The Hero Splendor is one of India’s most successful motorcycles, trusted for its reliability, mileage, and affordability. Now, with electric mobility becoming mainstream, a new variant is making headlines — the Hero Electric Splendor Pro. This upgraded version uses an electric drivetrain instead of a petrol engine, offering smoother performance and drastically reduced running cost.
But the question remains: should you stick with your traditional petrol Splendor or switch to the electric one? To answer that, we compare the Hero Electric Splendor Pro vs Petrol Splendor across major aspects like performance, pickup, maintenance, and resale value.
Design and Build Quality
Visually, both versions look quite similar since the Hero Electric Splendor Pro retains the classic styling that riders have loved for decades. The frame, seating position, and overall ergonomics remain unchanged to ensure that long-time Splendor users feel at home. However, the electric model gets subtle modern touches such as a digital meter console, LED headlamp, and sometimes even alloy wheels with a more futuristic look.
In contrast, the petrol Splendor continues to feature the tried-and-tested air-cooled engine design, standard halogen headlamps, and a traditional analog console. Build quality on both bikes remains excellent, showcasing Hero’s consistent manufacturing standards. However, the electric model feels slightly lighter because it lacks an engine and exhaust system, which improves city handling.
Performance and Pickup
One of the key differences between the Hero Electric Splendor Pro vs Petrol Splendor lies in how power is delivered. The electric variant uses a BLDC hub motor that provides instant torque from the moment you twist the throttle. This results in quicker pickup and a more responsive city ride experience.
On the other hand, the petrol version uses a 97.2cc engine that gradually builds up power, making it suitable for longer rides or rural roads. While it can reach higher top speeds, it can’t match the instant acceleration of the electric model in city traffic.
Here’s a quick performance comparison between the two:
| Feature | Hero Electric Splendor Pro | Hero Petrol Splendor Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Engine/Motor | 2–3 kW BLDC Hub Motor | 97.2cc Air-Cooled Engine |
| Power Output | ~3.5 bhp (equivalent) | 8.02 bhp |
| Torque | Instant (Direct Drive) | 8.05 Nm @ 6000 rpm |
| Top Speed | 75 km/h | 90 km/h |
| 0–40 km/h Pickup | 3.5 seconds | 5 seconds |
| Transmission | Single Speed | 4-Speed Manual |
| Riding Noise | Silent | Audible Engine Sound |
From the table, it’s clear that the electric model excels in city performance with better pickup and smoother ride quality. Meanwhile, the petrol version still wins in longer highway runs due to its broader power band.
Running Cost Comparison
When it comes to running cost, the Hero Electric Splendor Pro is the clear winner. A full battery charge (around 2.5–3 units of electricity) costs just ₹20–₹25, offering a real-world range of 90–120 km depending on conditions. That means the per-kilometer cost comes to just ₹0.25–₹0.30.
On the other hand, the petrol Splendor offers about 60–70 km per liter, with petrol prices hovering around ₹100 per liter in most cities. This makes the per-kilometer running cost about ₹1.40–₹1.70, which is nearly five to six times higher than the electric version.
To make the difference clearer, here’s a detailed cost comparison:
| Parameter | Electric Splendor Pro | Petrol Splendor |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Energy Type | Electricity | Petrol |
| Energy Cost | ₹8 per unit | ₹100 per liter |
| Range per Full Charge/Litre | 100 km | 65 km |
| Cost per km | ₹0.25–₹0.30 | ₹1.50–₹1.70 |
| Annual Cost (10,000 km) | ₹2,500–₹3,000 | ₹15,000–₹17,000 |
| Maintenance Cost (Yearly) | ₹1,000 | ₹3,000–₹4,000 |
So, even after factoring in maintenance, the electric model offers an annual saving of ₹12,000–₹15,000, making it highly economical for daily commuters.
Maintenance, Battery Life, and Resale Value
The Hero Electric Splendor Pro is cheaper to maintain since it lacks complex mechanical parts like a gearbox, clutch, or carburetor. Routine servicing mainly involves checking the battery, motor connections, and brakes. The lithium-ion battery usually lasts 3–5 years, depending on usage, and costs around ₹25,000–₹30,000 to replace.
The petrol Splendor, on the other hand, needs regular oil changes, chain maintenance, and engine tuning, increasing overall ownership cost. However, it offers the advantage of widespread service availability and easy access to spare parts even in rural areas.
When it comes to resale, the petrol Splendor has a long-established market value and enjoys strong demand in the second-hand segment. In contrast, the Hero Electric Splendor Pro is still new, so its resale value is uncertain and largely depends on battery condition. Over time, as electric infrastructure expands, its resale prospects are expected to improve.
Long-Term Ownership Experience
For riders looking for smooth, silent rides within city limits and lower running cost, the Hero Electric Splendor Pro makes perfect sense. It’s eco-friendly, economical, and ideal for short to medium commutes. However, those who travel longer distances or rely on highway performance might still prefer the petrol Splendor for its refueling convenience and proven reliability.
Conclusion
The Hero Electric Splendor Pro vs Petrol Splendor debate comes down to priorities. If your focus is saving money on running cost and enjoying effortless city rides, the electric model is a future-proof investment. It delivers excellent pickup, low maintenance, and zero emissions.
However, if you value strong resale value, long-distance capability, and nationwide service access, the petrol variant remains unbeatable. The good news is that both bikes carry Hero’s trusted quality, ensuring that whichever model you choose, you’ll get years of reliable performance.
The shift toward electric mobility is inevitable, and the Hero Electric Splendor Pro is a smart bridge between affordability, practicality, and sustainability in India’s evolving two-wheeler market.
FAQs
What is the main difference between Hero Electric Splendor Pro and Petrol Splendor?
The electric version uses a battery and motor instead of an engine, resulting in lower running cost, smoother pickup, and zero emissions.
Which version has better pickup?
The Hero Electric Splendor Pro offers instant torque and better pickup in city traffic compared to the petrol model.
What is the resale value of Electric Splendor?
The resale market for electric bikes is still developing, so resale value depends mainly on battery condition and demand in your area.
How much can I save on running cost annually?
By switching to the electric model, you can save between ₹12,000 and ₹15,000 annually, depending on your riding distance and electricity rates.
Is the Electric Splendor suitable for long rides?
It’s ideal for short city commutes, but for long highway trips, the petrol Splendor is still more convenient due to easier refueling options.
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