TVS Motors' Most Affordable Electric Scooter Coming Soon: Could Be Called Orbiter
TVS Motor Company is gearing up to launch what could be its most disruptive product in recent years - a new, budget-friendly electric scooter likely to be called the Orbiter. After establishing a strong foothold in the EV space with the iQube, the Hosur-based two-wheeler giant now has its sights set on the mass market, aiming to make electric mobility more accessible than ever before.
Electric Dreams, Budget Realities
April 2025 marked a turning point for TVS. For the first time, the company topped India’s electric scooter sales charts, narrowly edging past Ola Electric. But TVS knows that long-term leadership in this space won’t be built on premium models alone. To truly lead the electric transition, it needs a scooter that speaks to the average Indian commuter. One that’s affordable, practical, and reliable.
That’s where the Orbiter comes in. Expected to be priced under ₹90,000, it will sit well below the current iQube lineup, which starts at just over ₹1 lakh. For many budget-conscious buyers, the high upfront cost of existing electric scooters has been a barrier. The Orbiter aims to eliminate that obstacle.
What May Set the Orbiter Apart
TVS is unlikely to load the Orbiter with premium features, and that’s by design. This will be a no-nonsense electric scooter. Smaller battery, basic display, and straightforward hardware. In all likelihood, it will use a hub-mounted motor, possibly sourced from Bosch, but tuned for affordability rather than outright performance.
It’s a return to basics, but one with a clear purpose. With government subsidies being phased out and battery costs still significant, hitting that sub-₹90,000 mark will require razor-sharp cost control. Every component will have to justify its place, and frills will be the first to go.
Why the Timing Matters
The Orbiter is expected to debut before the festive season, a strategic move that positions it perfectly for Diwali purchases. If TVS can pull off a launch by October or November, it will not only capitalise on festive demand but also steal a march on rivals who are yet to offer anything compelling in the sub-₹1 lakh EV space.
The name 'Orbiter' isn’t final, but it has emerged as the strongest contender among several trademarks TVS has filed. It fits well with the company’s branding direction, hinting at ambition and forward movement.
A Crowded Market, But a Clear Opportunity
Competition in the electric two-wheeler market is intense. In May 2025, TVS sold 24,560 electric scooters, outpacing Bajaj and Ola. That performance has only reinforced its confidence. But it’s the lower end of the market that remains largely untapped. Most major brands have focused on high-performance, high-priced scooters, leaving budget buyers with limited EV choices.
TVS sees this gap not as a challenge, but as an opportunity. The Orbiter isn’t just another electric scooter. It’s a calculated move to expand the EV customer base. For many buyers still relying on petrol-powered scooters, this could be the product that finally makes the electric switch feel practical.
More Than Just a Price Tag
The appeal of the Orbiter won’t just lie in its price. If TVS manages to deliver its trademark build quality, strong after-sales support, and a hassle-free riding experience, it could create a compelling value proposition that petrol scooters will struggle to match.
Ultimately, the Orbiter is about democratising electric mobility. It acknowledges that while early adopters may chase features and tech, the next wave of buyers simply wants a dependable, affordable way to get around. Without sacrificing too much in the process.
And if TVS gets this formula right, the Orbiter could become not just a bestseller, but a defining product in India’s electric two-wheeler journey.
Via ACI And KDWMotoBlog