TVS iQube Electric Review
Bike Tested: TVS iQube Electric; Road Test No. 1183; Test Location: TVS Test Track, Hosur
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 1,15,000/-
The iQube Electric is the first electric scooter from Indian manufacturer TVS
Almost 2 years back, we got a chance to experience an electric scooter in Bangalore and we were quite impressed. There was another instance last year in Delhi that we got to ride an electric motorcycle. So we knew what to expect from the 2-wheelers coming out in this electric revolution. TVS had shown the Qube concept almost 8 years back and they are finally ready with their first electric 2-wheeler, the iQube Electric. I got a chance to experience it at the TVS test track in Hosur and here is how it went.
Motor Quest: TVS had showcased the TVS Qube, an electric scooter concept back in 2012 Auto Expo. After 8 years as the electric revolution kicked-in, TVS launched its first electric scooter in the Indian market. It is currently limited to just Bangalore city in India with just 10 dealerships as of now.
Boxy design but the flowing lines make it look like a scooter
Styling – If you have seen Star Wars then you would definitely say that the iQube has quite some resemblance with the R2D2 character. The design isn’t modern, it is rather robotic, flat and has a boxy essence all over. With a quick look, one could even say it has those lines similar to the older design of the TVS Jupiter. The cycle parts like the alloys, disc brake and suspension seem to be taken from its siblings too. While the boxy design continues for the LED headlight, indicators and the tail light too, the LED DRL is the one that stands out. The iQube is available in just white colour while the body panels cover the whole scooter to a great extent with minimal use of black plastic.
5-inch digital console displays a ton of data, this is the idle-mode screen
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – The instrument cluster is the same design as we saw on the NTorq but the LCD is completely new. It displays a lot more details like the range, speedometer, battery percentage, trip details, riding mode and a clock too. The initial screen when you turn on the scooter displays two vital pieces of information – the battery percentage and basic instructions on how to start the scooter. It also displays regenerative braking while riding and as it has Bluetooth it can connect to your smartphone and display navigation data while also display call and message alerts.
This switchgear can do a lot while it has haptic feedback too
The switchgear quality is actually very good with a piano black finish on the switches with grey cover inserts. The right switchgear has a park-assist switch, hazard light switch and a mode switch which is different from normal scooters. The mode switch is also the starter switch while it can also be used to change between the two riding modes – Economy and Power. Tthe left side unit is similar to the ones seen on other TVS scooters. With the park-assist switch, one can get into the park-assist mode and move the scooter in reverse for easy convenience of parking. It also has geofencing which aids in limiting the distance till which the scooter can be ridden.
The underseat storage is limited at 18-litres, not as impressive
Ergonomics – Just like any other scooter in the market the seating posture of the iQube is upright while there is a decent amount of space on the footboard to move your leg around. There is a battery present inside the footboard but unlike the competition, it isn’t too high. Similarly, the seat height is at 770 mm making it very comfortable for all kind of riders too. The seat is wide and cushioning is soft while there is enough room for the rider as well as the pillion. The pillion footpegs are finished in rubber which makes it grippy yet does not bother the rider too much. The mirrors also have a boxy finish and are quite huge in size. They might not look good but are quite purposeful.
Initial performance from the electric motor is really quick
Performance – TVS iQube Electric is powered by a 4.4 kW motor which produces 5.9 BHP and 140 Nm of torque. As the electric motor is a hub motor the torque is calculated in a different manner based on the rotational mass which gives it such a higher number. As the motor is on the wheel itself, the torque delivery is quite immediate and the scooter picks up pace quickly. Another advantage of a hub motor is the noise, as there are no external mechanical parts or a cooling system present on the scooter, it is very silent even in the power mode.
Multiple modes make it suitable for city as well as highway commutes
TVS iQube is the most silent electric scooter considering the competition
The BLDC electric hub motor is made at the TVS plant and has a maximum range of up to 75 kms in the economy mode. One can switch between the modes on the go with the mode switch and the power mode will return up to 55 kms of riding range. With 2.25 kWh of battery capacity the riding range is decent as the scooter will top out at 45 km/hr in eco mode and 78 km/hr in the power mode. The battery is split into 3 units and it takes about 5 hours for a full charge. As a safety feature if the scooter does not move or there is a throttle input for a minute it will automatically go into the idle mode.
The iQube feels quite agile while tipping into corners
Riding Dynamics – The iQube uses a different tubular frame than the other scooters which use an underbone frame. There are changes done to this chassis to hold the 3 battery packs while keeping the body as lean as possible. The centre-of-gravity is also moved slightly forward for better dynamics. The front end is now heavy compared to the other TVS scooters while the front telescopic suspension is similar but stiffer. The rear suspension has dual adjustable hydraulic shocks making it slightly stiffer than traditional scooters. The iQube has brilliant straight-line stability and it is quite agile too when leaned over but the riding comfort is slightly lacking.
The ride quality is firm but the scooter excels in straigh-line stability
TVS iQube is a very well-balanced scooter with impressive ride quality and handling
The 150 mm ground clearance does come in handy at times but it is an average number as the battery sits in the footboard area. The scooter is decently heavy at 118 kgs but the better COG helps a lot in managing that weight. The iQube gets a 220 mm disc at the front and a 130 mm drum brakes at the rear. The brakes are decent as there is an initial bite but the feedback does not improve even after braking hard. After a certain point, the rear wheel just locks up. It also gets the same 90-section 12-inch tyres from TVS both at the front and rear. The grip is decent enough while the tyres are optimized for better efficiency.
The availability is limited only to Bangalore for now
Verdict – Except for cells in the battery and a few things around the scooter, almost everything is made in India. The TVS iQube does share a few cycle-parts with its siblings but it is a brand new scooter built from ground-up. Priced at Rs. 1.15 lakhs (on-road Bangalore) it is the most expensive scooter in the TVS line-up. Yet it meets all the expectations and comes very close to the electric competition and does make a lot of sense for anyone who wants to join the electric revolution this early. The only gripe is that it is available only in Bangalore for now.
Build quality is top notch but is it really a looker?
What’s Cool
* The electric motor is super silent
* Riding dynamics are brilliant for a scooter
* The instrument cluster is loaded, displays a ton of information
What’s Not So Cool
* Most expensive scooter in the TVS line-up
* Only available in Bangalore city for now
* Does not look modern or attractive as the current generation of scooters
The bright blue electric sign glows up only when you are at idle
TVS iQube Electric Specifications
* Engine: 4.4kW, Electric BLDC Hub Motor
* Power: 5.9 BHP @ 0 RPM
* Torque: 140 Nm @ 0 RPM
* Range: 75 kms (Eco); 55 kms (Power)
* Frame: Tubular Frame
* Tyres: 90/90/12 (Front), 90/90/12 (Rear), TVS Tyres
* Suspension: Telescopic Forks (Front), Twin Hydraulic Shock Absorber (Rear)
* Brakes: 220 mm Disc (Front), 130 mm Drum (Rear)
TVS iQube Electric Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 1805 mm x 645 mm x 1140 mm
* Wheelbase: 1290 mm
* Seat Height: 770 mm
* Ground Clearance: 150 mm
* Battery Capacity: 52V, 2.25kWh
* Kerb weight: 118 kgs
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