[Moto] What happened to the TVS Hybrid Zeppelin? Was the project archived?

[Akrapovic]

In 2018 the Indian brand showed us a motorcycle that, simply put, defied the sporty character and featured revolutionary technology.

 

 

TVS recently let us see on the streets the next vehicle that could be part of its portfolio, a retro machine, and although we do not know more details about its production, except that given by the images themselves, it did put us to think about the hybrid prototype which was presented, but which to date appears to have been discarded.

It was the Zeppelin, a cruiser-type motorcycle, which among the great novelties was a double motorization, and other characteristics that we summarize below:

• 220 cc engine coupled with an integrated electric start generator.

• 1200W regenerative assist motor with 48V lithium ion battery for increased power.

• Innovative security system called Bio-Key at power-up.

• Integrated HD action camera.

• First Bio-Key in its class.

• Dual channel ABS.

• E-boots, integrated starter generator system increases performance and achieves a mild hybrid system (Mid-Hybrid Tech).

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At the time, it was thought that the vehicle would see the light as a series model in 2020, then in 2021 and right at the beginning of the pandemic in 2022, however, it seems that the motorcycle simply reached the prototype phase and later relegated, sometimes remembered as one of the brand's most iconic designs.

Why didn't it become a serial motorcycle?
The answer may have two edges, the first is the design. It is no secret to anyone that low-volume cruiser motorcycles are not desired, an example of this is the Suzuki Intruder, whose numbers are not surprising and even the Bajaj Avenger, which remains far from the sales of the Pulsar.

For the same reason, risking to launch such a radical design could have meant a commercial failure, especially when the second factor, price, is the one that also works against it.

Having a motorcycle with two motors, battery, belt drive, TFT screen, liquid cooling, LED lighting and even forms full of details and incorporation of different materials, means that what will be paid are much higher figures than what we are used to, Therefore, having a motorcycle that in sales numbers can be unattractive, with a high price, at least in emerging economies, seems like a recipe for failure, however, for European countries or with benefits for vehicles hybrids if it's an option.

On the other hand, the most probable thing is that TVS will leave the initiative in oblivion and concentrate on creating purely electric machines, although apparently, and perhaps with some luck, the Indian brand ends up resuming the forms and dares to launch a fully combustion Zeppelin without the entire electronics package; after all, the chassis and trim are fully finished, plus, with the 200cc engine, it's more than enough to launch something like an “Apache Chopper”.

 

LINK: https://publimotos.com/mactualidad/9-mundo/4808-que-paso-con-la-zeppelin-hibrida-de-tvs-se-archivo-el-proyecto