Hybrid tilt for Indian giant TVS

The world's third-largest motorcycle manufacturer, TVS, is investing heavily in clean-emissions two-wheelers and while the majority of bike firms are focused on electric machinery, Bikesales sources suggest TVS is instead focusing on hybrid technology.

As the name suggests, hybrid technology uses a conventional internal-combustion engine combined with an electric engine, and the latest TVS offering was revealed at India's Auto Expo recently.

The newly unveiled TVS Zeppelin cruiser came with a 220cc engine mated with a 1.2kW motor, which is powered by a 48V lithium-ion battery. This means the small electric motor provides the initial and quick acceleration off the mark before the internal combustion takes over at higher speeds, which is a clever way to play to each power source's strengths and weaknesses.

Similar to the technology adopted by Suzuki in its compact vehicles, the so-called mild hybrid system is said to significantly improve fuel efficiency while reducing emissions.

The firm also unveiled a scooter alongside the cruiser, adopting the same technology, and the firm says it will now assess the reaction from the consumer market before making a decision on how far it will take the technology.

Given BMW's tie-up with the Indian motorcycle manufacturer, it's not unfeasible that we may see a hybrid BMW two-wheeler in the not-too-distant future.