We all remember the TVS Orbiter EV, which was launched last year as a practical and feature-packed electric scooter aimed at urban commuters. Our road test review of the TVS Orbiter went live just 5 days ago, highlighting its smooth ride, practical storage, and connected features. And today, on March 12, 2026, TVS Motor has shaken things up by announcing a new base variant called the Orbiter V1, along with a compelling Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) pricing model that slashes the initial purchase cost to one of the lowest in the Indian electric two-wheeler industry.
This move makes the Orbiter even more accessible, especially for first-time EV buyers or those looking to minimize upfront expenses while enjoying unlimited riding without battery ownership worries.
The New Orbiter V1: A More Affordable Entry Point
The Orbiter lineup now splits into two variants:
- Orbiter V1 — Equipped with a smaller 1.8 kWh battery pack.
- Orbiter V2 — The original model with a larger 3.1 kWh battery (continuing as before).
The V1 variant is powered by the 1.8 kWh battery, delivering a claimed IDC range of 86 km on a single charge. Charging from 0-80% takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, making it suitable for daily city commutes with quick top-ups.In terms of features, the V1 retains much of what made the original Orbiter appealing:
- Colour LCD instrument cluster with call/SMS alerts
- LED headlamp for better visibility
- Connected app features (including navigation and OTA updates)
- 34-litre underseat storage
- Dual ride modes (Eco and Power)
- Regenerative braking
- Hill hold assist
- Cruise control
- Parking assist
This keeps the scooter practical and tech-forward, even in the entry-level guise.
Revolutionary BaaS Pricing: Low Upfront, Pay-as-You-Go Battery
The biggest highlight is the introduction of Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS), now rolled out across TVS’s EV portfolio (including the iQube). Under BaaS, buyers separate the vehicle cost from the battery — paying a low upfront amount for the scooter itself and subscribing to battery usage via flexible monthly plans.For the Orbiter V1:
- Upfront price with BaaS: Rs 49,999 (ex-showroom, Delhi, inclusive of PM e-Drive subsidy)
- Without BaaS (full ownership, battery included): Rs 84,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Monthly subscription starts at just Rs 862 for the V1 variant (with unlimited kms during the subscription period). Plans are flexible, with tenures of 24, 36, or 60 months. Benefits include:
- Extended warranty on the battery up to 5 years or 70,000 km
- Unlimited monthly usage (no km restrictions)
- Peace of mind with long-term battery assurance and maintenance covered under the subscription
For comparison, the V2 variant sees BaaS starting at around Rs 59,664 upfront with subscriptions from Rs 1,155 per month (depending on tenure).This model dramatically lowers the entry barrier for electric mobility, addressing one of the biggest hurdles — high upfront costs due to expensive batteries. It’s particularly attractive for daily commuters who rack up moderate to high mileage, as the unlimited kms clause eliminates range anxiety from subscription limits.
Why This Matters for the EV Market
TVS’s aggressive push with BaaS and the sub-Rs 50,000 entry price positions the Orbiter V1 as one of the most budget-friendly electric scooters available today. It competes directly in the affordable EV segment, potentially drawing buyers away from ICE scooters or higher-priced EVs.With the recent road test fresh in mind, the V1 looks set to build on the Orbiter’s strengths — practicality, comfort, and features — while making electric commuting more inclusive. Deliveries and full variant availability details are expected soon, but this launch signals TVS’s intent to dominate the growing electric two-wheeler space.Stay tuned for more updates, comparisons, and real-world tests of the Orbiter V1! If you’re considering an EV switch, this could be the most sensible option right now.
