LML Star 2025 :In the bustling streets of metropolitan India during the 1980s and 1990s, the distinctive putt-putt of an LML Vespa was as familiar as the morning chai. Those iconic scooters, with their rounded edges and sturdy frames, weren’t just vehicles—they were cultural touchstones, symbols of middle-class aspiration and mobility. Now, decades after LML (Lohia Machinery Limited) ceased production of its beloved two-wheelers, a remarkable renaissance is underway. The LML Star is making a comeback in 2025, reimagined for the electric age while honoring its classic heritage. This revival represents more than just another entry in the increasingly crowded electric mobility market—it’s the rebirth of an iconic Indian brand that once competed with global giants.
The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of an Icon
The Glory Days of LML
Few brands evoke nostalgia among Indian commuters quite like LML. Founded in 1972 in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Lohia Machinery Limited initially manufactured synthetic yarn manufacturing machines before entering into a technical collaboration with Piaggio of Italy in 1983. This partnership birthed the LML Vespa, a scooter that would become synonymous with reliable everyday transportation for millions of Indians.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, LML scooters were everywhere—parked outside government offices, ferrying families of four (sometimes five) through narrow gullies, or proudly displayed in middle-class homes as symbols of upward mobility. The company’s most famous model, the LML Star, with its distinctive headlight and comfortable seat, became particularly beloved. Its sturdy build quality meant that many of these scooters continued to run decades after production, becoming family heirlooms passed down from parents to children.
“My father bought an LML Star in 1992, and I still remember the day it arrived,” recalls Rahul Sharma, a 45-year-old software engineer from Delhi. “It was like a member of the family. I learned to ride on that scooter, and when I got married, my wife and I used it for our first years together. It finally stopped running in 2015—that’s 23 years of reliable service.”
Such stories are common across India, where LML scooters developed a reputation for unbreakable dependability and mechanical simplicity that allowed for easy repairs. This cultural imprint remained even as the company itself faced mounting challenges.
The Decline of a Giant
The late 1990s and early 2000s brought seismic shifts to India’s automotive landscape. Economic liberalization opened the gates to foreign competitors, and consumer preferences began shifting toward motorcycles and, eventually, compact cars. LML’s partnership with Piaggio ended acrimoniously in 1999, and the company struggled to maintain its market position amid growing competition and changing tastes.
Despite launching new models and even entering the motorcycle segment, LML faced financial difficulties that culminated in the company declaring bankruptcy in 2006. After a brief restart of operations, the Kanpur factory finally fell silent in 2017, seemingly closing the chapter on one of India’s most beloved automotive brands.
For a decade, LML existed only in memories and on the roads where surviving models continued to operate—often lovingly maintained by dedicated owners and specialized mechanics who became increasingly inventive in fabricating parts that were no longer manufactured.
The Electric Revival
The announcement in late 2024 that LML would be reborn as an electric vehicle manufacturer sent ripples of excitement through India’s automotive community and social media platforms. The company, now under new ownership but retaining its iconic name and logo, revealed plans to launch an electric version of its most beloved model: the Star.
“We’re not just reviving a scooter; we’re bringing back a piece of India’s cultural heritage,” said Yogesh Bhatia, CEO of the new LML Electric, during the announcement press conference. “The Star 2025 will combine the timeless design that Indians love with cutting-edge electric technology that points toward our future.”
This revival comes at a strategic moment when India is pushing aggressively toward electric mobility. Government incentives, growing environmental consciousness, and the practical advantages of electric vehicles in dense urban environments have created fertile ground for such initiatives. But unlike many EV startups that emphasize futuristic designs that break from tradition, LML is taking a different approach—banking on nostalgia while embracing innovation.
Design Philosophy: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
Retaining the Classic Silhouette
Anyone who remembers the original LML Star will immediately recognize its electric descendant. The 2025 model retains the iconic rounded body, the characteristic front fascia with its circular headlight, and the wide, comfortable seat that could accommodate two passengers with ease. The curves and proportions that made the original Star so distinctive have been preserved with remarkable fidelity.
“The silhouette is sacred,” explained Pankaj Dubey, Head of Design at LML Electric. “Our first design principle was to ensure that from fifty meters away, anyone who ever loved the original Star would instantly recognize this as its spiritual successor.”
This commitment to the classic design extends to details like the analog-style speedometer (now housing digital displays), the distinctive handlebar shape, and even the chrome accents that adorned the original. However, subtle modernizations are evident upon closer inspection—LED lighting replaces the old incandescent bulbs, the seat material uses advanced weather-resistant fabrics, and the overall finish has a premium quality that reflects contemporary manufacturing capabilities.
The color palette also bridges past and present. The 2025 Star will launch with five colors, including three heritage shades that precisely match the most popular colors from the 1990s lineup—Kanpur Green, India Cream, and Midnight Blue—alongside two contemporary options developed specifically for the new model.
Modern Engineering in a Vintage Shell
While the exterior pays homage to LML’s heritage, beneath the familiar skin lies thoroughly modern engineering. The Star 2025 is built around a lightweight aluminum frame that reduces weight while maintaining the strength that made the original models so durable. The battery placement has been carefully engineered to maintain the scooter’s familiar center of gravity despite the significant differences between combustion and electric powertrains.
“Riders who transition from a vintage LML to the 2025 model will find that it handles in a remarkably similar way,” said Arjun Patel, Chief Engineer. “We spent countless hours testing different weight distributions and suspension tuning to ensure that the character of the ride remains authentic, even though the technology is completely different.”
This attention to the riding experience extends to the sound design—an often overlooked aspect of electric vehicles. While the Star 2025 won’t recreate the distinctive putt-putt of its two-stroke ancestor (a sound that would be unwelcome in today’s noise-conscious urban environments), the engineering team has developed a subtle acoustic signature that provides auditory feedback to the rider and a gentle alert to pedestrians without being intrusive.
Customization Options: Personal Expression
One aspect of scooter culture that LML has embraced is the tradition of personalization. The original Stars were often modified by their owners with custom paint jobs, additional chrome, and various accessories that expressed individual taste. The 2025 model continues this tradition with an extensive range of factory customization options.
Buyers can choose from different seat materials, handlebar styles, and storage accessories. A particularly innovative feature is the “Heritage Panel” program, which allows owners to order custom side panels featuring personal artwork, photographs, or designs, which are then professionally applied at LML service centers.
“We understand that these scooters become extensions of personal identity,” explained Marketing Director Sunita Kapoor. “The customization program acknowledges that tradition while ensuring that modifications are properly integrated with the vehicle’s systems and warranty coverage.”
Technical Specifications: Performance That Exceeds Expectations
Power and Range: Practical Electric Mobility
The heart of the Star 2025 is its electric powertrain, which delivers performance that significantly exceeds its fossil-fueled predecessor while maintaining familiar handling characteristics. The base model features a 3.5kW hub motor capable of propelling the scooter to a top speed of 65 km/h—more than adequate for urban commuting and comparable to the performance of the original Star in its heyday.
Where the electric model truly shines is in acceleration, with the instant torque characteristic of electric motors providing brisk response from a standstill. The Star 2025 can reach 50 km/h from a stop in just 3.8 seconds—nearly twice as quick as the original model.
Battery technology represents the most significant advancement. The Star 2025 comes with two battery options: a standard 2.5kWh pack providing approximately 70 kilometers of real-world range, and an extended 3.8kWh option that stretches that figure to over 110 kilometers. Both batteries are removable, allowing owners without dedicated charging facilities to bring their batteries indoors for charging—a crucial feature in India’s densely populated urban centers where dedicated parking with charging infrastructure remains limited.
“We’ve engineered the battery system with Indian realities in mind,” said Patel. “The standard battery weighs 12 kilograms, which is manageable for most adults to carry up a flight of stairs. We’ve also ensured the connection mechanism is robust enough to withstand daily removal and replacement over years of use.”
Charging times are competitive with industry standards—approximately 3.5 hours for a full charge of the standard battery using a conventional power outlet. The company has also developed a fast-charging system that can deliver an 80% charge in 45 minutes, though this requires specialized equipment that will initially be available only at LML service centers and select partnering locations.
Smart Features: Connected Without Complexity
The original LML Star was celebrated for its mechanical simplicity—a quality that contributed to its legendary reliability and ease of maintenance. The 2025 model embraces modern connectivity features while striving to maintain an intuitive user experience that won’t alienate traditional riders.
A smartphone application provides basic functionality like remote checking of battery status, charge completion alerts, and service reminders. More advanced features include theft detection with GPS tracking, riding history with efficiency statistics, and remote diagnostics that can alert riders to potential issues before they become problems.
Importantly, these smart features are designed as enhancements rather than requirements. Unlike some modern EVs that require smartphone connectivity for basic functions, the Star 2025 can be operated entirely without the companion app if the rider prefers a more traditional experience.
“Not everyone wants their scooter to be as complicated as their smartphone,” noted Dubey. “We’ve ensured that the essential riding experience remains straightforward and reliable, with smart features available but not intrusive.”
This philosophy extends to the instrument cluster, which combines analog-style gauges for speed and battery level with a small but readable LCD screen for additional information. The display is designed to be legible in bright sunlight—a crucial consideration for Indian riding conditions—and features a simple menu system navigated by handlebar-mounted controls.
Safety and Durability: Building on a Legacy
The original LML scooters earned their reputation for durability through years of service on India’s demanding roads. The 2025 model aims to continue this tradition while incorporating modern safety features that weren’t available decades ago.
Standard safety equipment includes disc brakes with a combined braking system, LED lighting with automatic headlights, and a reinforced frame designed to exceed current crash test standards. The battery pack features multiple redundant protection systems against overheating or electrical irregularities, addressing a common concern about electric vehicles, particularly in India’s extreme climate conditions.
Durability testing for the Star 2025 has been particularly rigorous. Prototype units have undergone accelerated aging tests simulating ten years of typical use, including exposure to monsoon conditions, dusty environments, and temperature extremes ranging from the heat of Rajasthan summers to the cold of Himalayan winters.
“An LML should be a lifetime companion,” said Patel. “We’ve designed and tested the Star 2025 with the expectation that these scooters will still be running reliably a decade or more after purchase, just like their predecessors.”
Market Positioning and Pricing Strategy
Affordable Premium: Targeting the Growing Middle Class
LML has positioned the Star 2025 in what it calls the “affordable premium” segment of the electric scooter market—a space that acknowledges the growing purchasing power and aspirations of India’s expanding middle class. With a starting price of ₹85,000 (approximately $1,025), the base model is priced competitively against other electric scooters with similar specifications while offering the additional value of the heritage brand and distinctive design.
“We’re not the cheapest option, nor do we aspire to be,” said Bhatia. “The Star 2025 offers a premium experience with the backing of a brand that Indians trust and remember fondly. Our buyers are investing in quality, design, and emotional connection—not just transportation.”
This positioning reflects broader trends in Indian consumer behavior, where growing numbers of buyers are willing to pay a premium for products that offer both functional benefits and emotional resonance. The company’s internal research suggests that approximately 30% of potential customers have a familial connection to the original LML scooters—either having owned one themselves or grown up in households where these vehicles were present.
The pricing structure includes three tiers: the base Urban model at ₹85,000, the mid-range Deluxe with the larger battery and enhanced features at ₹99,000, and the limited-edition Heritage series at ₹1,15,000, which includes exclusive color options, premium materials, and a commemorative plaque.
Financing options have been arranged through partnerships with major banks and NBFCs, with special programs designed to make monthly payments comparable to the operating costs of conventional scooters when fuel savings are considered.
Distribution Strategy: Beyond Traditional Dealerships
LML’s approach to sales and distribution represents a hybrid model that bridges traditional automotive retail with modern direct-to-consumer approaches. The company will establish flagship experience centers in major metropolitan areas where customers can test ride vehicles and explore customization options in detail. These centers will be supplemented by smaller studio locations in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, often partnering with established automotive retailers.
Online sales will form a significant channel, with the company’s website offering a comprehensive customization tool that allows potential buyers to visualize different configurations before placing orders. A unique feature of this system is the “Heritage Stories” function, where customers purchasing the Star 2025 can submit their personal or family histories with the original LML scooters, creating a digital archive of the brand’s cultural impact.
“We’re not just selling scooters; we’re reconnecting people with their memories and creating new stories for the next generation,” explained Kapoor. “The distribution model reflects this by emphasizing experience and storytelling alongside traditional sales metrics.”
Production and Sustainability
Manufacturing Renaissance: The New Kanpur Facility
Perhaps the most symbolically significant aspect of LML’s revival is the company’s decision to establish its primary production facility in Kanpur—the same city where the original LML scooters were manufactured. Rather than reactivating the old factory, which had fallen into disrepair, the company has constructed a new state-of-the-art plant approximately five kilometers from the historic site.
This new facility represents a ₹500 crore (approximately $60 million) investment and employs many former LML workers who bring decades of experience and institutional knowledge to the operation. The plant has been designed with Industry 4.0 principles, featuring advanced automation alongside skilled hand assembly for components that benefit from human precision.
“We wanted to honor the manufacturing heritage of LML while embracing modern production techniques,” said Operations Director Vikram Mehta. “Many of our production line supervisors worked at the original factory, and they’ve helped us incorporate traditional quality control practices alongside the latest technology.”
The facility has an initial production capacity of 200,000 units annually, with infrastructure in place to double this output as demand grows. Production began in late 2024 with a limited run of Heritage models for early reservation holders, with full-scale manufacturing ramping up in the first quarter of 2025.
Sustainability Initiatives: Green Manufacturing for Green Transportation
Electric vehicles are often promoted as environmental solutions, but their manufacturing process can involve significant resource consumption and emissions. LML has implemented several initiatives to address these concerns and enhance the overall sustainability of the Star 2025.
The Kanpur facility features extensive solar power generation, providing approximately 40% of the plant’s electricity needs. Water recycling systems reduce freshwater consumption by more than 80% compared to traditional manufacturing processes, and the company has established a comprehensive program for responsibly sourcing materials, with particular attention to the ethical procurement of battery components.
Most notably, LML has pioneered a battery recycling and second-life program that addresses end-of-life considerations for the scooter’s most environmentally sensitive component. Batteries that no longer meet the performance standards for vehicle use will be repurposed for stationary energy storage applications before eventually being recycled to recover valuable materials.
“An electric vehicle brand must consider the entire lifecycle environmental impact, not just the zero-emission operation,” said Mehta. “We’re committed to making the Star 2025 sustainable from production through years of use and eventually to component recycling.”
Cultural Impact and Community Building
Nostalgia as a Marketing Force
LML’s revival strategy leans heavily on the powerful force of nostalgia—a particularly potent influence in India, where rapid modernization has created a widespread appreciation for cultural touchstones that connect to a shared past. The company’s initial marketing campaign, titled “Stars Never Fade,” deliberately evokes emotional connections through archival footage of the original scooters interwoven with contemporary stories.
“The strongest marketing asset we have is the genuine affection people feel for the original Star,” said Kapoor. “Our research shows that even young Indians who never experienced the original scooters firsthand recognize them as iconic symbols through family stories, films, and their continued presence on Indian roads.”
This nostalgia factor extends beyond marketing to product development. The company has established a “Heritage Council” composed of vintage LML owners, former company employees, and automotive historians who provide input on design decisions to ensure authenticity while embracing necessary modernization.
Building Rider Communities
Beyond the emotional connection to the past, LML is actively cultivating contemporary rider communities to establish the Star 2025 as more than just a vehicle but a lifestyle choice. The company has launched the “Star Riders Club” with chapters in major cities, organizing regular rides, maintenance workshops, and social events.
These communities serve multiple purposes: they provide peer support for new electric vehicle adopters, create visible ambassadors for the brand, and generate authentic content for social media campaigns. The company has been particularly successful in engaging with young urban professionals who appreciate the blend of vintage aesthetics with sustainable technology.
“My grandfather had an LML Star, and now I have the electric version,” said Aditya Gupta, a 28-year-old graphic designer and early adopter in Bangalore. “There’s something special about continuing that legacy while also making a choice that aligns with my environmental values. The riding community has been an unexpected bonus—I’ve made genuine friendships through our weekend rides.”
Digital Presence and Social Media Strategy
LML has developed a sophisticated digital presence that leverages the visual appeal of the Star 2025 alongside the emotional resonance of the brand’s history. The company’s Instagram account features a careful balance of heritage content—including restored vintage models and owner stories—alongside contemporary lifestyle imagery featuring the new electric scooter.
A particularly successful element of their digital strategy has been the #MyStarStory campaign, which encourages owners of both vintage and new models to share personal anecdotes related to their scooters. These stories range from multi-generational family histories to first-time scooter owners discussing their transition to electric mobility.
“Social media allows us to showcase both the emotional heritage and the practical benefits of the Star 2025,” explained Kapoor. “We’re seeing significant organic content creation from our community, which provides authentic advocacy that traditional advertising simply cannot match.”
Challenges and Competition
Navigating a Crowded Electric Mobility Market
The Star 2025 enters a market that has grown increasingly competitive over the past five years. Established automotive manufacturers have introduced electric scooter models, and numerous startups have emerged with innovative offerings targeting various segments of the market.
LML’s primary competitors include Ola Electric’s S1 series, which has established strong market presence through aggressive pricing and advanced features; Ather Energy’s premium performance-focused scooters; and TVS’s electric offerings, which leverage another established Indian brand. Additionally, traditional scooter manufacturers like Honda and Suzuki have introduced electric models that benefit from their extensive service networks.
In this crowded field, LML’s distinctive advantage is its unique combination of heritage appeal and modern technology—a positioning that no competitor can precisely match. However, the company faces the challenge of translating brand nostalgia into sustainable market share against competitors with deeper pockets and broader distribution.
Supply Chain Resilience
Like all electric vehicle manufacturers, LML faces significant supply chain challenges, particularly regarding battery components and semiconductor availability. The company has implemented several strategies to address these vulnerabilities, including diversifying supplier relationships, maintaining larger component inventories than is typical in just-in-time manufacturing, and developing alternative specifications that can be implemented if primary components become unavailable.
“Supply chain management is perhaps the most critical operational challenge for any EV manufacturer today,” acknowledged Mehta. “We’ve built redundancy into our supplier networks and invested in inventory management systems that provide early warning of potential disruptions.”
A notable aspect of LML’s approach is its focus on developing domestic supply chains where possible. Approximately 70% of the Star 2025’s components by value are manufactured in India—a figure the company aims to increase to 85% by 2027. This localization strategy not only supports the government’s “Make in India” initiative but also reduces exposure to international shipping disruptions and currency fluctuations.
Service Network Development
A persistent concern among potential electric vehicle buyers in India remains service availability and long-term maintenance. LML has addressed this through a three-pronged approach to service infrastructure.
First, the company is establishing dedicated service centers in major markets that provide comprehensive maintenance and repair capabilities, including battery diagnostics and replacement. Second, it has developed a network of trained independent mechanics—many of whom previously specialized in servicing vintage LML scooters—who receive certification and ongoing training to work on the electric models. Third, the company has created detailed self-service documentation and video tutorials for basic maintenance tasks that owners can perform themselves.
“The serviceability of the original Star was a key factor in its success, and we’ve designed the 2025 model with similar principles in mind,” said Patel. “While the powertrain technology is completely different, we’ve ensured that routine maintenance and many common repairs can be performed with basic tools and reasonable mechanical aptitude.”
Future Roadmap and Expansion Plans
Product Line Expansion
While the Star 2025 represents LML’s initial offering in its new incarnation, the company has outlined an ambitious product roadmap for the coming years. Next in development is an electric motorcycle that draws design inspiration from the LML Adreno, which had a cult following in the 1990s despite more limited commercial success than the Star.
Further ahead, the company has hinted at plans for a three-wheeled commercial vehicle targeting the last-mile delivery sector—a rapidly growing market as e-commerce expands throughout India. This product would represent a new direction for the brand but would leverage the same electric powertrain technology and manufacturing capabilities.
“The Star is just the beginning of a complete mobility ecosystem we’re developing,” revealed Bhatia. “Each product will maintain the LML philosophy of combining timeless design with appropriate technology, always with the Indian context at the forefront of our thinking.”
International Aspirations
While India represents the primary market and emotional homeland for the LML brand, the company has expressed interest in select international markets where the combination of practical electric mobility and distinctive retro design could find receptive audiences.
Initial export targets include Southeast Asian countries with similar traffic patterns and climate conditions to India, followed by potential entry into European markets where vintage Vespa-style scooters remain popular and electric mobility adoption is high. The company is also exploring partnership opportunities in Latin America, where the practicality of scooters for urban transportation aligns well with the Star’s capabilities.
“We’re approaching international expansion thoughtfully, focusing on markets where the Star’s combination of heritage design and electric technology offers genuine differentiation,” explained Bhatia. “We don’t aspire to be everywhere immediately, but rather to grow organically in markets where we can build sustainable presence.”
Technology Development Pathway
Looking further ahead, LML has established an innovation center in Bangalore that focuses on next-generation electric mobility technologies. Current research priorities include advanced battery chemistry with higher energy density, integrated solar charging for parked vehicles, and vehicle-to-grid systems that could allow the scooter’s battery to support home power needs during outages.
The company has also formed research partnerships with technical universities, including IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras, establishing scholarship programs for electric vehicle engineering and providing internship opportunities for promising students.
“We’re investing in technologies that make sense for our specific market conditions,” said Patel. “Rather than simply adopting approaches developed for Western markets, we’re focusing on innovations that address the particular challenges and opportunities of India and similar regions.”
A Star Reborn for a New Era
The revival of LML and the introduction of the Star 2025 represent more than just another entry in India’s expanding electric vehicle market. They symbolize the continued relevance of heritage brands that can successfully bridge nostalgia and innovation—connecting generations through shared experiences while embracing necessary technological evolution.
As the first production units reach customers in early 2025, the distinctive silhouette of the LML Star will once again become a common sight on Indian roads. But unlike its predecessors, which announced their presence with the characteristic putt-putt of two-stroke engines, these new Stars will glide quietly through traffic—symbols of both India’s automotive heritage and its sustainable future.
For the millions of Indians who grew up with LML scooters as part of their daily lives, the Star 2025 offers a chance to reconnect with cherished memories while participating in the nation’s transition to electric mobility. For younger riders with no firsthand experience of the original models, it presents an opportunity to participate in a cultural legacy while making a forward-looking transportation choice.
“In many ways, the story of LML parallels India’s own journey,” reflected Bhatia. “There’s a period of foundation-building, challenges to overcome, and ultimately transformation that honors the past while embracing new possibilities. The Star never really faded from India’s consciousness—and now it returns, evolved for a new era but carrying the same spirit that made it beloved in the first place.”
As manufacturing ramps up and the distinctive profile of the Star 2025 becomes increasingly familiar on Indian roads, it remains to be seen whether this revival will achieve the commercial success and cultural impact of its predecessor. But the enthusiasm surrounding its return suggests that LML has indeed found a meaningful intersection between nostalgia and innovation—a sweet spot where memories of the past and hopes for the future converge in the simple pleasure of the open road.
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