After Harley-Davidson, Hero MotoCorp to manufacture Zero electric motorcycles in India

Earlier this year, home-grown two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp inked a strategic partnership with California-based Zero Motorcycles to co-develop electric motorcycles. Now, the company has confirmed that it will handle the manufacturing and retail of Zero electric motorcycles in India.
Hero MotoCorp is one of the leading players in the conventional ICE two-wheeler market but the sales of its maiden electric scooter, the Vida V1, hasn’t picked up as the company would’ve expected.Hero MotoCorp along with other legacy brands in India are bound to introduce electric two-wheeler offerings as the country transitions towards electrification of transportation.
With the introduction of Zero electric motorcycles in India, Hero MotoCorp will make use of its low-cost, local manufacturing prowess coupled with its wide sales network to become a potential market mover in the electric motorcycle segment.

The electric two-wheeler segment has witnessed robust growth lately. However, it is interesting to note that it is majorly dominated by electric scooters as electric motorcycles are not abundant as of now. This is because there is currently a lack of options available in the market. Further, EV owners look for practicality and economical benefits, which presently, are provided by electric scooters. On the other hand, electric motorcycles are also priced higher generally.
Besides having its own EV, the Vida, the OEM has also invested and commands a healthy share of over 35 percent in Bengaluru-based Ather Energy. The company also introduced the Harley-Davidson X440, which is the first motorcycle to have come out of their partnership with another US-based motorcycle marque, Harley-Davidson.