The TVS iQube Electric Scooter: A Perfect Storm of Affordability, Range, and Incentive

Ankit Kumar
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In India’s fast-evolving EV landscape, a compelling value proposition can turn interest into ownership. The TVS iQube Electric, a proven name in the segment, has rolled out just such a proposition. With a ₹25,000 discount, a reduced 5% GST, a certified 200 km range, and no road tax in many states, the iQube shifts from being a green alternative to an undeniably intelligent financial choice for urban commuters.


Price and incentives

The headline is simple: a ₹25,000 discount. This isn’t a token festival offer but a strategic bundling of corporate benefits and government support through programs like FAME II and state-level EV policies. The immediate effect is a dramatically lower entry point that puts the iQube’s on-road price in direct contention with popular petrol scooters.

The financial advantages don’t stop there. EVs attract 5% GST, a stark contrast to the 28% GST plus cess on ICE scooters. That tax differential is structural, not seasonal, and it consistently tilts the cost equation in favor of electric. Add to this the road tax exemptions adopted by many states, and the on-road price compresses further. Together, these incentives create a pricing environment ICE models simply cannot match.


Performance and range

For many buyers, “range anxiety” has been the final speed breaker. The iQube tackles this head-on with a certified 200 km range per charge. For the typical city rider covering 20–40 km daily, that translates to roughly a week of commuting on one full charge, turning charging from a daily chore into an occasional top-up.

Performance backs up the numbers. A 4.4 kW hub-mounted motor delivers instant torque for quick, confident launches and seamless overtakes in traffic. Drive modes such as Eco and Power let riders prioritize efficiency or responsiveness on demand. Well-judged suspension tuning smooths over potholes and broken patches, delivering a planted, comfortable ride through urban chaos.


Smart features and usability

Designed as a connected scooter from the start, the iQube integrates deeply with the TVS SmartXonnect ecosystem, enhancing both safety and convenience.

  • Turn-by-turn navigation on the full-color TFT display keeps routes clear without phone fumbling.
  • Geo-fencing and theft alerts notify you if the scooter moves outside preset boundaries.
  • Call and message alerts provide essential updates without distraction.
  • Battery status and vehicle locator features help you check charge and find your scooter quickly.

Practicality is baked in. Under-seat storage is generous enough for a full-face helmet—no small feat for an EV, where battery packaging often eats into space. Silent operation and zero tailpipe emissions make for cleaner, calmer commutes in dense neighborhoods.


Ownership costs

The real magic of the iQube emerges when you consider the full ownership arc, not just the ex-showroom price. Electric powertrains reduce both running and maintenance costs significantly.

  • Fuel: Charging for 200 km typically costs a fraction of petrol—often a few tens of rupees at domestic tariffs, versus hundreds for fuel over the same distance.
  • Maintenance: With no engine oil, spark plugs, air filters, or complex transmissions, upkeep is simpler and cheaper. Routine service focuses on brakes, tyres, and a few consumables.

When you combine the upfront ₹25,000 discount, 5% GST, road tax waivers, and the sharply lower running and maintenance costs, the total cost of ownership decisively favors the iQube over comparable petrol models.


The takeaway

The convergence of a meaningful upfront discount, structural tax benefits, a confidence-inspiring 200 km certified range, and widespread road tax relief marks a turning point for both TVS iQube and India’s EV adoption curve. It reframes the iQube from a niche eco-choice to a rational, feature-rich, and cost-optimal tool for daily mobility. In short, going electric with the iQube is no longer a compromise—it’s the smarter, cleaner, and more economical way to ride. 

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