The electric micromobility scene is getting more and more interesting, with intriguing concepts previewing what the future could bring. One of the most fascinating micromobility solutions we've seen lately comes from Hero MotoCorp, one of the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturers, and is a two-in-one convertible vehicle that can transform from an e-scooter into a three-wheeled rickshaw.
The new EV concept is called Surge S32 and was developed by Surge, a startup owned by the Indian mobility behemoth. Designed to offer self-employed individuals versatile mobility, the innovative vehicle can be used as either a high-performance scooter to zip through urban traffic or a three-wheeled rickshaw for commercial applications.
It was inspired by the 'Batmobile’ from Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight trilogy, and the company says it can be converted from a scooter to a three-wheeled vehicle and vice versa in just three minutes.
The groundbreaking modular EV platform is essentially comprised of a rickshaw sans the front wheel or handlebars and an e-scooter that slots into it. When coupled, the scooter basically acts as the front wheel of the rickshaw, while its rear wheel lifts off the ground and rests on the latter's platform. The conversion is complete when an electronic connector is plugged in, allowing the rider to use the scooter handlebar to control the three-wheeler as well. For the reverse transformation, the front windshield of the three-wheeler lifts vertically and allows the scooter within to be decoupled and used separately.
The designers envisioned the rickshaw's cabin with features such as lighting, LED headlights, indicators, optional weather-protective soft doors, speedometer, switchgear, digital instrumentation, and more.
Photo: Hero MotoCorp
Interestingly enough, though this is touted as a convertible vehicle, the scooter and the rickshaw each have independent powertrains and battery packs but can be controlled using the same set of controls.
The three-wheeler section of the S32 EV is equipped with a powerful 10 kW (13.4 hp) engine fed by an 11 kWh battery, while the scooter part comes with a more modest 3 kW (4 hp) motor and a 3.5 kWh battery. Details about the estimated range have not been disclosed, but the top speed is expected to be 50 kph (31 mph) for the three-wheeler and 60 kph (37 mph) for the e-scooter.
No other technical details are available for now, except for the three-wheeled rickshaw's load-carrying capacity, which is an impressive 500 kg (1,100 pounds), making it suitable for diverse commercial operations.
Since this is a machine that sits at the crossroads between a scooter and a rickshaw, the Indian company worked with the local Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to create a new vehicle category. It has been called L2-5 and defined as a "2-Wheeler-3-Wheeler Combi Module of a three-wheeled motor vehicle constructed in such a way that a two-wheeled vehicle of category L2 is combined with a non-self-propelled rear module unit. It can be separated or combined, as and when required." This only serves to prove Hero MotoCorp's determination to bring the Surge S32 into production. Actually, the company hopes it will happen sometime this year.
When the concept reaches production-ready status, the manufacturer plans to offer it in various versions differentiated by the design of the rickshaw section. As such, buyers will be able to choose from different designs, ranging from passenger carrying configurations to covered and non-covered versions for hauling cargo and produce.
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News