TVS Motor Company has introduced the Orbiter V1, a new base variant of its electric scooter lineup, priced at ₹49,999 under a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model. The aggressive pricing strategy is aimed at making electric mobility more accessible, especially for first-time buyers.
Under the BaaS model, the battery cost is excluded from the scooter’s upfront price. Instead, customers can opt for a monthly subscription, expected to cost around ₹862. This approach significantly reduces the initial purchase cost, addressing one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption.
Battery and Range
The Orbiter V1 is equipped with a 1.8 kWh battery pack, which is smaller than those offered in higher variants of the Orbiter range. Despite this, the scooter delivers a claimed range of 86 km on a single charge.
Charging is relatively quick, with the battery capable of going from 0 to 80 percent in 2 hours and 20 minutes, making it practical for daily city use.
Performance for City Use
Designed primarily for urban commuting, the Orbiter V1 offers a top speed of 68 km/h. It can accelerate from 0 to 40 km/h in 6.3 seconds, which should be adequate for navigating city traffic conditions.
Features and Connectivity
Even as a base variant, the Orbiter V1 comes with a decent set of features. It gets LED lighting and a colour LCD display with Bluetooth connectivity.
Riders can access call alerts, SMS notifications, and smartphone integration features, enhancing convenience for daily use. The scooter is equipped with a drum brake setup along with a combined braking system (CBS).
Lightweight Advantage
Weighing approximately 101 kg, the Orbiter V1 is 12 kg lighter than higher variants. The reduced weight is expected to improve manoeuvrability, particularly in congested urban environments.
Pricing Strategy and Positioning
TVS Motor is offering the Orbiter V1 in two configurations. The BaaS-enabled version is priced at ₹49,999, while the version with the battery included is available at ₹84,500 (ex-showroom).
With this dual-pricing strategy, the company is targeting a wide range of customers—from budget-conscious first-time EV buyers to those who prefer full ownership without a subscription model.
