Hero Splendor EV: Affordable, Reliable, and an Everyday Electric Bike
The Hero Splendor EV has emerged as a promising option in the Indian two-wheeler market, offering the comfort of a familiar design to seasoned users and the convenience of electric technology to new buyers. Many people hesitate to purchase an electric vehicle for the first time, fearing high prices or difficulty charging. The Splendor EV has been designed to address this concern, ensuring a smooth transition to everyday tasks at a low cost. The company has retained the recognizable Splendor styling, ensuring a seamless transition for long-time users. It has also added features that enhance electric performance and modernize the experience.
Design and Build: New Technology with a Familiar Look
The Splendor EV retains the same look as the traditional Splendor. This means that those who have ridden the Splendor for years will feel comfortable on board. The seat height is comfortable, the handlebar position is suitable for everyday city riding, and the balanced weight makes cornering and parking easy, even in heavy traffic. The body panels are simple yet clean, making even minor scratches less noticeable. Basic safety signals like LED DRLs and indicator alerts enhance long-term riding confidence.
Digital Instrument Cluster: Information at a Glance
Being an electric bike, it features a digital instrument cluster that clearly displays important information like speed, battery level, estimated range, time, and trip time. Readings are clearly visible both in daylight and at night, eliminating the need to squint in varying lighting conditions. The range estimate is particularly useful, allowing you to determine whether you’ll need to charge on your way back from work.
Smart Controller: Smooth and Safe Power Delivery
The Splendor EV features a smart controller unit that regulates the flow of power between the battery and motor. In simple terms, this controller sends the right amount of power to the motor based on your throttle input, battery status, and the selected riding mode. This ensures a smooth pickup, a clear pull upon acceleration, and no unnecessary power consumption. This same controller also manages regenerative braking, which returns some energy to the battery when braking, improving range.
Software Settings and User Options
This bike doesn’t have computer terms like RAM and ROM in the traditional sense, but its software manages your user settings. For example, some modes allow for gentle acceleration, while others offer a more rapid response. In heavy city traffic, you can choose a gentle mode to conserve power and maintain a smooth ride. On empty roads, choosing a more agile mode makes overtaking easier. All these settings are user-friendly, allowing the same bike to adapt to different situations.
Battery and Charging: Sufficient for Daily Needs
The Splendor EV features a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of approximately three kilowatt-hours. The company claims a range of approximately one hundred and twenty kilometers under ideal conditions. In real life, the range varies depending on traffic, weight, road conditions, and temperature, but it comfortably handles daily tasks like commuting to and from work. With fast charging support, the battery can be fully charged in approximately three to four hours, making it convenient for charging after arriving home at night. If you have a 15-ampere home socket, setting up charging is easy. If needed, you can also use a shared charging point in your community.
Consider a simple calculation. Suppose your electricity rate is approximately eight rupees per unit. Recharging a three kilowatt-hour battery will cost approximately twenty-four rupees, giving you a range of approximately one hundred and twenty kilometers. Thus, the cost per kilometer works out to approximately twenty paise. In comparison, if a petrol bike delivers 60 kilometers per liter and the price of petrol is ₹100 per liter, the cost per kilometer comes to over ₹160. This means, on a daily basis, electric offers significant savings.
Performance and Everyday Ride
The electric motor’s specialty is that torque is available right from the start. The vehicle stops at traffic signals, and a light throttle propels the bike forward as soon as the signal turns green. Even when overtaking, there’s a clear pull. Since there’s no need to change gears, even new riders can ride without hesitation. While the cabin isn’t as quiet as a conventional motorcycle, the noise is still low, making it a peaceful experience even within a residential area during the morning. The suspension setup effectively absorbs city potholes, and the Splendor’s familiar ergonomics reduce strain on the wrists and back during long rides.
Safety and Reliability
The Splendor EV lacks features like a camera, as these are not typically offered on two-wheelers. But basic safety features include DRL, indicator alerts, good headlamp spread, and regenerative braking. The braking hardware is adequate for everyday use. The electrical system is water-protected. Designed to meet safety standards, the bike is built to ensure that even light rain or wading through shallow water poses no risk. However, deep water should be avoided, and charging should always be done in a dry and safe place.
Maintenance and Ownership Costs
Electric bikes do not require engine oil changes. Regularly inspecting the brake pads, tires, suspension, and chain drive or belt system keeps maintenance costs low. The battery is usually provided with a separate warranty, so it’s worth carefully reviewing the warranty terms before purchasing. If your daily commute is fifteen to twenty kilometers, charging once or twice a week should suffice. This routine greatly simplifies ownership.
Right Choice for Whom
If you’re considering an electric two-wheeler for the first time and are looking for an affordable option, the Splendor EV is a wise choice. It’s suitable for college students, office-going professionals, part-time delivery riders, or those who commute daily from home to the market or nearby areas. The transition from the traditional Splendor is easy, as the seating position, weight, and handling feel are largely familiar.
Impact of Price and Subsidies
The estimated ex-showroom price in India is between ₹75,000 and ₹85,000. Your on-road price may vary depending on subsidies available in different states, company schemes, and dealer offers. It’s beneficial to research the subsidies and insurance plans available in your city before purchasing. When choosing an EMI option, consider balancing the initial down payment and monthly installments to ensure the total ownership cost remains within your budget.
Conclusion: More Work for Less
The Hero Splendor EV’s goal is clear: to complete everyday tasks noiselessly, without fumes, and at a low cost. The familiar design provides confidence to older users, while the electric technology meets the needs of the new generation. Elements like the digital cluster, smart controller, 3 kWh battery, and fast charging support make it a city-centric, affordable, and easy-to-own option. If you want to avoid rising petrol expenses and also want a simple and reliable experience, the Splendor EV could be a contender at the top of your list.