Unveiled last year at EICMA as concepts, Hero’s electric motorcycles will be based on entirely new platforms
With the electric two-wheeler segment registering incremental growth, OEMs are looking to strengthen their presence and boost market share. While competition has intensified in the electric scooter segment, there’s significant opportunity in the electric motorcycle segment. This space has relatively few players, giving brands an opportunity to gain an early-mover advantage. Hero’s plans appear aligned with these evolving market dynamics.
Hero MotoCorp electric motorcycle launch confirmed
Patents for Hero’s upcoming electric motorcycles, UBEX and VXZ, have already been filed. Officially confirming the plans, Chief Business Officer of Hero MotoCorp’s Emerging Mobility Business Unit, Kausalya Nandakumar, said that their new products will be introduced starting next year. Either UBEX or VXZ, or both, could be launched in 2027.
Nandakumar also provided a few details, mentioning that UBEX and VXZ will be using entirely new motorcycle-specific platforms. While learnings from the Vida scooter platform could be incorporated in relevant areas, these platforms are designed with the needs of motorcycle users in mind and are better suited to meet the preferences of motorcycle users in areas such as performance, rideability, range and gradeability. Hero MotoCorp CEO, Harshavardhan Chitale, also confirmed the plans, saying that their electric motorcycle program is progressing at a steady pace. He said that more details will be shared in the near future.
Hero UBEX and VXZ – Design and features
As revealed in design patent images, UBEX is positioned as a sporty electric streetfighter bike with an aggressive presence. Key highlights include a mono projector headlight, top-mounted LED DRLs and a sculpted fuel tank. The exposed frame gives the motorcycle a lean yet muscular appearance. Hero UBEX has telescopic front forks, alloy wheels, a single-piece seat, tyre hugger and petal disc brakes at both ends.
While having a dominating presence, the bike offers a largely relaxed riding stance. Tech kit is expected to include a TFT instrument cluster with support for a range of connected features including turn-by-turn navigation. Hero UBEX has a large battery pack, which is likely a fixed unit. It could deliver a relatively higher range in comparison to mainstream electric scooters.
Coming to the VXZ, this electric motorcycle is likely part of the collaboration between Hero MotoCorp and US-based Zero Motorcycles. The name VXZ reportedly represents V for VIDA and Z for Zero, or VIDA x Zero. However, patent images of VXZ reveal that it utilizes a new, ground-up platform instead of using any of Zero’s existing platforms.
This platform could be especially designed to meet Indian conditions and price expectations. Key highlights of Hero VXZ include an aggressive front fascia, sharp LED headlamp, USD front forks and petal disc brakes at both ends. The bike uses a belt drive system and has semi-faired styling.
Other features include split seats, a rectangular digital display, rear monoshock suspension and a large centrally mounted fixed battery pack. Hero VXZ can be positioned as a performance-oriented modern streetfighter that also offers mild sportbike aesthetics.
Vida production capacity boost
Upcoming Hero electric motorcycles can help capture a larger share of the electric two-wheeler segment. Hero currently offers the Vida, which has a market share of over 11%. Vida is currently ranked the fourth bestselling Hero product. Demand for Vida scooters has been consistently increasing with the launch of VX2 range and BaaS program. Hero has plans to increase Vida production to 45,000 units per month in FY27. Production capacity at the end of FY26 was at 15,000 units per month.
