India’s First Electric Cruiser Launched

Apart from the Earth Energy Evolve R, the Evolve Z electric naked bike and the Glyde Plus electric scooter have also been launched

• Earth Energy EV is a Mumbai-based startup.
• Glyde Plus will be available from mid-February onwards.
• Evolve R and Evolve Z will be available from April onwards.
• Prices start from Rs 92,000 on-road.

Founded in 2017, Mumbai-based electric vehicle startup Earth Energy EV has kicked things off in 2021 by launching three electric vehicles -- Earth Energy Glyde Plus electric scooter, Evolve Z naked electric bike, and the first-in-segment electric cruiser, the Evolve R. The Glyde Plus e-scooter is priced at Rs 92,000 whereas the Evolve Z is pegged at Rs 1.30 lakh. The range-topping Evolve Z costs Rs 1.42 lakh all-inclusive, on-road. 

Earth Energy EV has seven dealerships (in Mumbai) and plans to expand to 45 dealerships by the end of this year. It will prioritise cities like Pune, Nashik, Vadodara, and Surat, followed by other major cities across the country. While the electric scooter will be available from mid-February, the two electric motorcycles will be on sale from April. Bookings are open for Rs 1,000 (refundable).

All the three EVs get a 5-inch LCD instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity, live location, vehicle tracking, theft protection, and turn-by-turn navigation as standard. The console shows crucial details, including battery information, realtime range, speed, and turn-by-turn navigation arrows. You also get a ‘dark’ mode and all-LED lights. The scooter is provided with CBS as standard, whereas the electric bikes feature ABS for better safety. Take a look at the specifications of the three electric two-wheelers:

None of the two-wheelers come with a removable battery, but the company claims their products are compatible with every type of public charging system.

Underpinnings on all the three include a telescopic front fork, twin rear shock absorbers, and disc brakes on both ends. The company offers a complimentary charging station. Every Earth Energy EV dealership will have three conventional charging points and one fast-charging system -- all of which can be used for free in the first year, followed by a nominal fee thereafter. The electric two-wheelers come with a three-and-a-half-year warranty as standard, with the option to pay a little more and avail another two years. If you're interested in electric scooters, you might want to check out our road test review of Ampere Magnus Pro e-scooter.

Earth Energy claims their electric two-wheelers are made in India with 96 percent localisation. The EVs are manufactured on the outskirts of Mumbai. While current production capacity is 12,000 units in a year, Earth Energy says it would soon touch 65,000 units annually, with the help of a new plant they’re hoping to set up in the future.

All in all, the Glyde Plus and Evolve Z seem promising, considering the features offered at a competitive price point. But brand awareness and outreach will have to play a pivotal role if it were to topple the likes of the Bajaj Chetak electric scooter and the Revolt RV 400. The Evolve R, on the other hand, is the only electric cruiser available in India. Only time will tell if can make a name for itself. Until then, stay tuned.