Hero MotoCorp Project VxZ Patented
Hero MotoCorp’s long-term electric motorcycle plans for India are beginning to take concrete shape. Freshly leaked patent sketches reveal what appears to be the production-spec version of Project VxZ, an electric motorcycle concept first announced at EICMA 2025. These drawings strongly indicate that Hero is now preparing its first mass-produced electric motorcycle for the Indian market.
Hero–Zero Partnership Behind Project VxZ
Hero MotoCorp’s electric ambitions received a major boost in 2022, when the company made a strategic investment in Zero Motorcycles. Since then, the partnership has gradually started bearing fruit. Hero recently introduced an electric dirt bike for children, and Project VxZ appears to be the first serious full-size electric motorcycle to emerge from this collaboration.
Hero MotoCorp Project VxZ Patented
The VxZ name itself is believed to stand for VIDA x Zero, underlining the joint effort between Zero Motorcycles and VIDA, Hero MotoCorp’s dedicated EV arm. However, despite the partnership, the leaked patent sketches suggest that this motorcycle is not a rebadged Zero product.
A Unique Platform, Not a Zero Motorcycle Rework
A closer look at the patent images shows that the Project VxZ does not match the chassis, frame design or overall architecture of any Zero electric motorcycle currently on sale. The frame layout, battery placement and proportions appear to be unique, pointing to a ground-up platform developed specifically for Hero MotoCorp, likely tuned for Indian road conditions, pricing expectations and volume manufacturing. This is an important distinction, as it suggests Hero is not simply localising an existing global EV, but instead building a dedicated electric motorcycle that can be scaled for mass production.
Hero MotoCorp Project VxZ Patented
Hero MotoCorp Project VxZ Patented
Design and Hardware Highlights from the Patents
The patent sketches reveal a sporty, street-oriented electric motorcycle with clear production intent. Key highlights visible in the drawings include:
– 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
– A large centrally mounted battery pack
– 17 inch front alloy wheel with 110/70 section tubeless tyre
Overall, the design leans towards a modern streetfighter with mild sportbike cues, striking a balance between performance appeal and everyday usability.
Hero MotoCorp Project VxZ Patented
Hero MotoCorp Project VxZ Patented
Battery and Range Expectations
While Hero has not revealed technical specifications yet, the size and placement of the battery pack suggest it could be comparable to units used on some Zero motorcycles. Depending on configuration, Zero’s electric bikes offer claimed ranges between roughly 160 km and 275 km. Whether Hero adopts a similar battery chemistry or develops a cost-optimised alternative for India remains to be seen. What is clear is that Hero appears to be aiming for a practical yet capable electric motorcycle, rather than a niche or low-performance commuter EV.
What Comes Next
The appearance of detailed patent sketches usually signals that a product is well along the development cycle. With Project VxZ, Hero MotoCorp seems closer than ever to entering the electric motorcycle space in a meaningful way. While official timelines are still unknown, test mule sightings and further regulatory filings are likely to follow. If launched as expected, Project VxZ could become Hero MotoCorp’s first mass-market electric motorcycle for India—and a key step in bringing electric motorcycling to the mainstream.
