Hero MotoCorp's Surge S32: The Game-Changing Electric Three-Wheeler

Hero MotoCorp, India’s largest two-wheeler maker, surprised everyone at Hero World 2024 by introducing the Surge S32. This electric vehicle can switch between a two-wheeler and a three-wheeler by attaching a shell. The company plans to start production within a year, with a possible launch by mid-2025. 

Combining the versatility of a two-wheeler and the practicality of a three-wheeler, the Surge S32 is set to transform the way we think about personal and commercial mobility. Developed by Surge, a startup under Hero MotoCorp, the S32 is a pure electric vehicle designed to serve multiple purposes.

What is the Surge S32?

The Surge S32 is a unique electric two-wheeler that can turn into a three-wheeler. Hero MotoCorp will provide a rear shell for this, which can be either a cargo unit or a passenger unit based on the buyer's needs. The two-wheeler docks into the rear shell to form a single vehicle. 

This feature makes the Surge S32 a great option for small businesses in India. The S32 is available in three different variants: S32 PV, S32 LD, S32 HD, and S32 FB. These variants serve multiple purposes, ranging from personal transport to heavy-duty commercial applications. The specifications and features of these variants are detailed below:

Surge S32 PV: A Versatile Electric Vehicle

The Surge S32 PV is a smart 2-in-1 electric vehicle by Hero MotoCorp, designed for personal use. It switches between a two-wheeler and a three-wheeler in just 3 minutes, offering flexibility for different needs.

Specifications As a Two-Wheeler:

• Speed: Up to 60 kmph
• Power: 6 kW
• Battery: 3.87 kWh

As a Three-Wheeler:

• Speed: Up to 45 kmph
• Power: 8 kW
• Battery: 9.675 kWh

Specifications of S32 LD: 

The S32 LD is designed to serve both personal and light-duty commercial needs with its two-in-one functionality.

As a Two-Wheeler

• Speed: Up to 60 kmph
• Power: 6 kW
• Battery Capacity: 3.87 kWh

As a Three-Wheeler

• Speed: Up to 45 kmph
• Power: 10 kW
• Battery Capacity: 11.616 kWh

Specifications of S32 HD: 

The S32 HD is designed for heavy-duty applications, offering reliable performance in both two-wheeler and three-wheeler modes.

As a Two-Wheeler:

• Speed: Up to 60 kmph
• Power: 6 kW
• Battery Capacity: 3.87 kWh

As a Three-Wheeler:

• Speed: Up to 45 kmph
• Power: 10 kW
• Battery Capacity: 11.616 kWh

This variant is ideal for users requiring extra power and load capacity for demanding tasks.

Specifications of S32 FB: 

The S32 FB is designed to cater to both personal and passenger transport needs, offering reliable performance in two-wheeler and three-wheeler modes.

As a Two-Wheeler

• Speed: Up to 60 kmph
• Power: 6 kW
• Battery Capacity: 3.87 kWh

As a Three-Wheeler (Passenger)

• Speed: Up to 45 kmph
• Power: 10 kW
• Battery Capacity: 11.616 kWh

How to register Surge S32 in India?

Hero MotoCorp, Surge, and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways have introduced a new registration category called L2/L5. This allows a two-wheeler (classified under L2) to be connected to a "non-self-propelled rear module," like the shell that converts it into a three-wheeler. Although both parts have separate registration plates, they function together as one vehicle when combined.

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Uses of the Surge S32

Hero MotoCorp has designed the Surge S32 with multiple use cases in mind, allowing it to serve both personal and commercial purposes. According to Surge’s website, the S32 can accommodate a variety of needs:

Private Use: Whether you're commuting to work or heading out on an adventure with your family, the S32’s two-wheeler mode offers a compact, efficient, and eco-friendly solution.

Commercial Use: With its three-wheeler mode, the S32 can function as a cargo or delivery vehicle, perfect for entrepreneurs, delivery drivers, or businesses in need of a cost-effective transportation option.

Heavy Load Capacity: The S32 HD variant is designed for heavy-duty commercial applications, providing the power and space needed for larger deliveries and business operations.

The flexibility of the Surge S32 makes it an ideal option for various user groups, offering exceptional value by combining personal and commercial use in one vehicle.

Technology Features of the Surge S32

One of the standout features of the Surge S32 is its advanced technology. The technology behind the vehicle ensures that it can be easily converted between two-wheeler and three-wheeler modes, providing users with maximum flexibility. Some of the key technological innovations include:

Easy Conversion: The S32 can be converted from a two-wheeler to a three-wheeler in just three minutes using a simple click of buttons. This makes it incredibly easy for users to switch between modes depending on their needs.

Anywhere Conversion: Whether on smooth roads or uneven surfaces, the S32’s conversion mechanism is designed to work under various conditions, making it a practical solution for urban and rural areas alike.

SSMP (Multiple Powertrain Options): The S32 is equipped with separate powertrains for different vehicle modes. The powertrain automatically switches between the two-wheeler and three-wheeler configurations, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency based on the mode in use.

Advanced Modular Smart Electric Platform (AMSEP): A smart, flexible platform designed to support multiple vehicle types, making it adaptable for various needs.

TRU Modular: This truly modular platform is built to suit different vehicle classes, providing versatility for a range of applications.

Multiple xCUs: The system is powered by multiple smart units, which make the vehicle adaptive, safe, and efficient for all types of operations.

ATIS (All-Terrain Interchange System): A specially designed system that allows the vehicle to convert and perform well on multiple surface conditions, ensuring smooth operation in diverse environments.

Adaptive Controls & Display: The adaptive control switches and throttle allow users to control the vehicle with the same controls, whether it's in two-wheeler or three-wheeler mode, ensuring a seamless transition between the two configurations.

Safety Features of the Surge S32

Safety is a major priority for Hero MotoCorp in the design of the Surge S32. The vehicle is equipped with several robust safety features to ensure it operates smoothly and safely in both two-wheeler and three-wheeler modes:

Robust Chassis Unification: The S32’s chassis is reinforced to ensure a secure connection between the two-wheeler and three-wheeler body when in use. This unification makes the vehicle highly stable, whether it is in its two-wheeler or three-wheeler configuration.

Tamper-Proof Locking: To ensure the vehicle functions properly in both modes, the Surge S32 includes a durable electromechanical locking system. This locking mechanism ensures that the wheels are retracted and locked during mode change, and that no accidental adjustments occur during normal vehicle operation.

Heavy-Duty Ladder Frame: When the S32 is converted into a three-wheeler, it features a heavy-duty ladder frame that is specifically built to handle heavy loads, making it an ideal choice for commercial delivery applications.

Safe and Reliable Battery: The battery pack in the S32 comes with enhanced safety measures, including thermal safety features and protection against overcharging and short circuits, ensuring the vehicle’s long-term reliability. This battery has been tested for 1 lakh km.

All Metal body: It comes with a metal body.

Eco-Friendly Transportation Commitment

The Surge S32 is more than just a technological marvel; it is also a significant step towards sustainable mobility. As part of Hero MotoCorp’s Surge initiative, the vehicle is designed to offer a clean and efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles. 

Surge’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of the S32’s design, from its electric powertrain to its low carbon footprint.
Surge originated within the Hero Hatch Program under Hero MotoCorp’s Innovation Cell. 

Over time, the initiative has grown into a group of 27 passionate innovators focused on developing solutions for the future of mobility. The Surge S32 is a direct result of this commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly transportation options for consumers in India and beyond.

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The Future of the Surge S32

Hero MotoCorp plans to begin production of the Surge S32 in less than a year, with a possible launch expected in mid-2025. This timeline signals the company’s serious commitment to bringing this revolutionary vehicle to market as quickly as possible. With its ability to serve multiple segments—personal, commercial, and heavy-duty—the S32 has the potential to redefine the way we think about transportation.

CMV360 Says

The Surge S32 marks a new chapter in electric mobility, providing a flexible and sustainable transport option. Its ability to switch between a two-wheeler and a three-wheeler makes it suitable for both personal and commercial use. As Hero MotoCorp prepares for production and launch, the Surge S32 is definitely a vehicle to keep an eye on. For those looking for a versatile, eco-friendly, and innovative ride, the Surge S32 could be the future of transportation.

For more updates, stay tuned to the CMV360, where you’ll find the latest news and articles on commercial vehicles.