Hero Vida V1: World Record by Riding 1780km in 24 Hours.

Introduction

In the world of electric vehicles (EVs), Hero Motor Corp has made its entry with the Vida V1, a stylish and innovative scooter. As part of Hero’s new EV sub-brand called Vdub, the Vida V1 comes in two variants: the Pro and the Plus. While both models share many similarities, the main difference lies in their battery capacities. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the Hero V1 and explore its design, features, performance, and pricing. Hero Motor Corp’s V1 is an exciting addition to the world of electric scooters. It aims to provide a blend of style, performance, and eco-friendliness, catering to urban commuters looking for an efficient and reliable mode of transportation.

Key Specification Vida V1:

Specification	Vida V1
Price (Ex-showroom, Delhi)	Rs. 1,41,746
Variants	1 (Pro)
Colors	5
Power Output	3900 W
Battery Capacity	3.94 kWh
Range	165 km
Top Speed	80 kmph
0-40 kmph Acceleration	3.2 seconds
Braking System	Front Disc, Rear Drum with Combined Braking System
Headlight	Apron Mounted LED with Smoked Visor
Seat Setup	Split-seat with Grab Rail
Battery Type	Removable Lithium-ion
TFT Touchscreen	7-inch
Riding Modes	Sport, Ride, Eco, Custom
Cruise Control	Available
Throttle	Two-way
Keyless Control	Available
Smartphone Connectivity	Available
Geo-fencing	Available
OTA (Over-the-Air Updates)	Available
Regenerative Braking	Available
Reverse Mode	Available
S.O.S. Switch	Available
Front Suspension	Telescopic Forks
Rear Suspension	Single Shock
Brakes	Single Disc (Front), Drum (Rear) on Alloy Wheels
Under-seat Storage	26 litres
Competitors	Ather 450X Gen 3, Revolt RV 400, TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, Ola S1

Vida V1 Shatters Guinness World Record by Riding 1780km in 24 Hours:

In this exciting adventure, a team attempts to break the Guinness World Record for the longest distance covered by an electric scooter in a relay over 24 hours. The previous record stands at 1430.5 kilometers, and they are using the Hero Veda V1 Pro scooter, which is the only one capable of achieving this feat in the country. The Veda scooter stands out for its removable batteries, allowing for quick battery swaps instead of lengthy charging times. The challenge is more about endurance than speed, as they aim to maintain peak performance for the entire 24 hours.

 

The Start of an Extraordinary Journey:

The team consists of six riders, including representatives from Autocar and Hero Motor Corps. They follow strict protocols and procedures to validate the track length, verify the scooter’s odometer accuracy, and have independent marshals to monitor laps, timings, battery swaps, and rider changes. With the flag-off at 6:45 am, the adventure begins on Heroes Center for Innovation and Technology’s high-speed test circuit in Jaipur.

Swift Swaps and Flawless Performance:

The first rider takes off, enjoying the peaceful and beautiful ride. They swiftly swap the battery after the initial stint and gradually improve their pit stop times. The team’s plan is to run the Veda scooter at full speed until the battery reaches around 25% charge, then swap it out for a fully charged one. Each rider completes two stints, aiming to set a new world record.

They discover that crouching down to increase aerodynamics boosts their average speed. Despite the scorching heat of the Rajasthan weather during a heatwave, the Veda scooter performs flawlessly without any temperature issues. As darkness falls, they push through fatigue and continue their journey. Fatigue starts to set in, but the support from the crew and the knowledge of surpassing the existing record keep their spirits high.

Breaking Barriers Through the Night:

During the night, they break the previous world record earlier than expected, leaving them ample time to extend their new record. As time passes, some team members rest, while others persist in their shifts. The Veda scooter continues to run smoothly with zero problems, regardless of the hours of operation.

Surpassing Expectations:

As the sun rises, they realize they have far exceeded their expectations. The record is well and truly shattered, with a distance of over 1700 kilometers and counting. The team experiences firsthand the resilience and reliability of EV technology, proving that well-engineered electric scooters can withstand high-stress situations.

A Triumph Worth Celebrating:

In the final moments, a special guest joins the team to complete the last few laps in style. The team achieves a remarkable distance of 1780 kilometers within 24 hours, leaving them proud of their accomplishment. They acknowledge the physical toll it took on the riders, emphasizing the durability of the scooter throughout the entire run. The record-breaking feat not only showcases the capabilities of the Hero Veda V1 Pro scooter but also demonstrates the potential of EVs as a robust and reliable mode of transportation.

Design and Appearance:

The V1 boasts a striking design that catches the eye. Its aggressive-looking face, characterized by a low-mounted LED headlamp and a wide body panel, gives it a distinctive presence on the road. The side profile features a large swooping body panel and a unique split seat design. At the rear, the scooter incorporates black plastic elements, which offer modular functionality, allowing for the removal of the plastics or the rear seat. However, it’s important to note that this functionality will be available at a later date. The current boot space stands at 26 liters, providing ample storage capacity for urban commuting needs.

Comfort and Ergonomics:

When it comes to rider comfort, the V1 excels. Its spacious seat, natural-feeling floorboard, and well-placed handlebars contribute to a comfortable riding experience. The scooter’s suspension system offers a decent level of compliance, ensuring a smooth ride over various road surfaces. The V1’s 12-inch wheels, equipped with grippy MRF tires, provide stability and confident handling.

Performance and Handling:

The V1 delivers impressive performance for an electric scooter. With a top speed of 80 kilometers per hour, it offers a faster ride compared to many of its counterparts. The scooter’s air-cooled swing-arm-mounted motor produces a peak power of six kilowatts, delivering strong acceleration in the 20 to 50 kilometers per hour range. The scooter maintains stability and predictability while riding, striking a balance between agility and ease of handling.

Battery and Charging:

Hero Motor Corp focuses on providing a good battery range for the V1. The V1 Pro comes with a 3.94 kilowatt-hour battery, while the V1 Plus features a slightly smaller 3.44-kilowatt-hour battery. What sets these scooters apart is that the battery capacity is split into two units, residing under the seat. Although the batteries are removable for charging convenience, each unit weighs 11 kilograms, making frequent removal less desirable. Charging options include removing the batteries and charging them separately, using the provided home charger, or utilizing public fast-charging stations. Hero plans to establish its own fast-charging network, but the Vida V1 can also utilize other existing networks, such as Ather’s.

Features and Technology:

Hero positions the V1 as a premium electric scooter, incorporating several features to justify its positioning. The scooter boasts all-LED lighting, fully keyless functionality, cruise control, and follow-me-home lights. Additionally, it features a shielded SOS button on the handlebar, allowing riders to send an emergency alert using the mobile app. The app also provides access to a range of other features, although it was not available for testing at the time of writing.

Availability and Pricing

While the V1 has been officially launched, deliveries will begin at a later stage, starting with cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Jaipur. Hero Motor Corp plans to expand the availability of the Vida V1 to more cities in the future. However, it’s worth noting that the pricing of the Vida V1 is on the higher side. The V1’s starting price is Rs. 1.45 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base model, and the Vida V1 Pro reaches up to Rs. 1.59 lakh (ex-showroom). These prices position the Vida V1 at the upper end of the EV scooter market. This aggressive pricing strategy from Hero may face challenges, as their previous offerings have been known for their cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Hero Vida V1 electric scooter presents a promising addition to the EV market, offering a fresh perspective on eco-friendly urban commuting. Its stylish design, comfortable ergonomics, commendable performance, and range of features make it an appealing option for those seeking a reliable mode of transportation. However, the pricing may pose a challenge, and the true evaluation of the Vida V1 will be determined once it undergoes comprehensive testing against its competitors.

The recent Guinness World Record-breaking attempt by the team riding the Hero Veda V1 Pro scooter is a remarkable achievement that further highlights the capabilities of well-engineered electric scooters. Their endurance and determination to surpass the existing record by covering a distance of 1780 kilometers within 24 hours showcased the reliability and stamina of EV technology. This feat demonstrates that electric scooters like the Veda can successfully overcome the demanding challenges of continuous operation.

As the EV market continues to evolve, innovations like the Hero Vida V1 and the extraordinary accomplishments of the Veda V1 Pro scooter team serve as inspiring examples of the potential and progress in the realm of electric transportation. With further advancements in technology and increased accessibility, electric scooters are poised to play a vital role in shaping a greener and more sustainable future for urban commuters.

 

FAQs:

1. When will the Hero V1 be available for purchase?

Hero has announced that bookings are open, and deliveries are expected to begin by December. Initially, sales will commence in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Jaipur, with additional cities being added later.

2. How is the V1’s performance compared to other electric scooters?

The V1 offers impressive performance, with a top speed of 80 kilometers per hour. While it may not be the fastest electric scooter on the market, it surpasses many others in terms of speed and acceleration.

3. Can the batteries of the Vida V1 be removed for charging?

Yes, the V1 features removable batteries that can be taken outside for charging. However, each battery unit weighs 11 kilograms, so frequent removal may not be convenient.

4. What features does the Vida V1 offer for rider convenience?

The V1 comes equipped with all-LED lighting, fully keyless functionality, cruise control, follow-me-home lights, and an SOS button for emergencies. The mobile app provides additional features, although it was not available for testing at the time of writing.

5. What is the price of Vida V1?

The V1’s pricing is positioned at the higher end of the EV scooter market. With a starting price of Rs. 1.45 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base model and Rs. 1.59 lakh (ex-showroom) for the V1 Pro, it is relatively more expensive compared to other offerings in the segment.

6. Q What is the true range of Hero Vida V1 Plus?

range of hero Vida V1 143 km/charge