Ultimately, the Chennai-based bike maker, TVS succeeded to get the patent for a hybrid two-wheeler, for which the company has filed application almost a decade ago.
Named as TVS IQube, this hybrid scooter was firstly unveiled at the 2010 Auto Expo and further in time, it was showcased again at the same event in 2012 and 2014 in a much evolved iteration. But now, the company has received the patent for this eco-friendly two-wheeler mobility solution from the Chennai Patent Office, on which the firm has been working since 2008.
If talked about the mechanism of this hybrid powertrain which uses a different drive setup, it actually is a combination of an electric motor and a petrol engine. The electric motor transmits propelling power to the wheels while the petrol-powered mill performs the task of charging batteries and powering the motor. The working process of this TVS hybrid engine is just opposite of conventional hybrids. Generally, a hybrid works through a regular internal combustion engine while the electric motors send more power to the wheels.
The TVS IQube, which features this innovative powertrain was last displayed at the 2014 Auto Expo. The scooter was said to be powered by the 109.7 cc engine along with a hub mounted electric motor, with two battery options of 500Wh and 150Wh. Both the batteries were lithium-ion units and rated to generate 30 percent more travel distance than a conventional two- wheeler along with reduced emission. The exact figures for fuel economy and emission reduction haven’t revealed officially yet. But, by considering the IQube specifications, it is likely to offer a fuel-efficiency of around 70 + km to a liter of petrol.
If consider the launch of the IQube, a hybrid scooter, there are no official words from TVS house. Other than this, the manufacturer has also showcased a number of innovations at the 2016 Auto Expo. There are chances that we can see a few on the Indian road in future.