Electric scooter manufacturer Kinetic DX enters the scene, contesting against Vida VX2.
The electric scooter segment in India is witnessing a surge in demand and sales, with several two-wheeler manufacturers joining the fray. Two notable players in this space are Kinetic and Hero Motocorp, with their respective offerings, the Kinetic DX and Hero Vida VX2.
Pricing and Battery Leasing
The Hero Vida VX2, priced between ₹99,490 (Go variant) and ₹1.09 lakh (Plus variant, buying battery), is generally more affordable, especially with the battery leasing (BaaS) option. This lowers the upfront cost significantly compared to the Kinetic DX, which is priced around Rs. 1.11-1.17 lakh ex-showroom.
Range and Battery
In terms of range, the Kinetic DX offers about 102 km (base) and up to 116 km (DX+ variant, IDC-rated), while the Vida VX2 offers 92 km for the Go and a much higher 142 km for the Plus variant due to a larger battery. The Vida VX2 supports removable batteries and includes the innovative Battery-as-a-Service model, giving flexibility to customers. The Kinetic DX uses a 2.6 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, but the removable feature is not specified.
Power and Speed
The Kinetic DX has a more powerful motor (6.4 bhp) and a higher top speed of 90 km/h, compared to Vida VX2’s top speeds of 70 km/h (Go) and 80 km/h (Plus).
Design and Variants
The Kinetic DX emphasizes a retro design with two variants, while the Vida VX2 provides two variants and more color options with modern features. The Kinetic DX EV sports a distinctive LED headlight, flanked by a Kinetic logo-shaped LED daytime running light, and features a visor with the Kinetic branding, which adds a subtle nod to the Kinetic Honda DX.
Competition and Market Position
The Kinetic DX challenges rivals such as Vida VX2, TVS iQube, Ather Rizta, Honda Activa e, and Bajaj Chetak, among others. The Vida VX2 is available in two variants - VX2 Plus and VX2 Go, with the VX2 Go running up to 92 kilometres on a full charge, while the VX2 Plus can run up to 142 kilometres on a full charge. The VX2 Go has a 2.2 kWh battery, while the VX2 Plus has a 3.4 kWh battery pack.
In conclusion, the Kinetic DX and Hero Vida VX2 cater to different segments of the electric scooter market. The Kinetic DX targets buyers seeking higher speed and power, with a higher upfront cost, while Hero Vida VX2 appeals to cost-conscious buyers looking for flexibility in battery ownership and longer range in the top-end variant.
[1] Kinetic DX Press Release [2] Hero Vida VX2 Press Release [3] IDC-rated range for Kinetic DX [4] Specifications comparison between Kinetic DX and Vida VX2 [5] Vida VX2 battery subscription plan
- Despite the Kinetic DX offering a higher top speed and more power, the Hero Vida VX2's lower upfront cost and flexible battery leasing options might attract budget-conscious buyers.
- In contrast to the Kinetic DX that targets high-speed enthusiasts, the Hero Vida VX2 caters to those seeking longer range in the electric scooter segment, particularly in its top-end variant.
