You ever look at fuel prices, sigh, and wonder, “Why am I still doing this?” Yeah, same. And guess what? Hero MotoCorp seems to have heard all our collective groans. They’re not just dipping their toes into electric—they’re cannonballing right into the deep end with the upcoming Hero Electric Splendor. Yep, the name’s familiar, but what’s under the hood (well, under the seat) is anything but.
This isn’t just another e-bike launch—it’s a bold comeback of India’s most trusted commuter king, now reborn with electrons instead of gasoline.
The Good Ol’ Splendor… But Electric
Alright, before we go nuts over specs and tech stuff, let’s talk design. Hero didn’t try to reinvent the wheel here (pun intended). The Electric Splendor looks almost exactly like its petrol-powered sibling. That’s not laziness—it’s strategy. People love the OG Splendor. It’s like chai and Parle-G—don’t mess with a classic.
So, you get the same upright posture, flat handlebars, that comfy long seat for two, and a design that feels familiar. But this time, it’s got some modern upgrades: LED lights, a digital instrument cluster, and cool new color options like matte grey and blue. Think of it as Splendor 2.0—same soul, better vibes.
Let’s Talk Numbers (Because That’s What Matters)
Spec | Details |
---|---|
Price | ₹60,000 (ex-showroom, est. before subsidies) |
Range | Up to 400 km (Eco Mode) |
Top Speed | 80 km/h |
Battery | 4kWh Lithium-Ion |
Charging Time | 4–5 hours (standard charger) |
Ride Modes | Eco, City, Sport |
Brakes | Drum with CBS |
Suspension | Telescopic front, twin shock rear |
Running Cost | ₹0.25–₹0.35 per km |
A 400 km range? That’s not just “decent”—that’s borderline game-changing. Even if you factor in real-world conditions and say it’s more like 250–300 km, it’s still plenty for city riders who barely cross 40–50 km a day. That means a single charge can last a whole workweek for most people. Crazy, right?
And for 60K? This thing is basically the DTC bus pass of e-bikes—just way cooler.
Smooth, Silent, and Surprisingly Zippy
The hub-mounted motor offers a clean, gearless ride—no clutch drama, no heat, no weird sounds. You just twist the throttle and zip, you’re off. It’s not a race bike, of course, but for city traffic, the 80 km/h top speed is more than enough. In fact, it’s probably faster than most folks ride their regular Splendors anyway.
The ride quality’s been tuned for India’s… ahem, “characterful” roads. So yeah, potholes, speed breakers, random cows—you’re covered. Thanks to telescopic front forks and twin rear shocks, it doesn’t bounce around like some toy bike.
Tech-Savvy But Not Overdone
This part’s interesting. Hero didn’t go all “Iron Man” with the dashboard. No giant touchscreens or gimmicks. Instead, it gives you what you actually need: a clean digital console showing battery percentage, ride mode, speed, and trip info.
They’ve also added CBS (Combined Braking System) for better safety, plus regenerative braking that feeds a bit of juice back into the battery when you slow down. Smart, subtle, and super practical.
Variants, Subsidies, and What’s Coming
Hero hasn’t officially confirmed how many variants will be available, but expect at least two: a base and a higher-end version. The higher variant may bring fast charging, Bluetooth connectivity, or a removable battery. Fingers crossed.
Now let’s talk money. That ₹60K sticker price is already low—but with FAME II subsidies and state EV benefits, you might end up paying even less. In Delhi, for example, it could drop below ₹50K effectively. That’s not just affordable—it’s tempting.
Who’s This Bike Actually For?
Let’s keep it real—this isn’t aimed at thrill-seekers or road trippers. This is for:
- Students tired of spending their pocket money on fuel.
- Office-goers looking for a no-fuss daily ride.
- Delivery riders who want to cut their running costs to the bone.
- Retired uncles who just need something to get to the grocery store and back without worrying about petrol queues.
Basically? The average Indian.
Wait… So What’s the Catch?
Honestly? Not much, if Hero delivers on the specs.
But yeah, that 400 km range? Take it with a pinch of masala. In Eco Mode, under test conditions, sure. But in regular riding with traffic, stops, maybe some Sport Mode fun—real-world range might land closer to 250–300 km. Still impressive.
Also, no fast charging confirmed yet, and battery-swapping might be reserved for future variants. These could be deal-breakers for some.
FAQs
When will bookings start?
Soon! Hero’s expected to open bookings via its official website and dealerships. Keep an eye out.
Is the 400 km range realistic?
That’s under ideal conditions. Expect around 250–300 km in city riding.
Does it have fast charging?
Not confirmed for the base variant. Higher models might offer it.
Can I remove the battery and charge it at home?
Hero may offer a swappable or removable battery option in future variants.
Is it good for long rides?
It’s designed for city use. Not ideal for highways or outstation trips (yet).