TVS X

The new TVS X is a test bed. It is a test bed for all things good the two-wheeler maker wants to bring into its future products. Take design, technology, engineering or even modularity; whatever you see here in the X will make it to other TVS two-wheelers; electric and ICE, both. Because of that, what we see and explore with this electric scooter becomes extremely crucial.

The design of the X is a beautiful, cohesive mix of style and tech. The proportions are spot on; the layered panelling looks cutting-edge; and it comes across as one of those oversized toys you must have!

The things we particularly like include the front apron design, stepped seat, and the minimalistic tail. Together, these give the X its sporty aura. The mirrors are wide and well-designed. Detailing all around speaks of effort. And, the use of ‘blue’ on the chain cover, the sub-frame and the brake callipers, add to the X’s futuristic persona.

Overall, it is a scooter you would want to buy for its looks alone.

The X is built around a modular twin-spar frame TVS likes to call Xleton. It has three parts - the main aluminium twin-spar frame, a light alloy sub-frame on which the seats are mounted, and a lower cradle that holds the battery. Now depending on the body type, the performance, and the range TVS is looking at, both the subframe and the cradle can be modified. Needless to say, it opens up a world of possibilities for TVS in the electric space.

In the X’s case, the frame is suspended on telescopic forks upfront and an offset monoshock at the rear. The wheels are 12-inch in diameter both front and back. And, the stopping duty is handled by a single disc at both wheels worked on by one piston caliper. The X also gets single-channel ABS.

In terms of features, the TVS X gets LED lighting all around with bending lights thrown in for good measure. Both brake levers are adjustable for reach. There is decent storage under the rider’s seat. And, you get a tab for instrumentation.

The tab really is the X’s party trick with a sea of functions. One can use the phone’s hotspot to access internet-related features on the instrumentation too, from weather to cricket info. It also has games, and when parked, one can even watch YouTube on the screen! And its resolution is as good as any good quality tab, no question. Plus, when connected to the phone app, it makes for a comprehensive connectivity suite.

As for the powertrain, the TVS X comes with two 2.2kWh battery packs which take the overall output to 4.4kWh. The battery powers a motor with a peak output of 11kW and a rated output of 7.5kW. The motor then transmits the power to the rear wheel via a single-speed transmission. TVS claims a top speed of 105kmph - which we did see on the speedo when riding on TVS’s test track. The 0-60kmph run is said to be dispatched in 4.5 seconds, which seems plausible too given the X does feel quick under full-bore acceleration in Xonic mode. Finally, when ridden with a gentle right wrist, TVS claims a range of 140km, which of course, we can also test once we get the scooter in Mumbai.

The TVS X is a fun scooter to ride and there are many things to like about it. It begins with the seating ergos. The 770mm seat height makes it easy to mount. Once you are seated, the seat-handlebar distance feels more motorcycle-like than a scooter. This means more room and comfort. It also has flat running boards flanking the tall spine, which are low enough not to make the seating cramped. The rider’s seat is large and cushy, and it offers decent support as well.

Even on the move, the X feels easy. The throttle response is well-judged in all three modes. It is a tad lazy in the eco or Xtealth mode but perks up significantly in Xonic. The latter is the sportiest riding mode. But, it is the throttle calibration which remains progressive and easy to modulate no matter the mode, which makes it intuitive and effortless to ride.

The motor meanwhile is audible. And TVS has tried to mask it with Tron-like noises at lower speeds that come from speakers under the frame. Neither noise feels bothersome. And once you go past 50kmph, there’s honestly very little one can hear.

Performance wise, it will hit 100kmph without struggle. And in the time we rode it, we had the throttle pinned almost all the time. But, even then, it didn’t throw a fit courtesy overheating. What’s more, it felt as easy or unobtrusive to ride even at slow, crawling speeds.

The throttle calibration helps here, as does the good weight distribution. In fact, it begins to feel light as soon as you start moving. It also feels flickable, predictable, and eager to change directions. Be it changing lanes or taking on corners, there’s a sense of sure-footedness to the X’s handling that makes it fun to ride.

The overall experience of riding the X is that of a polished, vibe-free, refined, but peppy scooter.

A word of caution regarding braking, however. The X only gets single-channel ABS. So, leaning on the front under braking comes easy given the tyre grip, and the brake feel and bite. Not to mention the ABS’ safety net. But, we found ourselves locking the rear, unable to read the grip levels under hard braking. Eventually, we started relying less on the rear brake and it did make things more predictable.

As a test bed, we like what we see on the TVS X. From the design to the tech to the interface and the electric powertrain’s delivery, is all good news for future TVS products ready to adopt these elements.

It’s also well-sorted as a sporty scooter. It is quick, refined, and intuitive, and it handles well too. It doesn’t have great headlining figures, but in the real world, it is a scooter you take a liking to, almost instantly.

That is till you hear the price.

Then the value-equation becomes a challenge. And our opinion hasn’t changed even after riding the X. It is a lovely product, don’t get us wrong. But, for this price, it needed to have jaw-dropping headlining figures; figures that set new benchmarks.

Photography: Kaustubh Gandhi