Startup Originals Team
Hero MotoCorp is preparing to enter India’s electric motorcycle market with its first batch of electric bikes next year, expanding its EV strategy beyond scooters under the VIDA brand. The company is expected to target different rider segments with products focused on urban mobility as well as higher-performance riding.
The move will mark Hero MotoCorp’s first major entry into the electric motorcycle segment. The company already sells electric scooters through VIDA and has been developing electric motorcycle concepts and technology through partnerships and its internal research and development network.
The planned launches come as electric two-wheeler adoption continues to grow in India and policymakers push for faster electrification. Delhi’s EV Policy 2026, for instance, provides for only electric two-wheelers to be eligible for registration in the national capital from April 2028.
What Happened?
Hero MotoCorp is set to unveil its first electric motorcycles next year, with the initial products expected to address different use cases. The first motorcycle is positioned around urban mobility, while another product is expected to cater to customers looking for a more performance-oriented and adventure-focused riding experience.
The development represents an important shift for Hero MotoCorp. Until now, its electric mobility business has largely been built around VIDA electric scooters. The company launched VIDA as its dedicated electric mobility brand and has continued to expand its scooter portfolio in India.
Hero has already showcased electric motorcycle concepts as part of its wider EV roadmap. At EICMA 2025, VIDA presented the Ubex concept and Project VXZ, with the latter being developed in collaboration with US-based Zero Motorcycles. VIDA describes Project VXZ as a platform aimed at delivering a more performance-focused electric motorcycle experience.
Key Details
Hero’s electric motorcycle plans cover more than one segment. The company is looking to bring an urban-oriented motorcycle for everyday riders while also developing products aimed at customers who want greater performance and adventure capability.
This approach could help Hero move beyond the relatively established electric scooter market and address the still-developing electric motorcycle category in India. Electric motorcycles require different battery, motor and packaging solutions because riders generally expect higher speeds and longer-distance performance than scooters.
Hero has been working with Zero Motorcycles on electric motorcycle technology. The partnership is aimed at developing premium electric motorcycles, while Hero has also indicated that learnings from higher-performance electric powertrains could eventually support products for broader consumer segments.
The company has also been expanding its existing electric scooter business. Hero’s VIDA portfolio recently added the VX2 Plus with a larger 4.4 kWh battery and a claimed IDC range of 187 km, showing the company’s focus on expanding its electric product range while preparing for motorcycles.
Hero is also increasing its EV manufacturing capacity. Its Sri City facility is planned to reach a production capacity of 6.6 lakh electric two-wheelers by 2027, up from 3.3 lakh units, while the company has targeted production of about 2.8 lakh electric two-wheelers in FY27.
Why This Matters
Hero MotoCorp’s entry could increase competition in India’s electric motorcycle market, which has so far had fewer established two-wheeler manufacturers compared with the electric scooter segment.
The company has a large existing motorcycle customer base and an extensive sales and service network. That gives Hero an opportunity to bring electric motorcycles to customers who may be more familiar with conventional Hero motorcycles but have not yet considered an EV.
The timing is also significant because government policies are encouraging a transition toward electric mobility. Delhi’s policy to allow only electric two-wheelers for new registrations from April 2028 could further increase demand for suitable electric motorcycles in the capital.
Hero’s broader EV expansion also comes as the company looks to strengthen its position in a rapidly changing two-wheeler market. Its VIDA business recorded strong growth in the first quarter of FY27, while the company continues to invest in new electric products and manufacturing capacity.
Company Background
Hero MotoCorp is headquartered in New Delhi and is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of motorcycles and scooters. The company has a global customer base of more than 125 million and operates manufacturing facilities and research centres across multiple markets.
Its product portfolio spans commuter motorcycles, premium motorcycles, scooters and electric vehicles. Key products include the Splendor, Xtreme, Xpulse, Xoom and Destini ranges, while VIDA represents its dedicated electric mobility business.
Hero has also expanded into premium and electric mobility through partnerships. Its collaboration with Harley-Davidson supports premium motorcycles, while its partnership with Zero Motorcycles focuses on electric motorcycle technology. The company has additionally invested in EV businesses including Ather Energy and Euler Motors.
The company has been increasing its focus on premium motorcycles and new mobility technologies alongside its traditional commuter business. Recent launches such as the Xpulse 210, Xtreme 250R and Xoom 160 have helped broaden its product portfolio.
Industry Impact
Hero MotoCorp’s entry into electric motorcycles could push established two-wheeler manufacturers to accelerate their own EV plans. Companies including Royal Enfield, TVS Motor, Bajaj Auto and Honda are also developing or expanding electric two-wheeler portfolios, making the segment increasingly competitive.
The electric motorcycle category remains more challenging than electric scooters because consumers expect higher performance, practical riding range and reliable charging options. Battery size, weight and cost can significantly influence the final price and usability of an electric motorcycle.
For customers, the arrival of a major motorcycle manufacturer could mean more choices across price and performance categories. Hero’s established distribution and service network could also help address one of the key concerns surrounding EV ownership: access to sales, maintenance and support.
The expansion could also strengthen domestic EV manufacturing and create additional demand for batteries, power electronics, motors and other components as manufacturers increase production.
Future Plans
Hero MotoCorp is expected to continue expanding its electric portfolio through both VIDA scooters and electric motorcycles. The company has already showcased multiple electric concepts, including the Ubex and Project VXZ, signalling plans to serve urban, performance and adventure-focused customers.
The company is also scaling its EV manufacturing capabilities. Its planned increase in Sri City capacity to 6.6 lakh units by 2027 is expected to support a larger electric product portfolio and higher volumes.
Beyond India, Hero has been expanding its international footprint. The company entered Germany in July 2026, marking its fifth European market and 53rd country overall, while VIDA continues to be positioned as an important part of its global electric mobility strategy.
Conclusion
Hero MotoCorp’s electric motorcycle launch in 2027 will mark a major expansion of its EV strategy beyond scooters. With urban and performance-oriented products planned, the company is preparing to compete in a segment that is expected to become increasingly important as India moves toward electric mobility.
The combination of new electric motorcycles, expanding VIDA sales and higher EV manufacturing capacity could give Hero MotoCorp a stronger position in India’s next phase of two-wheeler electrification.
