Whether or not you agree with it, the Chinese have dominated the electric transportation market. Even in India, the variety of electric two-wheeler companies is astounding, especially when the amount of Chinese imports is considered. The basic explanation for this surge is the convenience of importing these items, renaming them, and presenting them as a reasonable substitute to ICE scooters in India.
However, brands such as Ather and Ola have become popular, leading mainstream manufacturers to introduce their own electric options. We now have two options: the Bajaj Chetak and the TVS iQube. The centrepiece, though, is Suzuki’s first electric scooter, which was recently introduced. It has been sighted testing on several occasions in India. We had the opportunity to see the concept patents last year, which confirmed its existence. Suzuki has recently introduced the Burgman electric, also known as the e-Burgman, in Japan.
While the brand hasn’t given all of the specs, it’s enough to get a sense of how the scooter might be. And, because it will very certainly make its arrival in India, we’ll tell you all you need to learn about it.
The Styling
The e-Burgman resembles the Burgman Street 125, which is available in India. It shares identical bodywork and style, but with a different paint palette that makes it appear more futuristic.
The body is white with blue accents on the top and side sections. The electric Burgman retains the full-LED headlamp, small visor, and LED tail lights. However, the step-up seat is identical to the petrol-powered variant.
Even the majority of its measures are comparable to Burgman Street. Both of them possess a height of 1140mm and seating height of 780mm, making them suitable for even shorter riders. The electric Burgman, on the other hand, is somewhat broader (765mm) and shorter in length. In comparison to the Burgman Street’s kerb weight of 110kg, the e-Burgman is significantly heavier at 147kg due to the electric engine.
The only change in styling on the outside is in the back. With the exhaust, shorter tail, and electric motor removed, the portion appears considerably more open. With nearly identical proportions and design, the e-Burgman is anticipated to have exactly the same or equivalent riding characteristics as the fuel counterpart. The Burgman Street now provides a pleasant riding posture by allowing the rider to choose between an upright leg position and a spread out leg position. While it remains to be seen how much the electric Burgman has different floorboard area and height, we may expect it to be the same as that of Burgman Street 125.
The Performance
The scooter’s specifications have also been published. While we expect things to get better with the commercial version, they are far from remarkable right now. The electric scooter is powered by a 4.0kW motor. This is significantly less powerful than the 4.4kW motor found in the TVS iQube, but it is comparable to the Bajaj Chetak electric scooter.
However, if it pertains to rated power, the e-Burgman’s 0.98 kW appears to be a letdown in comparison to both of its competitors, which deliver 3-3.8kW. However, the maximum power is rated at 18Nm, which is only slightly less than the Chetak’s 20Nm.
The Range
However, its scope is more startling. The Suzuki e-Burgman is touted to have a range of 44 km on a single full charge. That is feasible if the vehicle is ridden at less than 60kph. This output is far from excellent for an electric scooter designed for intercity commuting. Particularly in contrast to its petrol-powered sibling, which has a more powerful 125cc engine.
Even its range isn’t exceptional when compared to competitors with real-world ranges of up to 90km. However, Suzuki is still testing the electric scooter, and we ought to anticipate the full-fledged version to have a reasonable range. It could possibly be produced in various models with varying ranges, similar to the TVS iQube, which has yet to be marketed in its peak-spec ST version.
The patent illustrations now indicated the fact that the e-Burgman would come with a stationary battery pack. The scooter, on the other hand, will employ a swappable unit, allowing it to join the consortium for standardising swappable batteries, which also comprises Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha.
Hardware and Features
Suzuki has not yet revealed specifics about the hardware and functionality of the e-Burgman. However, based on the photos, we know it has telescopic forks with a front disc brake, which are most likely the same as on the fuel-powered version. However, contrary to the Burgman Street 125, the rear suspension is dual-shock.
And based on its specifications and hardware, we anticipate it to include basic functionality. It could come standard with connectivity, ride modes, and a TFT screen. However, given that the rival has slightly more opulent features, Suzuki should either boost the ante on the list of amenities or present a list that is competitive with the market.
Pricing expectations
The Suzuki Burgman Street 125 is now available for Rs 94,672 ex-showroom. The e-Burgman’s direct competitors, the TVS iQube and the Bajaj Chetak, cost around Rs 1.11 lakh and Rs 1.25 lakh. The e-Burgman is expected to be released shortly afterward as the Honda Activa electric, which is set to arrive next year. If Suzuki plays its cards right, the electric scooter might be available much sooner. We may expect it to cost between Rs 1.20 and Rs 1.30 lakh ex-showroom.
So, how do you feel regarding the Suzuki E-Burgman? Would you buy it, or would the Ola S1 Pro, Ather 450, or TVS iQube appear to be a better alternative right now? Only time will tell, we suppose.
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