LML Star 2025: During the 1980s and 1990s, the recognizable putt-putt of an LML Vespa was as commonplace as morning tea on the busy streets of metropolitan India. With their rounded corners and robust frames, those recognizable scooters were more than automobiles; they were cultural icons representing the mobility and aspirations of the middle class. Decades after Lohia Machinery Limited (LML) stopped producing their cherished two-wheelers, a spectacular comeback is occurring. In 2025, the LML Star will return, redesigned for the electric era while paying homage to its iconic past. This comeback marks the resuscitation of a legendary Indian brand that once faced off against multinational behemoths, not simply another entrance into the increasingly saturated electric mobility industry.
Table of Contents
- The Ascent, Decline, and Rebirth of a Legend
- Want To Know More About EV
- Design Philosophy: Respecting the Past while Taking the Future into Account
- Technical Specifications: Performance That Exceeds Expectations
- Market Positioning and Pricing Strategy
- Production and Sustainability
- Cultural Impact and Community Building
- Challenges and Competition
- Future Roadmap and Expansion Plans
- A Star Reborn for a New Era
The Ascent, Decline, and Rebirth of a Legend
The Magnificent Times of LML
There aren’t many brands that make Indian commuters feel nostalgic like LML. Established in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, in 1972, Lohia Machinery Limited first produced machinery for the production of synthetic yarn until partnering technically with Piaggio of Italy in 1983. Through this collaboration, the LML Vespa—a scooter that would come to represent dependable daily mobility for millions of Indians—was born.
LML scooters were ubiquitous in the 1980s and 1990s, whether they were parked outside government buildings, transported families of four (and occasionally five) across small ravines, or proudly exhibited in middle-class houses as representations of upward mobility. With its unique headlamp and cozy seat, the LML Star—the company’s most well-known model—became especially adored. Due to their strong construction, several of these scooters were still in use decades after they were first produced, becoming family heirlooms passed down from parents to children.
“I can still remember the day my father bought an LML Star in 1992,” says Rahul Sharma, a 45-year-old Delhi software engineer. It resembled a family member. That scooter taught me how to ride, and my wife and I spent our first few years together after we were married. In 2015, it ultimately shut down after 23 years of dependable operation.
In India, where LML scooters gained a reputation for unwavering dependability and technical simplicity that made repairs simple, such tales are not uncommon. This cultural influence persisted despite the company’s growing difficulties.
The Giant’s Decline
The late 1990s and early 2000s brought seismic alterations to India’s automotive sector. Economic liberalization opened the door to international rivals, and consumer preferences began changing toward motorbikes and, subsequently, tiny vehicles. Piaggio and LML parted ways amicably in 1999, and the firm found it difficult to hold onto its market share in the face of escalating competition and shifting consumer preferences.
LML had financial issues that led to the company’s 2006 bankruptcy, even though it had introduced new models and even ventured into the motorbike market. Following a temporary resumption of operations, the Kanpur plant eventually shut down in 2017, presumably bringing an end to one of India’s most cherished automakers.
For 10 years, LML was confined to recollections and the roads where surviving models were still in use. These models were frequently tenderly cared for by devoted owners and skilled technicians who grew more creative in creating components that were no longer produced.
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The LML Star Electric Rebirth
The Indian automotive world and social media platforms were ablaze with enthusiasm when it was announced in late 2024 that LML Star will be resurrected as an electric car company. The firm announced intentions to introduce an electric version of its most popular model, the Star, even though it is now owned by a different company but still uses its famous name and badge.
During the announcement news conference, Yogesh Bhatia, CEO of the new LML Electric, stated, “We’re not just reviving a scooter; we’re bringing back a piece of India’s cultural heritage.” “The Star 2025 will blend modern electric technology that looks to the future with the classic style that Indians adore.”
The timing of this reincarnation is ideal, since India is actively promoting electric vehicles. Such programs have flourished because to government incentives, increased environmental awareness, and the usefulness of electric cars in congested metropolitan areas. LML, however, is adopting a different strategy—relying on nostalgia while embracing innovation—in contrast to many EV firms that prioritize futuristic designs that defy convention.
Design Philosophy: Respecting the Past while Taking the Future into Account
Retaining the Classic Silhouette LML Star
The electric successor of the original LML Star will be instantly recognizable to everyone who remembers it. The recognizable round body, the distinctive front fascia with its round headlamp, and the roomy, cozy seat that can easily fit two passengers are all still there in the 2025 model. Remarkably well retained are the curves and proportions that made the original Star so unique.
According to Pankaj Dubey, Head of Design at LML Star Electric, “the silhouette is sacred.” “Our initial design principle was to make sure that anyone who had ever loved the original Star would immediately recognize this as its spiritual successor from a distance of fifty meters.”
Details like the unique handlebar curvature, the analog-style speedometer (now housing digital displays), and even the chrome highlights that decorated the original demonstrate this dedication to the traditional design. A closer look reveals some minor modernizations, though: LED lighting takes the place of outdated incandescent lights, the seat material is made of cutting-edge weather-resistant textiles, and the overall polish is of a high caliber that represents modern production skills.
Additionally, the color scheme unites the past and contemporary. Five color variations will be available for the 2025 Star’s introduction, including two modern possibilities created especially for the new model and three legacy shades—Kanpur Green, India Cream, and Midnight Blue—that exactly match the most popular hues from the 1990s collection.
Contemporary Engineering in a Retro Setting
Although the appearance honors LML’s history, the engineering below is utterly contemporary. Built on a lightweight aluminum frame, the Star 2025 lowers weight without sacrificing the strength that gave the older versions their exceptional durability. Despite the notable distinctions between combustion and electric powertrains, the battery location has been thoughtfully designed to preserve the scooter’s recognizable center of gravity.
“Riders switching from an old LML to the 2025 model will discover that it handles remarkably similarly,” Chief Engineer Arjun Patel stated. “Even though the technology is entirely different, we spent endless hours testing various weight distributions and suspension tuning to make sure the ride’s character stays authentic.”
This focus on the riding experience also extends to the sound design, which is a feature of electric vehicles that is sometimes disregarded. The engineering team has created a subtle acoustic signature that gives the rider auditory feedback and a gentle alert to pedestrians without being obtrusive, even though the Star 2025 won’t replicate the characteristic putt-putt of its two-stroke ancestor—a sound that would be undesirable in today’s noise-conscious urban environments.
LML Star Customization Options: Personal Expression
One aspect of scooter culture that LML Star 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
LML Star 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 Star 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: LML Star 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 Star 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.
LML Star Building Rider Communities
Beyond the emotional connection to the past, LML Star 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
LML Star 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 Star 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 Star 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.
LML Star Service Network Development
A persistent concern among potential electric vehicle buyers in India remains service availability and long-term maintenance. LML Star 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 Star 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 Star 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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