Quick Highlights:
- Hero MotoCorp’s Project VxZ electric motorcycle patents have leaked, hinting at a near-production model.
- Co-developed with Zero Motorcycles, but built on a unique, India-focused platform.
- Premium hardware including USD forks, monoshock, belt drive and petal disc brakes.
- Positioned as Hero’s first mass-market performance electric motorcycle for India.
Hero MotoCorp’s Electric Motorcycle Plans Take Shape
Hero MotoCorp’s long-term electric ambitions are finally moving beyond concepts and into reality. Freshly leaked patent sketches suggest that the company is preparing its first full-size, mass-produced electric motorcycle for the Indian market. The motorcycle appears to be the production-spec version of Project VxZ, a concept first showcased at EICMA 2025.
From what I can see, this is not just another exploratory design exercise. The level of detail in the patent images strongly indicates that Hero is deep into the development cycle and edging closer to real-world testing.
Project VxZ: A Shift Towards Performance EVs
Unlike the Dirt.E, which was aimed at young and beginner riders, Project VxZ is clearly a sport-oriented street machine. The sharp body lines, muscular stance and aggressive proportions signal Hero’s intent to move up-market, well beyond basic commuter EVs.
The motorcycle follows a street-naked design philosophy with mild sportbike cues, striking a balance between everyday usability and performance appeal. Personally, I think this approach makes sense for India, where riders want excitement without sacrificing practicality.
Hero x Zero Motorcycles Partnership
Hero MotoCorp’s electric push received a major boost in 2022, when it made a strategic investment in Zero Motorcycles, a California-based electric motorcycle specialist. Since then, the collaboration has slowly started delivering tangible products.
Project VxZ is believed to stand for VIDA x Zero, highlighting the joint effort between VIDA (Hero’s EV brand) and Zero Motorcycles. However, and this is important, the leaked patents make it clear that this is not a rebadged Zero motorcycle.
Ground-Up Platform Developed for India
A closer look at the patent sketches shows that the chassis, frame layout and battery positioning do not match any existing Zero motorcycle. The proportions and architecture appear entirely new, suggesting a ground-up platform designed specifically for Hero MotoCorp.
This strongly points to a motorcycle tuned for Indian road conditions, cost targets and high-volume manufacturing. In my opinion, this is a crucial move, as simply localising an expensive global EV would never have worked at scale in India.
Key Design and Hardware Highlights
The leaked patent images reveal several premium components and features:
- Sharp LED headlamp and LED turn indicators
- USD (upside-down) front forks
- Rear monoshock suspension
- Petal disc brakes at both front and rear
- Belt-drive system
- Semi-faired styling with aggressive body panels
- Split-seat layout
- Large, fully digital instrument cluster
- Visible provisions for multiple ride modes
- Large centrally mounted battery pack
- 17-inch front alloy wheel with a 110/70 section tubeless tire
Overall, the design leans towards a modern streetfighter, and frankly, it looks far more mature than what we usually associate with first-generation EV motorcycles in India.
Expected Range and Performance
Hero MotoCorp has not officially revealed technical specifications yet. However, based on the size and placement of the battery pack, it could be comparable to batteries used in some Zero motorcycles.
For reference, Zero’s electric bikes claim ranges between 160 km and 275 km, depending on configuration. Whether Hero uses similar battery chemistry or opts for a cost-optimised solution for the Indian market remains to be seen. What’s clear is that Project VxZ is being positioned as a capable, real-world electric motorcycle, not a low-performance city EV.
Launch Timeline and What Comes Next
The appearance of detailed patent filings usually means that a product is well along in development. With Project VxZ, I expect test mule sightings, homologation filings and official teasers to follow over the next year.
If launched as expected, Project VxZ could become Hero MotoCorp’s first truly mass-market electric motorcycle for India, and a major step toward making electric motorcycling mainstream.
Frequently Asked Questions — FAQs
Q. What is Hero MotoCorp Project VxZ?
Project VxZ is Hero MotoCorp’s upcoming electric motorcycle, co-developed with Zero Motorcycles, expected to be its first mass-market performance EV for India.
Q. Is Project VxZ based on a Zero motorcycle?
No. Patent leaks suggest that Project VxZ uses a unique chassis and platform, developed specifically for Hero MotoCorp and Indian conditions.
Q. What type of motorcycle is the Hero Project VxZ?
It is a street-naked electric motorcycle with sporty styling, premium suspension and performance-focused hardware.
Q. What range can be expected from Project VxZ?
While official figures are not confirmed, the battery size suggests a potential range comparable to Zero motorcycles, possibly 160–275 km, depending on configuration.
Q. When will Hero Project VxZ launch in India?
Hero has not announced an official launch date yet, but patent leaks indicate the bike is in an advanced development stage, making a launch likely in the near future.
