Finance
TVS Motor Company has implemented a battery-as-a-service (BaaS) ownership model across its electric scooter portfolio in an effort to reduce the initial cost of electric mobility and acquire a piece of the fast developing entry-level electric two-wheeler industry. According to the model, users can buy the scooter without the battery and then subscribe to battery consumption through monthly subscriptions. According to the company, subscription levels start at Rs 862 per month and include battery assurance for up to five years or 70,000 kilometers, as well as unlimited usage during the subscription time.
Industry experts say such models are aimed at addressing one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption high upfront purchase costs as separating the battery from the vehicle cost significantly improves affordability and gives customers flexibility in ownership, said an industry executive tracking the electric two-wheeler market. With this move, TVS joins other EV players such as Ather Energy and Hero MotoCorp, which have explored battery leasing or subscription-based ownership structures in select electric products to improve accessibility especially for first time buyers.
TVS Orbiter V1 Price and Variants
Alongside the new pricing model, TVS has also introduced a new base variant called Orbiter V1.
The scooter lineup now includes two variants:
- Orbiter V1 – ₹92,250 (ex-showroom, without subsidy)
- Orbiter V2 – ₹1,04,900 (ex-showroom, without subsidy)
Under the BaaS ownership model, the effective upfront prices drop to:
- ₹49,999 for Orbiter V1
- ₹59,664 for Orbiter V2
In my opinion, this pricing could make the Orbiter one of the most accessible electric scooters in India, especially for buyers looking to switch from petrol scooters.
Pricing and Subscription
Along with the new ownership model, TVS introduced the TVS Orbiter V1, priced at Rs 49,999 (ex-showroom Delhi, including PM e-Drive subsidy) under the BaaS plan. Without the battery subscription option, the scooter costs Rs 84,500. The Orbiter V1 is powered by a 1.8 kWh battery that has a certified IDC range of 86 km on one charge. The battery can be charged from 0% to 80% in around two hours and twenty minutes.
Colour Options
The Orbiter V1 will be available in two colour choices:
- Martian Copper
- Stellar Silver
While the options are limited, both shades seem aimed at maintaining the premium look of the scooter.
Expanding the Orbiter Lineup
The new scooter complements the more expensive TVS Orbiter V2, which has a larger 3.1 kWh battery, allowing TVS to target both entry-level and high-end electric scooter purchasers. The introduction comes at a time when India’s electric two-wheeler market is expanding rapidly, with manufacturers like Ola Electric, Ather Energy, and Chetak increasing competition in the sub-Rs 1 lakh bracket. Interestingly, Ola and Chetak do not yet provide BaaS models.
