TVS X Electric Scooter First Ride Review

The X looks quite like the Creon concept that TVS showcased some years ago

• The X’s 11kW motor enables a 105kmph
• TVS has priced it at Rs 2,49,990 (ex-showroom)
• Rivals for the X include the likes of the Ather 450X and the Ola S1 Pro 

Earlier last month was when TVS blew the market away by launching the X electric scooter. It was not only priced at an incredible Rs 2.50 lakh, ex-showroom, but it also packed a hell lot of tech. In fact, some of its technology was stuff that we’ve never seen on a two-wheeler before, not even on litre-class motorcycles, bikes that are considered to be tech-laden. 

So that obviously piqued our interest and built up to a lot of hype as we went into the first ride. Did the scooter actually live up to it though, or was it not able to? Let’s find out: 

TVS X: Design & Features

The TVS X electric scooter stands out with its sleek and aerodynamic design, embodying a "lean, mean, clean" look. This unique silhouette sets it apart from other scooters in the Indian market. Its rear design, featuring an exposed sub-frame and a single-sided swingarm, gives it a motorcycle-like appearance.

One of its key features is a 10.2-inch TFT touchscreen that can be tilted for better visibility. This screen offers extensive customization options. The scooter is equipped with the TVS NavPro navigation system, which includes EV-specific routing algorithms to find charging stations. The console also comes with widgets, themes, video playback, and games for added functionality.

Safety is a priority with the TVS X electric scooter, thanks to the TVS Smart Xhield system, offering crash alerts and dedicated assistance. Additionally, it provides a generous 19-litre underseat storage and a split seat setup for added convenience.

TVS X: Motor & Range

The 'TVS Xleton platform boasts a cast aluminum alloy twin-spar frame, designed to increase stiffness and durability. Notably, it introduces a unique ram air-cooled motor, a first in its segment, which enhances sustained performance through passive cooling. This frame offers exceptional torsional stiffness, more than twice that of standard underbone frames, and vertical stiffness over four times greater, leading to improved agility and steering precision.

The placement of the battery between the frame's spars ensures a low center of gravity for optimal stability. Powering the TVS X electric scooter is a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) with an in-house controller. It delivers a peak power of 11 kW and a rated power of 7 kW, enabling rapid acceleration from 0-40 kmph in just 2.6 seconds and reaching a top speed of 105 kmph. The scooter offers three riding modes: "Xtealth," "Xtride," and "Xonic," each complemented by multi-level regen modes for versatile performance.

TVS X: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

The TVS X handles brilliantly well and this is when it really shows. The scooter has a slightly stiffer fork than what you’d see on your average family-oriented electric scooter. And while it still does absorb the city bumps and speed breakers rather well, it really shines in the corners. 

The stiffer suspension coupled with its relatively long wheelbase makes it absolutely stable in the corners. Even if you enter a bit too hot, the X remains very stable and planted and even if you’ve to make corrections mid corners, the X soaks everything up. Even the mid-corner bumps and undulations are taken care of surprisingly well. All in all, its handling is definitely the X’s major talking point. 

TVS X: Dimensions

Thankfully though, the X’s sporty package doesn’t come at the cost of practicality. Its 770mm seat height is extremely approachable for riders of different shapes and sizes and even the 175mm ground clearance is more than enough to take on our bad roads. 

We took it over the worst bumpers and speed breakers that the city had to offer and it still held its own against those. Yes, it doesn’t feel as plush as something like a TVS iQube but it feels comfortable enough without feeling too jarring or stiff. 

TVS X: Price

TVS has priced the X at a staggering Rs 2.50 lakh, ex-showroom and that does mean that the scooter will, at the end of the day, be a rather niche product. 

Verdict

The TVS X electric scooter is definitely a fun one, but its price will remind you that it is a niche product at the end of the day. It’ll find its way to very specific buyers, but the ones that do buy it, know that they’ve something that’s very different from every other two-wheeler out in the market. And that will definitely give them a sense of pride, a sense of value for their money.