With USPs such as a compact profile, accessible pricing and low running cost, micro electric cars can attract both private buyers and commercial operators
Hero Vida is working on some exciting projects that extend beyond the more commonly available electric scooters and motorcycles. Notable among these is the Vida Novus range, which has three mobility solutions – NEX 1, NEX 2 and NEX 3. Earlier this year in June, Hero had filed a patent for NEX 2, a self-balancing three wheeled trike. Hero has now filed a patent for NEX 3, an ultra-compact electric car.
Vida NEX 3 design patent – Key features
Hero had unveiled the NEX 3 at last year’s EICMA. Most of the features seen in the design patent images are the same as those on the model showcased at EICMA. One of the key highlights is a single wing-style door that opens upwards. While this can be part of someone’s style statement, it also has functional relevance.
For example, this wing-style door can come in handy when parking the car in tight spaces. Since the door opens largely upwards, the side space requirement will be limited. The door is quite large, relative to the size of the micro car. This will allow easy ingress and egress for all passengers. In a parked scenario, the wing-style door can also provide clear views of the outside world.
Considering the car’s compact footprint, such features will also help avoid a sense of claustrophobia that some users might experience. Hero calls the NEX 3 a micro SUV, and its exterior styling backs up that claim. At the front, NEX 3 has a V-shaped grille structure. Lighting elements appear to be vertically stacked in a trapezoidal format, flanking the grille.
A full-width LED strip is expected on the bonnet. The micro car is using large aero-optimized alloy wheels, paired with low-profile tyres. Other key features include flared wheel arches, a large window for the second-row passenger and a gently sloping roofline. At the rear, Vida NEX 3 has a distinctive hexagonal-style boot lid and a prominent bumper.
Interior, specs
Hero Vida NEX 3 is a 2-seater vehicle, designed primarily for swift mobility in modern cities. Interiors are largely minimalist, although some exciting colours have been used to perk up the cabin ambience. The micro car has a hexagonal-shaped steering wheel and a clutter-free dashboard with dual circular instrument dials.
Vida NEX 3 will have a customizable interior, allowing more personalization options to users. Even with its compact profile, the micro car has comfortable seating for two. While specifications for Vida NEX 3 have not been revealed, it is expected to get features like automatic AC and turn-by-turn navigation.
Though the design patent for Hero Vida NEX 3 has been filed, a specific launch timeline has not been revealed. Combining the convenience of a car and the compact profile of a two-wheeler, NEX 3 has potential to target a niche segment of buyers. With ever-increasing traffic congestion across most cities and the urgent need to reduce pollution, products like Hero Vida NEX 3 can witness sizable demand in the future.
