BGauss, daughter company of Mumbai-based electrical industry conglomerate RR Global, forayed into the Indian electric two-wheeler segment with the launch of the BGauss B8 and the BGauss A2 electric scooters. The former is the flagship model and here’s everything you need to know about this new electric entrant:
Expected Pricing and Launch
The BGauss B8 is likely to be priced at around Rs 90,000 for the top-end LI technology variant (powered by a lithium-ion battery), considering it gets smart features like internet connectivity and navigation assist. The base lead-acid version and the mid-spec lithium-ion model are likely to be priced at around Rs 65,000 and Rs 75,000-Rs 80,000 respectively. BGauss plans to launch the three variants in early-August 2020.
Quality Powertrain
BGauss has equipped all the three variants with a 1900W BLDC hub motor sourced from Bosch. So expect it to be up to the mark as far as quality and reliability are concerned. The motor enables the scooter to reach a limited top speed of 50kmph.
It is connected to either a 60V fixed lead-acid battery or a removable 57.6V lithium-ion battery pack. The lead-acid battery takes 5-6 hours to reach 80 per cent charge and 7-8 hours to charge completely. On the other hand, the lithium-ion battery variant takes just about 2 hours to reach 80 per cent and an extra hour to reach 100 per cent. Interestingly, the lead-acid battery variant offers slightly better range, at 78km, compared to the lithium-ion battery variant’s 70km. While it isn’t much, the range should be enough for everyday office commutes or week-long grocery runs, considering the pandemic situation. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the stratospheric fuel prices. Moreover, having a removable battery in the mid-spec and top-end variant makes charging all the more convenient as there won’t be a need for a charging point in your parking space.
Decent Set of Features
The top-end LI technology variant is the geekier one with features like Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled navigation assist, ride metrics, remote diagnostics, battery’s state of charge and its overall health, live tracking, geo-fencing, and full charge alert.
Other features that are common across all the three variants are an all-LED lighting system, IP65-rated LED digital console, compatibility with a dedicated mobile app, centralised seat locking with keyless start, anti-theft alarm and anti-theft motor locking. They also get a USB charging port and a side stand sensor. Eco-friendly performance enthusiasts out there would be happy to know that the three variants even get three riding modes: low, mid and high. Although we aren’t sure how useful it would be when the top speed is limited to just 50kmph. We’ll have to get our hands on the scooter to find out.
Good Underpinnings
The three variants of the BGauss B8 are equipped with a telescopic front fork, dual rear shock absorbers, disc brake on both ends with CBS, and regenerative braking system. The alloy wheels are wrapped with Ceat Zoom tyres. A rear disc brake on a scooter with such levels of performance feels like a bit of an overkill but we’ll reserve our final judgement until we ride the scooter.
Warranty and Rivals
BGauss offers a one-year battery warranty on the lead-acid variant and three years for the other two models. All three scooters come with a three-year warranty on the motor, as well as the scooters themselves, as standard.
The BGaus B8 might not be in the same league as the more premium Bajaj Chetak or TVS iQube, but it is a worthy alternative to other more affordable yet feature-packed electric scooters such as the Okinawa Praise, Okinawa iPraise, Ampere Magnus Pro, Hero Electric Photon LP and Gemopai Astrid Lite.
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