IPL 2023: Two-wheeler Brands That Made Their Mark

Among many, two of the two-wheeler brands have come ahead to sponsor of IPL teams. 

• Ampere even launched a limited edition RCB-themed scooter. 
• Bookings for the same have begun for Rs 499. 
• Virat Kohli was the one who launched it. 

This year’s IPL has been quite an interesting one, not only for the cricket fans but also the automobile enthusiasts as we saw two relatively new brands come up to sponsor some teams. Here’s which ones we saw on IPL jerseys this year: 

1.  Vida V1

Throughout the whole 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the VIDA emblem will be visibly displayed on the player helmets and caps as the team's official electric-mobility partner.

In order to become their official electric-mobility partner for the IPL 2023, VIDA, the mobility brand of Hero MotoCorp, a manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has teamed with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

With an Omnichannel presence that includes Experience Centres and pop-up stores, the VIDA V1 is offered in Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Delhi and has two detachable batteries.In 50 places throughout Bengaluru, Delhi, and Jaipur, VIDA has installed close to 300 charging stations. 

Users can use its rapid charging network to charge their scooter batteries at 1.2 km/min. 

2. Ampere Primus

Since Greaves Electric Mobility's Ampere sub-brand is the official EV partner of Royal Challengers Bangalore, Virat Kohli was presented with one of their electric scooters as Player of the Match.

The special edition Ampere Primus was given to Virat Kohli for winning Player of the Match. 

The IPL season is currently underway, and cricket fever has gripped the nation. The IPL has grown to become one of the largest sporting events in the globe in recent years. That has drawn numerous significant local and national sponsors, including Greaves Electric Mobility, based in Bangalore. Its subsidiary, Ampere, creates electric scooters. 

Ampere has three models available: Zeal EX, Magnus EX, and Primus. But the one Virat received was distinctive because it was especially personalised with the RCB theme. In addition to having a dual-tone finish, it also boasts reverse mode, good legroom, an LCD smart digital display, 22 litres of storage, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB charging outlet, navigation assistance, hydraulic adjustable front suspension, side stand sensor, an LED headlamp, and more.

The Ampere Primus has a 3 kWh Lithium Ferro Phosphate battery that powers a mid-mount PMS electric motor to generate 4 kW of peak power, enabling a sprint from 0 to 40 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. The maximum speed is rated at 77 km/h, and the rated range on a single charge is 107 km. Drive modes, rapid charging (optional), alloy wheels, 130 kg (kerb weight), a battery with a three-year/30,000 km warranty, and a vehicle are all included. Retail cost, ex-showroom, is Rs. 1.10 lakh.

3. Ather 

Ather Energy, India's top electric scooter manufacturer, unveiled a new marketing film celebrating its successful collaboration as the primary sponsor of the new IPL franchise Gujarat Titans. Ather Energy and Gujarat Titans have teamed up to challenge the status quo in their respective industries. 

The 40-second video that the company posted on social media shows the features that unite the two businesses. Both businesses possess the same enthusiasm, desire, daring, and nerves to fight the extremely competitive surroundings while being novices in their respective areas. 

The two emerging brands have combined to energise the game. In the past, Rajaram Rajendran and Ather Energy worked together to create the introductory video for the Ather 450X movie. 

A practical e-scooter with a dynamic appearance is the Ather 450X. Everything about the scooter works smoothly and fits well, from the elegant body cladding to the front apron-mounted LED bulb. Cosmic Black, Lunar Grey, Salt Green, and True Red are the new hues added to the existing Space Grey and White for the redesigned Ather 450X.

Verdict

Many EV players, including the Tatas, who are the IPL's official sponsor with Tiago, the Mahindra, Ather, and Ampere, have expressed interest in the league. The Indian Premier League and Tata Motors have been partners for six years, and Mahindra & Mahindra just established a deal with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Rajasthan Royals. 

It’s good to see automobile brands understand the sheer amount of marketing something like the IPL could bring and come onboard to sponsor the teams of some of our favourite cricketers.