The rise of electrification in the motorcycle industry is more evident now than ever before. Motorcycle manufacturers, especially in the Asian market, are investing heavily in initiatives towards electric vehicles. In India, several new and exciting electric motorcycle offerings are popping up, and it seems that TVS, a renowned Indian motorcycle brand, could be joining the movement.
TVS has recently announced a significant investment in ION Mobility, a Singapore-based startup that specializes in electric mobility. With TVS providing financial support, ION Mobility aims to expand its presence in Malaysia and Singapore. While the details of TVS’ investment were not disclosed, it is part of the brand’s global expansion initiative, which aims to create a lineup of premium, tech-laden electric models.
See also: TVS and BMW Motorrad to jointly produce electric motorcycle
Currently, ION Mobility’s only model on the market is the M1-S, a maxi-scooter-style electric scooter. The M1-S boasts a 12.5-kilowatt electric motor, with a maximum torque of 30 lb-ft. The scooter is powered by a 3.5-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with an option to upgrade to a larger 5-kilowatt-hour unit. It features an array of advanced tech features, such as keyless ignition, a full-color seven-inch TFT display, and full LED lights.
Stylistically, the M1-S boasts sporty, angular bodywork, giving it a striking resemblance to other gasoline-powered maxi-scooters, such as the Yamaha XMAX and Kymco X-Town. The M1-S also features a standard telescopic fork up front, paired with a pair of preload-adjustable shock absorbers at the rear. Additionally, it is equipped with front and rear disc brakes for optimal stopping power.
With TVS’ investment in ION Mobility, it is likely that the startup will expand its product lineup to include more two-wheel electric vehicles. It is exciting to see more electric vehicles enter the market, especially in the small-capacity two-wheeler segment that dominates the Asian market. As the world shifts towards a more sustainable future, it is reassuring to know that established brands like TVS are investing in electric mobility.
