Indian hybrid firm TVS has revealed a near-production prototype of a petrol-electric hybrid cruiser it calls Zeppelin.
While the TVS name is little-known outside India, in its homeland it’s one of the biking heavyweights.
In the wider world, the firm’s tie-in with BMW – it builds all the G310 models for the German company, and makes its own G310-based Apache RR310 sportsbike too – means TVS is an increasingly important player. So its new hybrid prototype is an interesting development.
The Zeppelin is no power-cruiser, despite its Diavel-esque proportions.
The petrol engine is a mere 220cc single-cylinder, making 15kW.
It’s backed up with an electric motor of the type more commonly associated with small, cheap scooters.
At 1.2kW, it’s not going to increase the bike’s performance a huge deal, but will add a useful boost in torque.
A 48V battery powers the electric element of the bike, with regenerative charging.
TVS reckons the combination is good for a 130km/h top speed, which sounds about right given the power claims.
A production derivative of the bike is expected within the next couple of years.
By Ben Purvis
