The TVS Zeppelin Cruiser Concept From Auto Expo 2018
TVS Motor Company has revealed a prototype for the TVS Zeppelin - a petrol-electric hybrid cruiser-style machine, combining a 20hp four-stroke single with a 1200W electric motor and 48V lithium-ion battery. This is going to be a first for TVS as they are better known for their scooters and the Apache range of motorcycles.
The Indian firm first gained worldwide attention with the release of the TVS Apache RR 310, sharing a BMW-designed engine that makes just over 34hp and 20lb/ft. of torque that tips the scales at 375lbs at the curb. Its chassis has the same trellis frame that can be found on the BMW G310 range.The specifications for the Zeppelin do not look that promising, but TVS apparently has some interesting ideas for the model.
Featuring a 220cc single-cylinder thumper of an engine, power is augmented by a 1200 watt electric drive system, drawing from a 48-volt battery. And it requires low maintenance due to the silent operation of its belt drive, as compared to a chain drive.Also showcased was a new technology similarly seen in Maruti Suzuki cars called ‘E-boost’, an integrated starter generator system that is comprised of a 1200W (1.6PS) electric generator and a 48V lithium-ion battery that is charged via the motor. TVS claims the system will boost both performance and fuel efficiency.
One minute detail is the high-definition camera integrated into the headlamp housing, a feature easily missed if one was not looking properly. Given that many riders like to document their riding adventures, this will be a pleasant surprise if the Zeppelin ever goes into production. It also opens up new avenues for camera-based navigation.
For now, the TVS Zeppelin might only be a concept but we are sure this bike is production-ready. Only time will tell if our predictions are correct.
Stay tuned. Things might get interesting pretty soon.