Inverex Charlie

Motor and battery

The Inverex Charlie is a battery-electric commuter motorcycle from Inverex GO, the mobility arm of the Inverex solar group. It comes in three versions. The Lite uses a 1,500 W hub motor with a 60V 30Ah lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, claims 100 km per charge and tops out at 60 km/h. The Pro steps up to a 2,000 W motor and a 72V 40Ah battery for a claimed 130 km and 70 km/h. The Swap has a 3,000 W motor and a 72V 54Ah pack, claims 150 km and 90 km/h, and is designed to have its battery exchanged at a swapping station in about 30 seconds. All ranges are quoted by Inverex for optimal riding conditions, so real-world figures will be lower in heavy traffic or with a pillion.

Charging

The Lite charges in 2–3 hours on a 10A supply and the Pro in 2–3 hours with 15A fast charging. Both have an onboard charger, and the battery can also be lifted out and charged indoors at home or in the office. Inverex rates these LFP packs for 2,000 cycles and a 15-year lifespan, and both the battery and motor carry an IP65 dust and water rating.

Size and practicality

Every Charlie measures 1,920 × 720 × 1,070 mm with a 1,260 mm wheelbase. Seat height is a low 680 mm and ground clearance is a generous 250 mm, which should help on broken roads and speed breakers. It rolls on an 18-inch front (2.75-18) and 16-inch rear (110/90-16) tubeless tyre, with hydraulic front suspension and twin rear shocks on a steel frame. In our opinion, the familiar commuter shape and low seat make it the easiest bike in the range for riders moving from a 70cc or 125cc petrol motorcycle.

Equipment by variant

All three versions get front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, a digital display, LED headlamp, running lights, three riding modes (Eco, Normal and Sports), a reverse mode and a field-oriented controller. The differences between variants are mechanical: motor, battery, range and top speed. Inverex lists an anti-theft device, a portable power storage unit for extra range, a Bluetooth speaker with artificial ignition sound and an NFC smart card as optional extras.

Warranty

The Lite and Pro come with a three-year battery warranty, subject to terms and conditions. The official Charlie Swap page does not state a battery warranty.

Which variant to buy

Prices are Rs 449,000 for the Lite, Rs 525,000 for the Pro and Rs 360,000 for the Swap, excluding delivery. Our pick for most riders is the Charlie Pro: the extra 30 km of claimed range and 15A charging make it the more flexible daily commuter. The Swap looks cheapest on paper, but before choosing it, confirm with Inverex whether the battery is included, what swapping costs and whether a station is near you. The Lite suits short city trips where 60 km/h is enough.