Hero MotoCorp's Vida files design patent for two-seater electric car NEX 3

Hero MotoCorp's Vida brand appears to be preparing something different in the electric vehicle market. The company has filed a design patent in India for its ultra-compact electric car, the Vida NEX 3. The car's door will open straight upwards instead of sideways. Its small size, distinct design and seating for only two people could make it a new option for city travel.

Vida is no longer limited to electric scooters and motorcycles. The company is working on different kinds of mobility solutions to make future urban travel easier and more convenient. The Vida Novus range stands out among them. It includes three models: NEX 1, NEX 2 and NEX 3.

The company had earlier filed a patent for the NEX 2, a three-wheeled electric trike based on self-balancing technology. The design patent for the Vida NEX 3 has now raised interest in the automobile sector.

The company showed the concept model of this micro electric car at the Milan motorcycle show, EICMA, last year. According to the design patent that has now surfaced, the production model that follows may retain many of the concept's features.

The biggest highlight of the Vida NEX 3 is its wing-style door. Doors on ordinary cars open sideways, while this car's door is designed to open straight up. This gives the small car a sporty and premium look. It could help on narrow city streets and in crowded parking, as the door can open upwards even when there is little room beside the car. The door is large for the car's size, so getting in and out is also expected to be easy.

Despite its small size, the exterior design of the Vida NEX 3 stresses a muscular look. The company calls the vehicle a "micro SUV". The front has a bold V-shaped grille, with vertically styled LED lights on both sides. A full-width LED light strip is likely on the bonnet. The car also has large aerodynamic alloy wheels, low-profile tyres and flared wheel arches. A large window for rear occupants, a roofline sloping towards the rear, a hexagonal boot lid and a sporty bumper give the car a distinct identity.

The two-seater electric car is being built mainly for everyday travel in the city. The interior is kept simple and modern. The cabin uses attractive colours, and the dashboard has a hexagonal steering wheel and two round instrument dials. The option to customise the interior is another feature, and buyers can have some changes made to the cabin. Though the car is small, the emphasis is on comfortable seating for two.

The company has not yet released details of the battery capacity, motor, driving range or charging. Features such as automatic AC and turn-by-turn navigation are expected, but this has not been officially confirmed.

Although the company has filed the design patent in India, no launch date or price has been announced. It therefore cannot be said with certainty that the filing means the car is coming to market soon. The car's actual performance, price and availability will become clear only after an official announcement.