clear visibility even in direct sunlight—a critical consideration for the Indian market.
This display runs Hero’s new VIDA OS 2.0, featuring an intuitive tile-based interface that prioritizes frequently used functions while maintaining comprehensive control over the scooter’s various systems.
Smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth enables features including turn-by-turn navigation, call management, and music control through the companion Vida mobile application.
The app also provides comprehensive vehicle statistics, battery status monitoring, service reminders, and ride analysis to help owners optimize their usage patterns.
Remote diagnostics capability allows service technicians to assess potential issues before the scooter even reaches the workshop, streamlining the maintenance experience.
Over-the-air update functionality ensures the V2 continues to improve throughout its lifespan, with Hero committing to regular feature additions and performance optimizations.
The V2 incorporates a sophisticated geofencing feature that parents can utilize to establish boundaries for younger riders, receiving immediate notifications if these predetermined limits are exceeded.
Technical Specifications Table
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor Type | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Continuous Power | 5.5 kW |
| Peak Power | 8.0 kW |
| Maximum Torque | 25 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 3.2 kWh (removable) |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium-ion NMC |
| Certified Range | 165 km (ARAI, Eco mode) |
| Real-world Range | 130-145 km (mixed usage) |
| Top Speed | 80 km/h (limited) |
| Acceleration (0-40 km/h) | 3.2 seconds |
| Riding Modes | Eco, Ride, Sport |
| Charging Time (0-80%) | 5 hours (standard charger) |
| Fast Charging Time (0-80%) | 65 minutes (optional fast charger) |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic fork with 90mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | Twin hydraulic shocks, preload adjustable |
| Front Brake | 220mm disc with combined braking system |
| Rear Brake | 180mm disc |
| Tire Size (Front/Rear) | 100/80-12 & 110/80-12 |
| Ground Clearance | 180mm |
| Seat Height | 770mm |
| Underseat Storage | 26 liters |
| Weight | 115 kg |
| Display | 7-inch TFT touchscreen |
| IP Rating | IP67 (motor and battery) |
| Colors Available | 7 options |
| Warranty | 7 years/70,000 km (battery) |
| Starting Price | ₹84,999 (ex-showroom) |
Practical Features for Indian Conditions
Recognizing the challenging nature of Indian roads, Hero engineers have equipped the V2 with 180mm of ground clearance—significantly higher than most competitors.
The suspension setup features a telescopic front fork with 90mm of travel and twin hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear, both specifically tuned for Indian road conditions.
The riding position has been carefully optimized to accommodate the typical Indian physique, with a seat height of 770mm making the scooter accessible to riders of various statures.
The seat itself features dual-density foam with a waterproof cover, providing all-day comfort while addressing the common complaint of degradation during monsoon seasons.
Underseat storage capacity of 26 liters comfortably accommodates a full-face helmet along with additional personal items, addressing a practical need often overlooked in electric scooter design.
Two USB charging ports—one under the seat and another on the front apron—ensure devices remain powered throughout longer journeys, a thoughtful addition for today’s connected riders.
The front footboard has been specifically widened to accommodate the traditional Indian riding style where items are often carried between the rider’s feet during short urban trips.
Battery and Charging Solutions
Perhaps the most significant innovation in the V2 is its removable battery system, designed to address the charging challenges faced by many urban Indian riders living in apartments without dedicated parking.
The battery weighs 12 kilograms and features an integrated handle, allowing most riders to carry it to their homes or offices for convenient charging using a standard power outlet.
When connected to the included 650W charger, the battery replenishes from 0 to 80% in approximately 5 hours, suitable for overnight charging during typical usage patterns.
An optional 1.5kW fast charger reduces this time to just 65 minutes for 0-80% charging, providing flexibility for riders with unpredictable schedules or higher daily mileage requirements.
The battery incorporates 348 individual cells arranged in a proprietary configuration that optimizes cooling while maintaining structural integrity even under the demanding conditions of Indian roads.
Each battery undergoes over 200 quality checks during manufacturing and features built-in redundancies in its battery management system to ensure safe operation throughout its lifespan.
Hero has committed to building a network of 1,500 battery swapping stations across 25 cities by the end of 2025, providing an additional charging solution for riders who cannot remove their battery.
Manufacturing and Quality Control
The Vida V2 is manufactured at Hero’s dedicated electric vehicle facility in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, which incorporates Industry 4.0 principles throughout the production process.
This state-of-the-art plant utilizes over 100 robots and automated systems to ensure consistent quality while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to evolving market requirements.
Each scooter undergoes a comprehensive 212-point inspection before leaving the factory, with particular emphasis on battery safety, motor performance, and electronic systems reliability.
The facility operates on 85% renewable energy through a combination of on-site solar installations and power purchase agreements with wind energy providers.
Hero has implemented a closed-loop water management system at the plant, recycling 95% of water used in manufacturing processes to minimize environmental impact.
Component localization currently stands at 74%, with plans to increase this figure to over 90% within the next 18 months as the domestic EV supply chain continues to mature.
The manufacturing capacity currently stands at 100,000 units annually, with infrastructure in place to double this figure as market demand grows.
Pricing Strategy and Ownership Experience
In a move that surprised industry observers, Hero has aggressively priced the base variant of the Vida V2 at ₹84,999 (ex-showroom, including FAME-II subsidies), positioning it squarely against premium 125cc petrol scooters.
Three variants will be available at launch—Standard, Extended Range, and Pro—differentiated primarily by battery capacity, feature sets, and warranty coverage.
The Extended Range variant, priced at ₹94,999, increases battery capacity to 3.7 kWh, extending the certified range to 195 kilometers and adding fast charging capability.
The flagship Pro variant, positioned at ₹1,04,999, includes all available features plus premium connectivity options, enhanced warranty coverage, and priority service scheduling.
All variants include a comprehensive 7-year/70,000 km warranty on the battery pack, addressing a key concern for potential electric vehicle adopters.
Hero has introduced an innovative subscription model alongside traditional purchase options, allowing customers to pay a fixed monthly fee that includes the scooter, insurance, maintenance, and charging costs.
The ownership experience is supported by dedicated Vida service centers in 25 cities at launch, with mobile service units providing doorstep maintenance in areas without physical service locations.
Market Positioning and Competitive Analysis
The Vida V2 enters a rapidly evolving market segment currently led by Ola Electric, TVS, and Bajaj, with each manufacturer bringing distinct strengths to their respective offerings.
Hero’s extensive dealer network—the largest in India with over 7,000 touchpoints—provides a significant competitive advantage in terms of sales reach and service accessibility.
Compared to the segment-leading Ola S1, the Vida V2 offers more conventional styling that may appeal to conservative buyers hesitant about Ola’s futuristic design language.
The removable battery system represents a significant differentiator against fixed-battery competitors like TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak, addressing a practical limitation in India’s urban charging infrastructure.
Hero’s decades-long reputation for reliability and robust after-sales support may help overcome the brand trust challenges that have hampered some newer entrants in the electric vehicle space.
Future Roadmap
During the launch event, Hero executives revealed that the V2 represents just the beginning of a comprehensive electric mobility strategy spanning multiple segments and use cases.
A high-performance variant featuring dual battery packs and enhanced motor specifications is reportedly under development for release in late 2025, targeting enthusiast riders.
Plans for commercial applications include fleet-specific variants optimized for last-mile delivery services, featuring reinforced load carrying capacity and fleet management software integration.
Research and development efforts continue on solid-state battery technology, with Hero investing significantly in startups developing next-generation energy storage solutions.
The company has committed to investing ₹1,200 crore in expanding charging infrastructure, recognizing that widespread adoption depends on solving the charging challenge comprehensively.
Hero Vida V2 Conclusion
The Hero Vida V2 represents a significant evolution in India’s electric scooter landscape, bringing together practical range, genuine value, and the “shandar” styling that resonates with Indian consumers.
By addressing key pain points like charging accessibility through its removable battery system, Hero demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the practical challenges facing electric vehicle adoption in the Indian context.
The aggressive pricing strategy reflects Hero’s commitment to accelerating the transition to electric mobility by making it financially accessible to the vast middle-class consumer base.
As India continues its push toward electric transportation, the Vida V2 emerges as a compelling option that balances the emotional appeal of its striking design with the rational benefits of lower operating costs and environmental sustainability.
For a market long accustomed to compromising either style or substance in the electric segment, the V2’s combination of “shandar look” and practical capability may well represent the tipping point toward mainstream acceptance of electric two-wheelers.