TVS recently launched its third electric scooter in the form of Orbiter at a price of Rs 99,990 (ex-showroom). Developed primarily for young, urban, and style-conscious riders, the Orbiter offers some segment-first features such as 14-inch wheels, hill-hold assist, etc. along with a class-leading range of 158 km.
TVS has emphasized that while the Orbiter is primarily a B2C product, its appeal cuts across segments. It complements the other two electric scooters in TVS’ lineup — iQube and X— strengthening the company’s EV portfolio and market positioning. To put things into perspective, TVS has sold over 6 lakh units of i Qube till date. The addition of this new electric scooter will only help TVS expand its market share.
As of now, TVS commands a 24–25 percent, the current leader in the electric two-wheeler segment closely followed by Bajaj Auto, Ola Electric, and Ather Energy. The electric two-wheeler market has grown by over 20% this fiscal year, with market penetration rising from 6.1% to 6.6%. TVS is optimistic about the long-term growth of the entire EV category, from entry-level to premium segments, driven by supportive government policies and improving consumer confidence.
TVS mindful of challenges
At the same time, TVS, like other OEMs, is wary of all the impending challenges. The industry is facing significant supply chain issues, particularly with rare earth magnets, which are causing production constraints. TVS says it is managing these challenges week by week and will soon announce its plans for a phased launch of the Orbiter to ensure a smooth rollout.
TVS expects continued growth across entry-level and premium segments, driven by supportive government policies, lower ownership costs, and rising consumer confidence. On taxation, TVS stated that government decisions should continue encouraging EV adoption. On the battery-as-a-service model, the company remains open to future exploration but sees the current setup as more practical for consumers.
TVS Orbiter: Similar to iQube yet different
On being asked by Express Drives, if the Orbiter is built on an all-new platform, or does it share components with the iQube, TVS said that the former shares some components and design learnings with the iQube but it is built as a new product for a distinct consumer profile. Certain features were developed specifically for the Orbiter. This clearly suggests that the main platform underpinning the Orbiter is carried over from the iQube.
“The Orbiter shares some learnings and aggregates with the iQube, but it is essentially a new product, designed for a distinct consumer use case. Features like hill-hold assist, larger storage, 14-inch wheels, and optimized ergonomics were engineered specifically for this segment,” said Manu Saksena, EVP, Global Product Planning and Design, TVS Motor Company.
TVS further commented that they are looking at Battery as a Service (BaaS) and evaluating implications. The Hosur-based two-wheeler manufacturer revealed that deliveries of the Orbiter will start soon in Bangalore followed by a phase-wise roll out of the scooter across the entire nation ahead of Diwali this year.
