Milan: California-based Zero Motorcycles sees major potential for growth in India and the wider Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, with plans to co-develop premium electric motorcycles tailored to these markets. In collaboration with Hero MotoCorp, Zero aims to bring electric bikes suited to the price-sensitive Indian market, according to CEO Sam Paschel.
Speaking in Milan, Sam Paschel highlighted India’s strong appeal for the expansion of Zero's electric motorcycle and powertrain products. However, he emphasised the importance of designing vehicles that meet the unique needs and price expectations of local consumers.
"We see substantial opportunity in India and the APAC region, but products need to align with the specific demands of these markets," Sam Paschel told PTI.
Zero Motorcycles and hero Moto Corp partnership to build premium electric motorcycles
Zero Motorcycles, primarily known for its presence in the US and European markets, has recognized the role Hero MotoCorp will play in its entry into India. Describing Hero as a committed, long-term development partner, Sam Paschel underscored the strategic value of Hero MotoCorp, which approved a 60 million dollars equity investment in Zero in 2022. By 2023, the two companies announced their collaboration to build premium electric motorcycles designed specifically for Indian consumers.
The CEO of Zero Motorcycles remarked that the partnership with Hero is foundational to Zero’s strategy for India, calling it a "10-year-long committed partnership." With Hero's established brand presence and manufacturing capabilities in the world's largest two-wheeler market, Zero hopes to make an impactful entry.
Despite this optimism, Paschel acknowledged challenges in the Indian EV market, particularly regarding limited charging infrastructure. However, he commended the Indian government’s FAME scheme, which offers subsidies to promote electric vehicle adoption
Zero motorcycle Features
Motors: Zero motorcycles have interior-permanent-magnet (IPM) motors. The SR/F model has a Z-Force 75-10 motor with enhanced thermal efficiency.
Controllers: Zero motorcycles have high efficiency and power dense controllers. The SR/F model has a 900 Amp, 3-phase AC controller with regenerative deceleration.
Batteries: The ZF14.4 battery is available for the S and D models, and the SR and DSR models.
Charging: Zero motorcycles have 6 kW and 12 kW onboard charging options.
Asset tracking: Zero motorcycles use GPS and cellular GSM technology to monitor and protect the bikes.
Zero Motorcycles CEO Observe Signifant Growth In EV Especially In 4 Wheeler Sector
On the global EV landscape, Paschel observed robust growth in electric vehicle adoption, especially in the four-wheeler sector, though he noted that it is progressing somewhat slower than initially expected.
Zero’s plans with Hero MotoCorp mark the start of an ambitious journey in India, a key stepping stone for expansion across APAC.
About Zero Motorcycle
Zero Motorcycles Inc. is an American manufacturer of electric motorcycles. Formerly called Electricross, it was founded in 2006 by Neal Saiki, a former NASA engineer, in Santa Cruz, California. The company is now located nearby in Scotts Valley
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