World EV Day 2024: Top 5 Electric Two-wheeler Launches Of 2024

There was once a time when electric two-wheelers were looked upon as an unnecessary purchase. Limited infrastructure and lack of awareness were not helping its case either. Cut to 2024 and one 360-degree look around and you’d realise that’s not the case anymore. What was earlier comprised of just a handful of few options, has now expanded to offer one for everyone – whether that’s in the form of a futuristic-looking electric motorcycle, or being practical that can be enjoyed unanimously by all in the family. 

So, today on the eve of World EV Day, here are the top 5 EV launches in 2024 that has left us pretty excited so far: 

Ather Rizta - The Convenient Family Electric Scooter

Ather’s biggest claim with the Rizta was that it has the biggest seat in the segment, which includes the likes of the TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak. While the underpinnings were carried forward from its existing Ather 450, a few tweaks here and there translated to a much bigger body that has 34-litres of underseat storage space. On the features front too, the large 7-inch TFT screen now supports features like WhatsApp alert, Auto Reply to Calls, Push Location – which will always keep you in touch with your family. 

While the Ather Rizta can be had with either the 2.9 kWh or 3.7 kWh battery options, it however has just two ride modes - Zip and Smart Eco – thus keeping it simple for its varied target audience. Moreover, priced from ₹1.10 lakh onwards, the Ather Rizta promises to be one of the most value for money products in this list.  

UV F77 Mach 2 - With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility

Ultraviolette Automotive had already impressed us with its F77, but this year they took it up a notch with the new F77 Mach 2. For starters, although the electric sports bike looks the same as before, packing in the same 10.2 kWh battery – the guys at UV updated the mid-mounted motor with more power, further implemented more technology in the form of 10-levels of regen braking, traction control, and more charger options. Making this entire dealer sweeter was how they had managed to bump up the range from 305 km to 323 km (IDC). And made it quite the looker with the introduction of new colour options. 

And all of this was available at a price cut with the new Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 range starting from ₹2.99 lakh, down from the inaugural ₹3.80 lakh asking price during its debut. While the top-spec Recon variant will now set you back ₹3.99 lakh, which was earlier priced at ₹4.50 lakh (ex-showroom).  

Bajaj Chetak - Power To Do More In Style

Bajaj Auto has been on an update spree with its sole electric offering, the Chetak. While the scooter already impressed us with its elegant looks, and practical features list – Bajaj Auto decided to push the boundary with quick successive launches of new variants that started with the Chetak 2901, followed by the 3201, and the latest being the 3202 variant. 

All three of these new variants were launched with new battery cells that were procured from a different manufacturer. As a consequence, all three boasted more range than the standard Urbane and Premium Chetak variants. Furthermore, prices of all three hovers around the ₹1 lakh mark, making them much more affordable options compared to the existing Chetak variants. What’s more? Bajaj is not gonna stop at this, and the marque will work on updating the Chetak portfolio with new underpinnings and better features. To get the full rundown, click the link here.  

Matter Aera 5000 - Affordable And Yet Niche

Ahmedabad-based Matter Motor Works gave us quite a pleasant surprise this year with its debut product, the Aera 5000. Positioned as an electric alternative to 160-180 cc motorcycles in a segment that is largely populated by electric scooters, the Aera 5000 also presented itself as a unique offering by being the first of its kind to get a liquid-cooled battery pack. It also has a 4-speed gearbox, thus replicating the functionalities of a proper ICE motorcycle. This addition further helped reinstate its position as a niche, and yet fairly relatable electric motorcycle. However, all of this niche-ness came with a few caveats, and the Matter Aera had its fair share of niggles as well. What are those? Find it out here. 

TVS iQube - Never Been Better

And lastly, TVS Motor Company finally launched its most popular electric offering the iQube with all three variants – base, S, and ST. Yes, the iQube ST finally went on sale this year, for which we had been waiting for almost two years now. What’s more? TVS further expanded the ST trim level with two battery packs, and what was earlier available with only the 5.5 kWh battery pack could now also be had with the smaller 3.2 kWh battery pack at a much more affordable price of ₹1.55 lakh. On the features front too, like a typical TVS product, the iQube was loaded to the brim including the likes of Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Alexa compatibility and much more. To get the full rundown of the new entrees with the latest iQube line-up, head to the launch report here.