In India, the electric revolution is accelerating its pace across all sectors, but at the forefront is the electric two-wheeler. From an e-scooter to an electric motorcycle, two-wheelers are taking over the heart of every Indian household. Increased fuel prices, government pushes, and more brands such as Ola Electric, Ather, and Hero Electric entering the market are driving up these sales.
However, before you rush to purchase an EV, we must understand two things: range and charging tools.
We’re going to unpack everything – from range, charging infrastructure and tools, to some on-the-ground recommendations you need to consider before buying an electric two-wheeler.
Why Range Matters for Electric Two-Wheelers?
What Is “Range”?
For example, the range of an electric two-wheeler is simply the distance it can travel on a full charge. You can think of it as ‘mileage’ in a petrol or diesel vehicle, but in this case what matters is the battery capacity and how well the scooter or bike is able to minimize the use of energy.
The Importance of Range
Range anxiety remains the biggest concern for most Indian consumers when it comes to an EV. Here’s why range matters.
- Daily rides: In Indian metro cities, a two-wheeler commute of 20 to 50 km per day is a fairly average journey; ranges of most electric two-wheelers, such as the Ola S1, upto 190 km are more than sufficient for a typical day’s ride.
- Errand Runs: You can drive an electric scooter to a grocery store or pick up a delivery and still have enough range to take on multiple short missions without the fear of getting stranded due to running out of power.
- Longer Rides: While electric two-wheelers are usually marketed as urban commuter machines rather than vehicles for long road trips, there are certainly some models pushing the range envelope, and city riding is where these bikes are unbeatable anyway.
Factors that Impact Range in Electric Two-Wheelers
The actual range inhaler may vary depending on many factors. Here are few that you must consider:
1. Battery Capacity
The more charge the battery has, the more range you will get with your electric scooter, or electric motorcycle. For instance, whereas the Ola S1 Pro has a 4 kWh battery, which gives it a range of up to 170 km in optimal conditions, the Hero Electric Optima has a small battery and a lower range.
2. Riding Speed
The main factor is simply speed: at higher speeds, you use more power. So if you spend a lot of time riding on highways or otherwise pushing your scooter, expect to get less range than you would in slower, urban rides.
3. Terrain
Overcoming hills or uneven roads requires more energy, and therefore lessens the range; scooting on flat roads means the scooter uses less power, helping you squeeze a bit more range out of a single charge.
4. Weather Conditions
Extreme temperature — hot or cold — can also impact fidelity. In a place like India where summers can be searing, your battery may not be staying at peak performance. Cold temperatures can similarly reduce range, though this is much less of an issue in most of this country.
5. Rider Weight and Cargo
Basically, the heavier the load – additional riders, heavy suitcases, groceries and so on – the more power it takes to move and the less range the scooter has. So lighten up to go the distance.
Electric Two-Wheeler Charging Tools – What You Need to Know?
As you can imagine, charging an electric two-wheeler is quite different from filling up a petrol tank, but if you get the hang of it then it’s quick and easy. Here are the different types of chargers that are available and what it means for you.
Types of Charging Options
| Charger Type | Charging Speed | Where You’ll Use It | Best For |
| Level 1 (AC Slow) | 4–6 hours for full charge | Home charging using a standard 3-pin plug | Overnight charging at home |
| Level 2 (AC Fast) | 1–3 hours for full charge | Public charging stations, commercial spaces | Public charging or fast home charging |
| DC Fast Chargers | 50–80% charge in 30 minutes | Public EV charging stations | Quick top-ups for long rides |
Home Charging vs. Public Charging
- Home charging: this for most e2W owners. You can plug your scooter into a standard socket at home overnight. Most new models come with a portable socket/charger with which you can plug your scooter into any standard 5A socket. The best part? It’s cost-free and hassle-free.
- Public Charging Stations: India is seeing a boom in public charging infrastructure, especially in metro cities. New-age OEMs such as Ola Electric, Ather and Bounce are partnering with retail outlets, malls and parking lots to set up public charging stations. While all available public chargers are Level 2, the speed of charge is quicker and is becoming as ubiquitous as a petrol pump, though not as widespread yet.
Charging Time – What to Expect?
Thus, charging time ranges from a few hours to over a day, depending on the battery capacity and the type of charger used. For instance, charging time for Ola Electric models is as follows:
- Fully charging an Ola S1 – with a 3 kWh battery – requires 4-5 hours using a standard home charger.
- Ola S1 Pro (4 kWh battery) – It will take you 6.5 hours to charge it in your home. If you use a fast charger, you can get 50 per cent charge in 18 minutes for a quick pitstop.
The Growing Charging Infrastructure in India
As for the charging infrastructure, while it will never be as dense as petrol stations, we are playing catch-up in India. The government and some private corporations are trying to bridge the gap by establishing public charging stations all over the country, particularly in metro cities, as encouraged by the FAME II scheme.
Current Charging Networks
Some of the key players in the Indian EV charging space include:
- Ola Hypercharger Network: The company has pledged to create a grid of fast chargers across the length and breadth of the nation, including at public spaces, highways and Ola’s experience centers.
- Ather Grid: Ather Energy has positioned such fast-charging stations in cities like Bangalore, Chennai and Pune. These stations have been built for use with Ather scooters, though other EVs can use them too.
- Tata Power EZ Charge: We have installed a number of EV charging stations on top of our acquisition of Tata Power EZ Charge, which includes a station that supports two-wheelers as well.
Practical Tips for Electric Two-Wheeler Owners
- Plan Ahead: For a longer ride, figure out charging stations along your route with PlugShare or Tata Power EZ Charge apps.
- Charge at Home as Much as Possible: Home charging is the simplest and most economical option for everyday commuting.
- Eco Mode: Most electric two-wheelers have several driving modes, and Eco Mode conserves battery power. This could help stretch your range, especially for those stuck in heavy traffic.
- Eye on the Battery: Keep an eye on the battery when you are taking a long hike. Keep the battery charged.
Are Electric Two-Wheelers a Practical Choice in India?
The consumer market for electric two-wheelers in India is more than ripe. The product is here. The branding has happened. Companies such as Ola Electric and Ather are ready. With claimed ranges that cover a full day of commuting, low charging costs, and rapidly growing charging infrastructure across the country, electric two-wheelers can be a great alternative to petrol-powered two-wheelers.
If you are looking for a affordable, green and convenient way to ride around in the city, an electric two-wheeler is a good choice.
