Hero MotoCorp, India’s leading two-wheeler manufacturer, is making a bold leap into four-wheeled electric mobility with the unveiling of its Vida NEX 3 micro-EV concept. Revealed at EICMA 2025 in Milan, this vehicle signals Hero’s ambition to redefine urban transport — compact, efficient, and tailor-made for congested city streets.
What Is the Vida NEX 3?
The NEX 3 is Hero’s first micro electric car under its Vida brand, introduced as part of the Vida Novus portfolio. Unlike a conventional four-wheeler, the Nex 3 is ultra-narrow, designed to weave through tight urban lanes, yet offers an enclosed cabin for protection against weather.
One of its most interesting design features is the tandem seating layout — the passenger sits directly behind the driver, rather than side-by-side. This arrangement helps reduce the vehicle’s width, making it extremely manoeuvrable in crowded city environments.
Design & Features: Futuristic Yet Practical
Hero has blended practicality with futuristic styling in the NEX 3 concept:
- Sliding Roof Door Mechanism: The door slides upward, allowing easier ingress and egress in tight parking conditions — ideal for urban spaces.
- Modular Console: Inside, a centre console can be customised, toggling between rectangular and circular instrument clusters to suit user preferences.
- All-Weather Cabin: Despite its compactness, the NEX 3 offers weather protection similar to a car, while retaining the efficiency and agility of a small EV.
Target Use & Market Positioning
Hero clearly envisions the NEX 3 as a city commuter, but with broader appeal. According to Hero, it is designed for “ages 14 to 99”, underscoring inclusivity and simple, affordable mobility.
It is not targeting performance or luxury; instead, it aims for economical, low-footprint mobility — a middle path between small cars like the MG Comet and two-wheelers.
Hero’s Broader Vision: The Vida Novus Portfolio
The NEX 3 isn’t a standalone concept. It belongs to Hero’s Vida Novus range, which also includes:
- Vida NEX 1: A portable, wearable micro-mobility device.
- Vida NEX 2: A compact self-balancing electric trike.
Alongside these, Hero also unveiled two electric motorcycle concepts — Vida Ubex and Vida Project VxZ, signalling a broad and ambitious EV roadmap.
Why the NEX 3 Matters
- Addresses Urban Congestion: With its narrow footprint and tandem layout, the NEX 3 is ideal for city traffic, narrow lanes, and tight parking.
- Affordable EV Option: Micro-EVs are inherently less complex and potentially cheaper to produce than full-size electric cars, making them a compelling choice for mass adoption.
- Inclusive Mobility: Hero’s design philosophy for the NEX 3 emphasises accessibility — designed to be used by a very wide age range.
- Sustainability Focus: As part of Hero’s Vida EV ecosystem, the NEX 3 ties into the company’s broader commitment to green mobility.
Challenges & Unknowns
While the concept is promising, there are significant unknowns:
- Battery and Range: Hero has not yet disclosed technical specifics such as battery capacity, driving range, or top speed.
- Pricing and Launch Timeline: As of now, there is no confirmed price or production date.
- Regulatory & Safety: Micro-EVs will have to meet safety and regulatory standards for production — packaging a four-wheeler in a very small form is challenging.
The Road Ahead
Hero MotoCorp’s unveiling of the Vida NEX 3 is a significant move. It reflects a clear strategic intent: to expand beyond two-wheelers and play a meaningful role in ultra-compact EV mobility.
If it transitions from concept to production, the NEX 3 has the potential to become a go-to choice for city commuters, bridging the gap between scooters and full-size EVs. As Hero deepens its EV presence with the Vida Novus line, the NEX 3 could mark a turning point in how Indians—and possibly global users—think about electric personal transport.
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