Highlights

• TVS Motors launches the Orbiter V1 and Orbiter V2 electric scooters in Kathmandu.
• Prices start at NRs 92,250 for V1 and NRs 1,04,900 (ex‑showroom) for V2.
• Battery capacities are 1.8 kWh (V1) and 3.1 kWh (V2), delivering 86 km and 158 km respectively.
• Both models come with BAS (Battery‑as‑a‑Service), costing NRs 49,999 (V1) and NRs 59,664 (V2).
• Features include an LCD digital cluster, LED headlight, Eco and Power modes, Hill Hold, Cruise Control, and Parking Assist.
• The launch marks the entry of the cheapest electric scooter in TVS’s Indian lineup into Nepal.
• Market analysts see the move as a catalyst for broader EV adoption in the two‑wheel segment.

TVS Motors finally brings the Orbiter to Nepal

The buzz in Kathmandu’s streets is palpable. After months of speculation, TVS Motors confirmed that its Indian‑made Orbiter electric scooter will now be sold locally. The announcement came on Friday, Falgun 29, 2082 (2025‑02‑12) at 5:32 pm, and the company immediately released pricing, specs and a list of services. This matters because the price points undercut every other electric scooter on the market, positioning the Orbiter as the most affordable option for commuters who want to ditch petrol.

What the price tags actually mean

TVS Motors listed two variants. The Orbiter V1 carries an ex‑showroom price of NRs 92,250, while the Orbiter V2 is priced at NRs 1,04,900. Those figures do not include the optional BAS (Battery‑as‑a‑Service) plan, which adds NRs 49,999 for V1 and NRs 59,664 for V2. The BAS model spreads the battery cost over a subscription, letting owners replace the pack without a large upfront outlay. That changes things for riders who are hesitant about battery depreciation.

Variant	Ex‑showroom price	BAS subscription
Orbiter V1	NRs 92,250	NRs 49,999
Orbiter V2	NRs 1,04,900	NRs 59,664

The numbers are stark. Even with BAS, the total cost for V1 sits just under NRs 1,42,250, while V2 tops out at NRs 1,64,564. In a market where a conventional 150 cc scooter can cost NRs 1,50,000 or more, the Orbiter’s electric pedigree does not come with a premium. That matters for price‑sensitive commuters and for fleet operators eyeing a low‑maintenance alternative.

Battery, range and the tech that powers the ride

The heart of any electric two‑wheel is its battery, and TVS Motors has offered two distinct packs. Orbiter V1 houses a 1.8 kWh lithium‑ion unit, delivering a claimed 86 km of city range on a single charge. Orbiter V2 steps up to 3.1 kWh, pushing the range to 158 km. Both batteries are removable, a design choice that simplifies charging in apartments or small workshops.

Specification	Orbiter V1	Orbiter V2
Battery capacity	1.8 kWh	3.1 kWh
Rated range (IDC)	86 km	158 km
Charging time (0‑100 %)	≈ 4 hours (standard charger)	≈ 6 hours (standard charger)

The range claims are based on the Indian Driving Cycle (IDC), which is more optimistic than real‑world city traffic. Still, even a conservative 70 % of the stated range gives V1 enough juice for a typical Kathmandu commute, and V2 comfortably covers a full day’s work without a top‑up. This changes things for riders who have struggled with range anxiety on earlier EV two‑wheelers.

Feature list that sets the Orbiter apart

Beyond the battery, TVS Motors has packed the Orbiter with a suite of rider‑focused tech. Highlights include:

• LCD digital cluster that shows speed, battery state, and eco/power mode indicators.
• LED headlight with a sleek, stylized design that improves night visibility.
• Mobile app connectivity for lock/unlock, charge status and geo‑fencing.
• Eco mode optimises power draw for maximum range, while Power mode unlocks the scooter’s full torque for overtaking.
• Hill Hold prevents rollback on steep gradients, a practical aid in Kathmandu’s hilly terrain.
• Cruise Control maintains a set speed on flat stretches, reducing rider fatigue.
• Parking Assist alerts the rider when the scooter is tilted beyond safe limits.
• Under‑seat storage of 34 liters, enough for a helmet, raincoat and a small grocery bag.
• Alert system that notifies the owner of accidents, theft, over‑use or low‑battery conditions via the mobile app.

These features were previously reserved for premium electric motorcycles. Their presence on the cheapest Orbiter model signals a shift in how manufacturers view the entry‑level segment. That matters for the broader EV ecosystem, because more data points mean faster improvements in software and battery management.

What this launch signals for Nepal’s two‑wheel market

The arrival of the Orbiter at these price points is a clear challenge to legacy petrol scooters that dominate Nepal’s streets. Analysts expect a ripple effect: competitors will be forced to either lower prices or add comparable tech to stay relevant. Moreover, the BAS model could spur a new business model where dealerships act as battery service hubs, creating jobs and reducing the barrier to entry for first‑time EV owners.

From a policy perspective, the government’s push for cleaner transport aligns with this launch. If the Orbiter’s adoption rate mirrors early‑stage EV uptake in other South Asian markets, we could see a measurable dip in two‑stroke emissions within the next three years. That matters not just for air quality, but for the perception of electric mobility as a practical, affordable choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the exact ex‑showroom price of the Orbiter V1 and V2 in Nepal? A: The Orbiter V1 is priced at NRs 92,250, while the Orbiter V2 costs NRs 1,04,900 before any optional services.

Q: How does the BAS (Battery‑as‑a‑Service) program work? A: BAS is a subscription that covers the cost of the battery pack. For V1 the subscription is NRs 49,999, and for V2 it is NRs 59,664. The fee includes replacement and maintenance over the contract period.

Q: What are the claimed ranges for each variant and how realistic are they? A: TVS Motors states 86 km for V1 and 158 km for V2 under the Indian Driving Cycle. Real‑world range will be lower, roughly 70 % of those figures in mixed city traffic.

Q: Which safety and convenience features are standard on the Orbiter? A: Standard equipment includes an LCD digital cluster, LED headlight, Eco/Power modes, Hill Hold, Cruise Control, Parking Assist, under‑seat storage, and a mobile‑app‑linked alert system.

Q: When will the scooters be available for purchase in Kathmandu? A: TVS Motors opened pre‑orders immediately after the announcement and expects deliveries to begin within four weeks of order confirmation.

Q: How does the Orbiter compare to other electric scooters available in Nepal? A: At its price, the Orbiter is the most affordable model with a comparable feature set. Competing scooters typically start above NRs 1,20,000 and lack the BAS option.