Mile Munchers: Can Ola S1 X [3kWH] Outshine the Best-Selling Hero Splendor Plus?

The Splendor series—from Hero Honda and subsequently Hero MotoCorp—has ruled the roads for over three decades. Splendor Plus sold 3.2 million units in the last financial year, riding on its promise of impressive real-world mileage, low service costs, and reliable performance. That made it an easy pick for mile munchers who wanted a no-nonsense two-wheeler.

Now, with the S1 X [3kWH], Ola Electric is asking some tough questions—of ICE two-wheelers such as Splendor Plus. Priced at Rs. 84,999, the S1 X [3kWH] takes a direct shot at the Rs. 90,000 Splendor Plus. Sure, S1 X range is popular—it has loads of features too. But is the S1 X [3kWH] really a worthy alternative to Splendor Plus, particularly for Mile Munchers who ride 50-60 kilometres a day?

Let’s quickly outline the needs of those who run 50-60 kilometres day.

What Mile Munchers Want

Mile munchers need a vehicle that offers low running costs, reliability, and minimal maintenance. The Hero Splendor has long been a favourite among this group due to its fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and dependable performance. However, the advent of electric scooters like the Ola S1 X [3kWH] is changing the game, offering new advantages that cater specifically to the needs of high-mileage riders.

Let’s see how the two rivals stack up:

Round 1: Running Cost Comparison

When it comes to running costs, the Ola S1 X[3kWH] lands a knockout punch. Charging the Ola S1 X [3kWH] to full should not cost more than Rs. 40 (on the higher side, Cartoq.com estimate). That is 28 paise per kilometre—assuming its 143-kilometre range. On the other hand, the Splendor Plus, with its ~70 km/litre real-world mileage, turns out to be Rs. 1.35 per kilometre. For a mile muncher covering 60 kilometres daily, this translates to cost savings of Rs. 23,000 a year. In effect, if you buy the S1 X [3kWH] instead of the Splendor Plus or any similarly priced ICE two-wheeler, you will recover your money in three years.

Ola S1 X [3kWH] wins Round 1 fair and square.

Round 2: Maintenance and Reliability

The Ola S1 X [3kWH] also scores points in the maintenance department. With a recommended service interval of 5000 kilometres, it requires less frequent attention compared to the Hero Splendor’s 3000-kilometer service interval. For a rider covering 1500-1800 kilometres monthly, this means 3-4 services per year for the Ola versus 6-8 for the Splendor. This not only saves time but also reduces long-term maintenance costs.

Both vehicles offer impressive warranties, but the Ola S1 X [3kWH], with its 8-year / 80,000-kilometer warranty, beats the Splendor Plus’s 5-year / 70,000-kilometer warranty by a long way.

So, the Round 2 also goes to the Ola S1 X [3kWH].

Round 3: Performance

The Ola S1 X [3kWH] boasts a range of 143 km on a single charge, making it suitable for most daily commutes. With a top speed of 90 km/h and acceleration from 0-40 km/h in 3.3 seconds, it offers peppy performance for urban riding. The scooter also features a 4.3-inch segmented display, keyless lock, and a home charging time of 7.4 hours.
In comparison, the Hero Splendor Plus is powered by a 97.2cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 8.02PS of power and 8.05Nm of torque. It is a bit slower off the blocks, though, with a 0-40 km/h time of 4.19 seconds. The Splendor Plus now comes with a fully-digital instrument cluster providing real-time mileage readout along with speed, fuel level, odometer, and trip meter information.

Round 3 turns out to be a draw.

Round 4: Features

Both vehicles offer modern features like digital displays and USB charging ports.

The Ola S1 X [3kWH] goes a step further with LED lighting, cruise control, and a reverse mode for easy manoeuvrability. Its mobile app provides seamless connectivity, allowing riders to access key information and control various functions.

Further, now Ola S1 X [3kWH] also offers Ride Stats and Energy Insights that helps users better manage their journeys and further reduce energy consumption. Advanced Regen smartly recharges the batteries on the go, while vacation mode allows you to put the battery in “sleep mode” extending its life. And best of all, S1 X range now gets OTA (over-the-air) updates compatibility allowing users to regularly update the software and unlock the true potential of the scooter.

So, the Round 4 goes to Ola S1 X [3kWH].

Round 5: Environmental Impact

Not much to say here. The electric powertrain makes the Ola S1 X [3kWH] deserving of a walkover. The Splendor Plus, while impressively fuel-efficient, still contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Ola S1 X [3kWH] wins Round 5 without a fight.

Conclusion: A New Era for Mile Munchers?

While the Hero Splendor has been a stalwart in the Indian two-wheeler market for decades, the Ola S1 X [3kWH] presents a compelling alternative for mile munchers. Its significantly lower running costs, reduced maintenance requirements, and eco-friendly nature make it an attractive option for those covering long distances daily.
For riders ready to embrace electric technology and prioritize running costs, the Ola S1 X [3kWH] offers a forward-thinking solution. Its range should suffice for most daily commutes, and its features provide a modern riding experience.

As electric vehicle technology continues to advance and charging infrastructure improves, we may see more mile munchers making the switch to electric scooters like the Ola S1 X [3kWH]. While it may not completely outshine the Hero Splendor just yet, it certainly presents a bright alternative for the future of personal mobility.