Patanjali, a well-known Indian company famous for herbal products and consumer goods, has surprised everyone by announcing an electric scooter that claims to travel up to 440 kilometers on a single charge—all for an unbelievable price of ₹14,000. If true, this could redefine commuting in India, making electric vehicles affordable for millions. But experts are questioning whether such a low price and long range are even possible with today’s technology.
Looking closer at Patanjali’s claims, the announcement on April 18, 2025, has sparked excitement and doubt. Most electric scooters in India cost over ₹80,000 and offer 100-200 kilometers per charge. For example, popular models like the Ola S1 Pro max out at 320 km, while the Ather 450X manages around 161 km. Patanjali’s promise of 440 km at ₹14,000 seems almost too good to be true. Key details include a removable battery that charges in 3-4 hours, a top speed of 60 km/h, and basic features like drum brakes and simple color options.
Patanjali Electric Scooter: Claims vs. Market Standards
Feature | Patanjali’s Claim | Market Standards |
---|---|---|
Range | 440 km per charge | Ola S1 Pro: 320 km; Ather 450X: 161 km |
Price | ₹14,000 (introductory) | Most electric scooters: ₹80,000+; Petrol scooters: ₹70,000+ |
Target Audience | Urban & rural commuters seeking affordable mobility | Primarily urban, middle-class users; rural uptake low due to cost & infrastructure |
Manufacturing | Fully “Made in India”; supports local jobs | Many brands rely on imported parts; few offer fully indigenous production |
Battery & Charging | Removable lithium-ion battery; 3–4 hour charging | Fixed batteries; charging times range from 3–6 hours |
Top Speed | 60 km/h | Typical EVs: 60–80 km/h, often at much higher price points |
Weight | 75–80 kg (lightweight design) | Ola S1 Pro: 125 kg; most EVs: 100–120 kg |
Design & Features | Basic drum brakes, 4 colors: White, Blue, Grey, Black | Premium features like disc brakes, app support, riding modes, vibrant designs |
Who would benefit from this scooter? If the claims hold, it could attract budget-conscious buyers, daily commuters tired of rising petrol costs, rural residents with limited transport options, eco-friendly users, and first-time buyers. For many, the price alone is a game-changer—cheaper than most petrol scooters and far below existing electric models.
The potential impact on India’s EV market could be huge. A successful launch might push competitors to slash prices, boost local manufacturing under “Make in India,” and accelerate the shift from petrol to electric. However, challenges remain. Skeptics point out that current battery costs for a 440 km range would likely exceed ₹14,000 alone. Questions about quality, charging infrastructure in rural areas, and the company’s ability to mass-produce such a scooter remain unanswered.
India’s electric vehicle scene today is growing fast, thanks to government incentives like the FAME scheme, rising fuel prices, and new models from brands like Ola and Ather. Electric two-wheelers dominate sales, and companies are racing to improve range and features. But Patanjali’s entry—if real—could disrupt this progress by appealing to price-sensitive buyers who’ve avoided EVs due to high upfront costs.
Should you believe the hype? While the idea of a ₹14,000 scooter with a 440 km range is thrilling, experts urge caution. Battery technology today makes such a combination unlikely, and Patanjali has yet to share concrete details about production or testing. Until the scooter hits the streets and proves its worth, it’s wise to treat this as a bold promise rather than a sure thing. Whether revolutionary or overhyped, Patanjali has started a crucial conversation about affordable, clean transportation for India’s masses.