Hero Cycles partners Yamaha Motor to launch India’s first centre motor e-cycle EHX20

Ludhiana, September 17, 2019: India’s leading Cycle manufacturer Hero Cycles has partnered Japan’s Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd to launch ‘Lectro E-Cycle powered by Yamaha’, India’s first Center Motor E-Cycle that promises to revolutionize the adventure e-bicycling experience landscape in India. The high performance E-Cycle powered by Yamaha is a path-breaking addition to Hero Cycles’ popular E-Cycle range - Lectro. The premium product is the first outcome of the three-way strategic partnership initiated last year between Hero Cycles Ltd, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. The alliance, brought together by Mitsui & Co., Ltd., is aimed at creating technologically superior high performance products through collaboration between Hero Cycles’ and Yamaha Motor’s electric drive units, with go-to-market sales, distribution & marketing support by Mitsui & Co., Ltd. The product is aimed at the small yet growing community of adventure lovers and mountain cyclists who love pushing the limits of performance. People looking for experiential adventures on the Cycle will also find Lectro EHX20 Powered by Yamaha a refreshing and rejuvenating E-Cycle to ride on. “We are proud to unveil Lectro EHX20 powered by Yamaha, the first collaborative product between Hero Cycles and Yamaha Motor. It is the first branded E-Cycle which is driven by a Center Motor and resultantly delivers a high performance experience suitable forextreme adventure sports. With promising days ahead for the E-Cycle market, we hope to deliver more such path-breaking products for different sections of the Indian audience in the future,” said Pankaj M Munjal, Chairman and Managing Director, HMC, a Hero Motors Company. All the E-Cycles currently available in the Indian market operate on rear hub motors used mostly for commuting on flat surfaces such as city commuting. However, Lectro EHX20powered by Yamaha comes with a Center Motor positioned directly between the pedals. This positioning and technology improves performance of the Cycle immensely and makes it suitable for adventure sports and steep incline riding. While the motor was imported from Yamaha’s electric drive unit, the E-Cycle was manufactured at Hero Cycles’ Ghaziabad unit. “Lectro EHX20 powered by Yamaha is a first of its kind product to be introduced in India. The electric vehicle segment / E-Cycle in India has received a major push from the government in recent times and the market seems poised for unprecedented growth. It is imperative therefore that manufacturers offer a wide range of products in the E-Cycle segment suitable for the needs of different sections of the audience. Center motor system has big advantage for designing sports E-Cycle, ideally bringing the center of gravity to the middle low point of the frame. The main feature of Yamaha Center Motor System is the “Zero-Cadence” concept, which enables rider to feel strong assist from the very beginning of pedaling. And this concept is based on Yamaha’s “Be one with the machine” philosophy which means ultimate harmonization of human and bicycle. We are very happy to work in collaboration with Hero Cycles to contribute towards revolutionizing the E-Cycle segment in Indian market, taking advantage of Yamaha’s experience and know-how of the Center Motor drive unit.” Said Hiroyuki Ota, Executive Officer, Yamaha Motor Co Ltd. Lectro EHX20is Centre Motor powered Pedal Assist Cycle which runs on a combination of manual pedaling with battery assist. While climbing steep inclines or riding on flat surfaces, the product promises the trust of Hero and the performance of Yamaha delivering a consistent output making it overall - a very reliable product. Powered by a triple sensor technology of torque sensor, speed sensor and crank sensor, the E-Cycle gives a sharp pedaling response/ assist and improved power support at higher cadence. A strong braking system adds to its safety and control. The E-Cycle can run up to 60-70 kms on a charge time of 3.5 hours.