India's legendary scooter makes a comeback in an electric, modern form
Introducing the Kinetic DX Electric Scooter: A Blend of Retro Charm and Modern Technology
The electric vehicle market in India has a new contender, the Kinetic DX EV, manufactured by Kinetic Watts and Volts Ltd., a subsidiary of Kinetic Engineering Ltd. This advanced electric scooter stands out with its retro-inspired design and a host of innovative features.
Retro-Modern Styling and High-Performance Specs
The Kinetic DX EV boasts a design that seamlessly blends the nostalgia of the iconic Kinetic Honda DX from the 2000s with modern scooter elements. The distinctive LED headlight, accompanied by a Kinetic-logo shaped LED daytime running light, adds a touch of elegance. Under the hood, a powerful 4.7 kW (4.8 kW max) hub-mounted BLDC electric motor delivers a top speed of around 80-90 kmph, making it faster than about 65% of electric scooters in India.
Advanced Battery Technology and Long Range
The Kinetic DX EV is equipped with a 2.6 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack developed by Range-X. This battery offers a longer cycle life (2500-3500+ charge cycles), which is four times higher than typical NMC batteries used by competitors, enhancing durability. The scooter also has an estimated IDC range of 116 kms due to its K-Coast regenerative technology and a 60V system for maximum efficiency.
User-Friendly Features and Connectivity
The Kinetic DX EV comes with multiple ride modes (Range, Power, Turbo) plus a reverse mode for easier parking, which is not common in many scooters. It also offers a generous feature set, including cruise control, hill hold assist, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, built-in Bluetooth speakers with mobile connectivity, a keyless start system, and 37 liters of under-seat storage space.
In addition, the scooter features Bluetooth-enabled music and voice navigation, the Easy Key for keyless operations, Easy Charge with a patented retractable charging cable, and Easy Flip, a one-touch pillion footrest deployment. The top DX+ variant also offers advanced Telekinetic features, such as real-time ride stats, geo-fencing, intruder alert, and Find My Kinetic services.
Pricing and Availability
The Kinetic DX EV is priced at ₹1,11,499 onwards, ex-showroom. Bookings for the scooter are limited to 35,000 units. Deliveries begin on September 25.
With its unique blend of retro-inspired design, high-performance specs, advanced battery technology, rich connectivity, and user-friendly features, the Kinetic DX EV sets itself apart from other electric scooters available in India today. It offers a competitive price range (~₹1.12 - 1.17 lakh ex-showroom) compared to rivals like Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, and Ather models.
The Kinetic DX EV not only stands out with its blend of retro-inspired design and modern technology in the electric scooter market, but its music system, included in the form of built-in Bluetooth speakers, adds an element of lifestyle to this innovative ride. On the sports front, the scooter boasts a powerful motor that enables it to reach speeds faster than approximately 65% of electric scooters in India, making it a competitive choice for thrill-seekers.