Ampere Nexus: First Ever EV to Conquer 70 Hairpin Bends of Kolli Hills

On January 7, 2026, the Ampere Nexus became the first electric two-wheeler to successfully ascend all 70 hairpin bends of Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu. The climb from Belukurichi to the summit was completed in 22 minutes and 10 seconds, officially certified and validated on the same day by the Asia Book of Records. This achievement made Greaves Electric Mobility the first Indian electric two-wheeler brand to enter the Asia Book of Records.

What Makes Kolli Hills a True Test

Located in Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, Kolli Hills is widely regarded as one of the most challenging hill routes in South India for motorists. The road from Belukurichi to the summit ascends approximately 1,400 metres above sea level across 20+ km, and every kilometre of that ascent is punctuated by sharp, consecutive hairpin bends.

The 70 hairpin bends are not evenly spread — some sections feature three to four tight switchbacks within a few hundred metres of each other. Each bend demands the rider to decelerate sharply, execute a tight turn at a steep angle, and immediately accelerate out of the corner under continuous uphill gradient. This creates a pattern of sustained high motor demand alternating with hard braking and torque-demanding climb restarts — one of the most energy-intensive and mechanically stressful riding cycles an electric scooter can face.

For an electric motor, this is a thermal endurance test. For the battery, it is a sustained high-discharge scenario. For the brakes, it is a repeated high-temperature event. And for the chassis and suspension, it is a continuous lateral stress cycle. Kolli Hills tests everything.

The Official Record: What Was Measured

The Engineering That Conquered Kolli Hills

This achievement was not luck or a one-off. It was the result of deliberate engineering choices embedded in the Ampere Nexus since its design phase — Greaves Electric Mobility's 'Built for Bharat' philosophy applied to the most demanding real-world scenarios India offers.

LFP Battery: Thermal Stability Under Continuous Demand

The Nexus's 3 kWh LFP battery operates within a temperature range of -40°C to 60°C. During the Kolli Hills ascent, the motor ran at sustained high output for over 22 minutes without interruption. LFP chemistry does not exhibit the thermal runaway behaviour associated with NMC batteries — it dissipates heat steadily and maintains a consistent discharge profile even under extended high-demand operation.

The battery management system actively monitors cell temperature and discharge rate, throttling power delivery if needed to prevent thermal stress — but on the Kolli Hills climb, no such throttling occurred. The BMS operated within normal parameters throughout the ascent, as confirmed by the Nex.IO diagnostic system.

Motor: Instant Torque for Every Restart

Electric motors produce maximum torque from a standstill — a fundamental advantage over combustion engines. Every one of the 70 hairpin bends required the Nexus to slow to a near-stop and then accelerate immediately under a steep gradient. The 4 kW PMSM motor's instant torque delivery made each restart smooth and powerful, with no clutch lag, no stalling, and no thermal build-up between corners.

• Traction control prevented rear wheel spin on the gravel and damp sections of the road
• Regenerative braking on descent reduces brake wear and recovers energy simultaneously
• Reverse mode provides safety for repositioning on narrow hairpin turns

Chassis: 4x Stronger, Built for Lateral Loads

Hairpin bends generate significant lateral force on a two-wheeler's chassis. At high lean angles with a steep gradient, the frame is under simultaneous torsional and bending stress. The Nexus's 4x stronger exoskeleton chassis — its primary structural differentiator — absorbs these forces without flexing, keeping the rider's handling inputs predictable and the geometry consistent.

The multi-patented twin-suspension hybrid swingarm maintained wheel contact across road surfaces that varied from sealed tarmac to loose gravel at hairpin apexes. The high-strength steel chassis kept the bike planted and balanced through all 70 corners.

Why This Record Matters for Riders in Hilly Cities

Kolli Hills is an extreme case, but millions of Indian riders navigate inclines daily. Cities like Pune, Shimla, Mussoorie, Gangtok, Shillong, Coimbatore (access to the Nilgiris), and Munnar all feature gradients that are far gentler than Kolli Hills — but still demanding for EVs that are not engineered for hills.

Kolli Hills and the Broader Ampere Record Story

The Kolli Hills achievement follows a pattern of real-world validation that defines the Ampere Nexus's story. In 2024, it completed 10,000+ km from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Also in 2024, it demonstrated towing a 1,860 kg pickup truck. On Independence Day 2025, it climbed to 13,200 ft at Shipki La Pass — just 200 metres from the Line of Control — becoming the first electric scooter to reach this high-altitude frontier (India Book of Records). And on January 7, 2026, it conquered Kolli Hills.

Each record tests a different dimension of performance. Together, they form the most comprehensive real-world validation of any electric scooter in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which electric scooter first climbed all 70 hairpin bends of Kolli Hills?

The Ampere Nexus became the first electric two-wheeler to successfully ascend all 70 hairpin bends of Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu on January 7, 2026 — certified by the Asia Book of Records.

How long did it take the Ampere Nexus to climb Kolli Hills?

The Ampere Nexus completed the ascent from Belukurichi to the summit in 22 minutes and 10 seconds, starting at 7:00 AM on January 7, 2026.

Is the Ampere Nexus suitable for hill riding in everyday conditions?

Yes. The 4 kW motor with instant torque, LFP battery thermal stability, traction control, regenerative braking, and 4x stronger chassis all directly benefit riders in hilly cities or areas with steep gradients.

Why is Kolli Hills considered a difficult route?

Kolli Hills features 70 sharp hairpin bends in a continuous ascent from Belukurichi to the summit, with steep gradients, occasional loose road surfaces, and narrow corners — creating a sustained demand on motor, brakes, and chassis simultaneously.

What battery does the Ampere Nexus use for hill climbing?

The Nexus uses a 3 kWh LFP battery, operating from -40°C to 60°C, with a BMS that actively manages cell temperature during sustained high-demand scenarios like hill climbs. No thermal throttling occurred during the Kolli Hills record ascent.