TVS Motor Company has officially launched the TVS Orbiter V1 and it’s a total game-changer for urban commuters. This new 1.8 kWh model is now the most affordable electric scooter in the TVS line up, but the real headline is the introduction of Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) across their entire EV portfolio. With the BaaS model, the entry price for a TVS electric scooter has plummeted and in the case of the Orbiter V1 is just ₹49,999 (ex-showroom Delhi, including PM e-Drive). If someone prefers to buy the bike and battery together, the Orbiter V1 is priced at ₹84,500.
Meet the TVS Orbiter V1: Smart, Simple, and Sustainable
The Orbiter V1 is all about making the daily city grind easier. It joins its bigger sibling, the Orbiter V2 (3.1 kWh), to give riders more choice.
Here’s the quick breakdown of the V1’s performance:
- Range: It delivers a certified IDC range of 86 km—perfect for zipping around town. (Real world range around 65 kms.)
- Charging: It hits 0–80% in about 2 hours and 20 minutes, so it’s ready to go when you are.
- Practical Design: It features a massive 845 mm flat seat and a 290 mm footboard, giving both the rider and pillion plenty of room. Plus, the 34-litre under-seat storage can actually fit two helmets!
How Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) works
TVS is trying to shift the “ownership mindset” by separating the cost of the scooter from the battery. Instead of paying for the whole battery upfront, riders “subscribe” to it.
The BaaS benefits are hard to ignore:
- Ultra-Low Entry Price: Starts at just ₹49,999.
- Monthly Subscription: Flexible plans start at only ₹862 / month.
- Total Peace of Mind: An extended warranty (5 years / 70,000 km) is included in the BaaS plan.
- Drive All You Want: You get unlimited monthly usage during your tenure.
High-Tech Features for the Modern Rider
TVS didn’t skimp on the “smart” stuff. The Orbiter V1 is loaded with tech that keeps riders safe and connected:
- Connected Tech: A mobile app lets users check battery charge and the odometer remotely.
- Safety First: It comes with Crash, Fall, and Anti-theft alerts, plus Geo-fencing and Time-fencing.
- Rider Aids: Features like Hill Hold Assist, Cruise Control, and Parking Assist make riding effortless.
- Dash & Display: A colored LCD cluster shows incoming calls, SMS, and turn-by-turn navigation.
Gaurav Gupta, President of the India 2W Business at TVS, noted that the Orbiter V1 is the “most accessible entry point” into their electric range. Meanwhile, Aniruddha Haldar, Senior VP at TVS, mentioned that the success of the Orbiter V2 proved there was a huge demand for practical EV mobility, and the V1 is their answer to those customer insights.
