Hero MotoCorp's All-Electric Surge 32 to Hit Production Soon

Key Highlights:

• Hero MotoCorp’s Surge 32, an all-electric two- and three-wheeler, will begin production within a year.
• The Surge 32 will be registered under the new L2/L5 category, allowing road use in both modes.
• Hero MotoCorp expects to produce 10,000 units yearly, with a launch by mid-2025.
• The modular Surge 32 can switch between two- and three-wheeler modes in three minutes.
• Surge 32 won the Red Dot: Best of the Best award for its innovative design.

Hero MotoCorp has unveiled an innovative electric vehicle, the Surge 32, set to begin production within a year. This unique vehicle can operate as both a two-wheeler and a three-wheeler. It has now received government approval for registration under a newly created category called L2/L5. Hero MotoCorp expects to produce around 10,000 units annually and plans a market launch by mid-2025.

Insight from EICMA 2024

At the EICMA 2024 motorcycle trade fair in Milan, Italy, Dr. Pawan Munjal, executive chairman and director of Hero MotoCorp, shared insights into the Surge 32. 

He highlighted the flexibility of the vehicle, stating, “Now we have the government's OK to register these vehicles to take them on the road. Both will have separate registration plates, but once the scooter attaches to the three-wheeler, it becomes a single vehicle.” He explained that users can easily switch between the two-wheeler mode for solo trips and the three-wheeler mode when traveling with family or carrying cargo.

New L2/L5 Registration Category

Hero MotoCorp collaborated with India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to create the L2/L5 registration category, specifically for the Surge 32. The L2-5 category describes a “2-Wheeler-3-Wheeler Combi Module.” This category is designed for a three-wheeled motor vehicle that can combine with a two-wheeler when needed. It allows the Surge 32 to legally convert between two and three wheels as required, providing users with a flexible vehicle option.

Design and Functionality of Surge 32

The Surge 32, built on a modular EV platform known as S32, was developed by Hero MotoCorp’s startup, Surge, through its innovation lab, HeroHatch. The Surge 32's standout feature is its easy transformation between a two-wheeler and a three-wheeler. 

It consists of a rickshaw frame without a front wheel, which the e-scooter can slot into, acting as the front wheel for the rickshaw setup. When connected, the rear wheel of the e-scooter lifts off the ground, and it fully integrates with the rickshaw structure.

In this combined form, the vehicle’s powertrain, battery, and controls become unified. A connector links the e-scooter's handlebars to the rickshaw controls, allowing seamless operation. Users can also decouple the scooter to use it independently as a two-wheeler.

Awards and Recognition

The Surge 32, conceptualized and built in India, has redefined the idea of a three-wheeler. Its innovative design has already earned it the prestigious Red Dot: Best of the Best award in product design, recognizing its breakthrough in modular electric vehicles. The Surge 32 can switch modes from a two-wheeler to a three-wheeler in just three minutes.

Also Read: Hero MotoCorp Wins Platinum A' Design Award for Surge S32

CMV360 Says

The Hero MotoCorp Surge 32 is a groundbreaking addition to electric mobility in India. Merging the benefits of two-wheelers and three-wheelers, it offers versatility for diverse travel needs. With its innovative design and user-friendly flexibility, the Surge 32 has the potential to reshape urban commuting and cargo transport in India, supporting both convenience and eco-friendly options for consumers.