Rare-earth crisis may impact EV industry's festival sales: TVS Motor

Firm launches new EV scooter Orbiter for ₹99,900

The ongoing rare-earth crisis is expected to play spoilsport for the entire Indian electric vehicle (EV) industry this festive season, a top executive of TVS Motor said on Thursday. The Chennai-based company, number one in electric two-wheeler (e2W) market sales through its flagship brand iQube, also launched its new electric scooter TVS Orbiter, eyeing to cement its number-one position in the domestic e2W market.

 

The company has been the top-selling EV player in the country since April this year, with its market share touching 22 per cent in July, through the success of iQube. Out of total industry sales of 1,02,973 units in July, TVS Motor sold 22,256 units. “We are expecting to strengthen our position in the EV category, which is growing at a rate of 20 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y). Through both Orbiter and iQube, we want to meet the larger customer requirement,” said Gaurav Gupta, president, India two-wheeler business, TVS Motor Company. TVS Orbiter, which is priced at ₹99,900 (ex-showroom), will initially be launched in Bengaluru. The company has invested around ₹125 crore in a new platform for Orbiter.

 

 

Asked about the impact of the restrictions on imports of seven heavy and medium rare-earth elements and magnets from China, Gupta said the situation has impacted all the players in the industry. China had stopped exports of samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium, crucial for defence, energy, and automotive technologies, starting April 4 as a countermeasure to the US sanctions.

 

“Almost every player has been impacted by that. There is no clear one way forward as of now. It's almost a day-to-day management approach from a supply constraint situation that we all are facing. It is a loss for sure, building up to the festive season. In terms of quantification, it will be difficult, as vehicles are much in demand,” Gupta added.

 

“We have been speaking to the government on several aspects, including rare earths. Our approach is fairly customer-centric. We have a pipeline of products,” said Manu Saxena, vice president, business planning, TVS Motor.

 

The TVS Orbiter combines several segment-first features such as a 158 km Indian Driving Cycle (IDC) range, cruise control, 34-litre boot space, hill hold assist, etc. The Orbiter’s boot space is large enough to fit two helmets. It is packed with advanced features like the connected mobile app, front LED headlamp with visor, and a coloured LCD cluster with incoming call display, elevating customer delight and convenience. Its 3.1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency deliver extended range with stable, efficient performance. The company is also planning to export Orbiter. TVS’ e2W exports were at record 6,000 units, up 404 per cent Y-o-Y in 2024-25 (FY25).

 

TVS Orbiter is available in colours like Neon Sunburst, Stratos Blue, Lunar Grey, Stellar Silver, Cosmic Titanium, and Martian Copper. 

 

“At TVS Motor, we are driven by unwavering focus on technology and customer-centric innovation. Leveraging our engineering expertise and advanced capabilities, we are building products that set global benchmarks in quality, performance, and safety," Gupta said.

 

The TVS Orbiter’s 14-inch front wheel, paired with a dynamic rear configuration, ensures exceptional grip, precise handling, and confident manoeuvrability in urban environments, Gupta said. "With TVS Orbiter, we are expanding our EV ecosystem and accelerating the adoption of electric mobility in India. We remain committed to strengthening our global presence, and offering solutions that contribute to a cleaner, sustainable, and smarter future," he added.

 

“We are committed to consolidating our leadership in the EV space, driving India’s electric mobility journey with a strong foundation of trust and innovation. Guided by the evolving needs of our customers, the TVS Orbiter represents our next step in redefining urban commuting," said Aniruddha Haldar, senior vice president-head of commuter and EV Business, and head of corporate brand and media of the company. "It combines everyday practicality with advanced technology, enhanced aerodynamic efficiency, spacious comfort, and segment-first features. We are confident that TVS Orbiter will set new benchmarks in this segment, making sustainable mobility both accessible and aspirational,” he said.

 

The company said that the Orbiter’s 845 mm-long flat-form seat ensures comfort for both rider and pillion while the 290 mm straight-line footboard provides ample legroom. The wide and upright handlebar offers an ergonomic posture, making rides effortless.