Hero Leap Hybrid SES

Hero MotoCorp unveiled the Leap Hybrid scooter just before the 2014 Auto Expo. First showcased in 2012, the Leap hybrid scooter is one of the first hybrid scooters developed by an Indian two-wheeler manufacturer.

An 8kW Permanent magnet AC (PMAC) motor is the main source of power for the Leap Hybrid SES. This motor is powered by lithium-ion batteries and is rated at 60Nm. While the power figure (10.7bhp) might be on the lower side, the fact that all of the 60Nm of torque is available from zero rpm makes the scooter very exciting, and somewhat scary. The scooter can be charged by plugging it into a standard wall outlet.

The Leap Hybrid SES also has a range extender - an extremely efficient 124cc engine which uses petrol from a three-litre fuel tank. This petrol engine is connected to an on-board generator which diverts the electricity towards the lithium-ion batteries.

Hero MotoCorp claims that the petrol engine can extend the range of the scooter by up to four times. When running on the range extender, the Leap will be capable of touching 100kmph. Stopping power is provided by Brembo 240mm twin-piston disc brake at the front.

The Leap Hybrid SES gets a very futuristic design, which might not seem feasible for a production model. At the front, the headlamp is positioned between the handlebars, while a ‘position light’ finds its place in the centre of the apron. The Leap Hybrid SES gets an all-LED lighting system, which hints at Hero MotoCorp’s plans for its future models.

The Leap Hybrid SES still seems to be in the early stages of development, and it might be a while before it is launched in the Indian market. Due to the complicated technology involved, we expect it to be priced around the Rs 1 lakh mark.