Hero Electric Photon 72V

The Hero Electric Photon 72V is Hero Electrics flagship high-speed electric scooter, designed to offer a blend of performance, efficiency, and eco-friendliness. This scooter features a 72V battery system, which provides a top speed of around 45-55 kmph. It is equipped with an AGM VRLA battery, although some users recommend avoiding lead-acid batteries due to their reliability issues. The Photon 72V comes with several convenient features, including a lightweight fob with an anti-theft alarm, mobile charging in the under-seat storage, and a miniature circuit breaker (MCB) switch for added security. The scooter is available in multiple color options and has a sleek design that appeals to many users. Despite its limitations, such as the low top speed and long charging times, the Photon 72V remains a popular choice for daily commutes due to its ease of use, low maintenance costs, and environmental benefits.

The Hero Electric Photon 72V is a mixed bag when it comes to its overall performance and user experience. On the positive side, it offers a smooth ride, impressive pickup, and a high-quality motor that makes it enjoyable to ride. The vehicle is also lightweight, weighing just 87 kg, which enhances its maneuverability. However, several drawbacks need to be considered. The top speed is limited to around 45-55 kmph, which may not be sufficient for those seeking a bit more power. The charging time is another significant concern, taking around 4-8 hours for a full charge, and the lack of a quick charge feature is a notable omission. Additionally, the vehicles durability and reliability have been questioned by some users, with issues such as sudden brake failures and battery deep discharge problems reported. Overall, while the Photon 72V is economical and environmentally friendly, its limitations make it more suitable for short, daily commutes rather than long journeys.

Hero Electric has announced a new collaboration with RevFin, an advanced digital consumer finance platform, to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in India. This partnership aims to jointly finance and lease 2.5 lakh electric two-wheelers by 2025, targeting e-commerce, logistics, and fleet management firms. I believe this move will significantly boost the electric vehicle market in India.

The Hero Electric Photon has been updated with a simple and sleek design, devoid of flashy features. It is now available in two color options: Red and Silver. The scooter boasts a 1800-Watt BLDC electric motor, a removable battery pack, and features like remote locking and an anti-theft alarm. I think the design and feature set make it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.

Hero Electric Photon is priced at Rs. 1.11 lakh and comes with a 1.9 kWh battery, offering a range of up to 108 km on a single charge. The scooter features two riding modes: Power and Economy, with the Economy mode providing a longer range of 80 km. I believe the dual-mode feature is a great addition for users looking for flexibility in their daily commute.

The Hero Electric Photon has been provided to the Ladakh police for patrolling duties, highlighting its reliability and performance in challenging terrains. The scooter is equipped with a 72V/26Ah battery, a 1.8 kW motor, and features like regenerative braking and a digital instrument cluster. I think this deployment underscores the scooters capabilities beyond urban use.

Hero Electric Photon users have reported mixed experiences, with some praising its range and features while others have criticized the service and reliability issues. Despite these concerns, the scooter remains popular due to its affordable price and decent performance. I believe that addressing the service issues could significantly enhance customer satisfaction.

The Hero Electric Photon 72V is priced starting from 74,954 for the base variant and goes up to 96,812 for the top variant, ex-showroom. When considering the on-road price, which includes RTO and insurance charges, the cost can increase by around 10,000 to 15,000, depending on the state and local taxes. While the initial cost may seem reasonable, especially given the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance, the vehicles performance and features do not entirely justify the higher end of the price spectrum. For buyers looking for an economical and eco-friendly option for short commutes, the Photon 72V might be a viable choice, but it is essential to weigh the costs against the benefits and compare with other models in the market.

The Hero Electric Photon 72V boasts an advertised range of up to 108 km on a single charge, although real-world usage suggests it can achieve around 80-85 km in mixed city driving. The efficiency is commendable, with a fuel economy of approximately 6.25 paise per km, considering the cost of a full charge to be around INR 5. However, the range can be affected by factors such as riding mode, terrain, and the presence of a pillion rider. For instance, the speed reduces by about 5 kmph on inclines with a pillion rider, which is a consideration for those who frequently carry passengers. Overall, the mileage is satisfactory for short to medium-distance commutes, but it may not be ideal for longer journeys due to the limited range and long charging times. ABOUT The Hero Electric Photon 72V is Hero Electrics flagship high-speed electric scooter, designed to offer a blend of performance, efficiency, and eco-friendliness. This scooter features a 72V battery system, which provides a top speed of around 45-55 kmph. It is equipped with an AGM VRLA battery, although some users recommend avoiding lead-acid batteries due to their reliability issues. The Photon 72V comes with several convenient features, including a lightweight fob with an anti-theft alarm, mobile charging in the under-seat storage, and a miniature circuit breaker (MCB) switch for added security. The scooter is available in multiple color options and has a sleek design that appeals to many users. Despite its limitations, such as the low top speed and long charging times, the Photon 72V remains a popular choice for daily commutes due to its ease of use, low maintenance costs, and environmental benefits.