Khyati Sharma 2026-11-11
Hero MotoCorp is exploring new possibilities in electric mobility with its futuristic Vida NEX 3 electric micro car. The compact two-seater has recently attracted attention after its design patent surfaced in India, revealing an unusual exterior design featuring a single upward-opening gullwing-style door.
Known primarily for its motorcycles and scooters, Hero MotoCorp could potentially expand its electric vehicle portfolio beyond two-wheelers through its Vida brand. The NEX 3 was originally showcased under the company's Vida Novus mobility concept lineup at EICMA 2025.
The newly surfaced patent provides another look at the company's micro-mobility ambitions. However, Hero MotoCorp has not officially confirmed whether the NEX 3 will enter production or arrive in Indian showrooms.
The biggest highlight of the Vida NEX 3 is its unusual door design. Unlike conventional cars that use regular side-opening doors, the micro car features a single large gullwing-style door that opens upwards.
This design gives the vehicle a futuristic appearance while allowing occupants to enter and exit through a single opening.
The patent images reveal a compact, pod-shaped exterior with large glass windows, prominent bumpers and distinctive LED lighting elements. The rear section also features an unusual almost hexagonal-shaped windshield.
The overall design focuses on keeping the vehicle small and practical for crowded urban environments where parking space and road width are major concerns.
The Hero Vida NEX 3 is designed as a two-seater electric micro car. Unlike conventional small cars that offer side-by-side seating, the NEX 3 features an interesting front-to-rear seating arrangement.
The driver sits in the front, while the second passenger is positioned directly behind the driver.
This arrangement allows Hero to keep the vehicle considerably narrower than a conventional passenger car. It could also make the NEX 3 easier to manoeuvre through congested streets and park in tight spaces.
The vehicle is intended for short urban journeys, offering an enclosed four-wheel alternative to conventional two-wheelers.
Despite its compact dimensions, the Vida NEX 3 is designed to offer more convenience than a conventional scooter or motorcycle.
The concept was presented as an all-weather personal electric vehicle, with an enclosed cabin to protect occupants from rain, dust and direct sunlight.
Based on the concept showcased by Hero, the expected convenience features include:
Air conditioning.
Digital centre display.
Smartphone connectivity.
Connected online services.
Large glass windows.
Enclosed passenger cabin.
The showcased concept also indicated the possibility of different centre-screen designs, including rectangular and circular display layouts.
However, Hero has not confirmed the final equipment list or production specifications.
The NEX 3 is part of Hero MotoCorp's broader Vida Novus mobility initiative, which was introduced at EICMA 2025 in Milan, Italy.
|
Concept |
Vehicle Type |
Main Highlight |
|
NEX 1 |
Portable electric scooter |
Foldable mobility concept |
|
NEX 2 |
Electric three-wheeler |
Self-balancing technology |
|
NEX 3 |
Electric micro car |
Two seats and gullwing door |
The NEX 3 takes a different approach by offering four wheels and an enclosed cabin for two occupants.
These concepts demonstrate how Hero MotoCorp is exploring different electric mobility solutions beyond conventional motorcycles and scooters.
The recent design patent has generated interest because it suggests that Hero MotoCorp is protecting the NEX 3's distinctive design in India.
However, a patent registration does not necessarily mean that a vehicle is ready for mass production. Companies often register designs to protect their intellectual property while continuing to evaluate future products.
Hero MotoCorp has not officially announced the NEX 3's production timeline, launch date or market availability.
There is also no confirmed information about its battery capacity, electric motor output, driving range, charging time or expected price.
Therefore, buyers should not consider the NEX 3 a confirmed upcoming showroom launch at this stage.
|
Details |
Expected Information |
|
Vehicle Type |
Electric micro car |
|
Brand |
Hero Vida |
|
Seating Capacity |
2 occupants |
|
Seating Layout |
Front-to-rear |
|
Doors |
Single upward-opening door |
|
Body Design |
Compact pod-style |
|
Cabin |
Enclosed |
|
Air Conditioning |
Expected |
|
Infotainment |
Digital centre display concept |
The Hero Vida NEX 3 could represent an interesting new direction for India's electric mobility market. Its compact dimensions, two-seat layout, enclosed cabin and distinctive gullwing-style door make it very different from conventional electric cars.
If Hero MotoCorp eventually brings the NEX 3 into production, it could offer an alternative for urban commuters looking for a compact vehicle that provides more weather protection than a two-wheeler.
For now, the electric micro car remains a concept with a surfaced design patent. Its launch date, pricing and technical specifications are still awaited.