Hero Vida Patents NEX 3 Ultra-Compact Electric Car With Upward-Opening Door

Hero Vida has filed a patent for the NEX 3, an ultra-compact electric car, expanding its work beyond electric scooters and motorcycles. The vehicle is part of the Vida Novus range, which includes three mobility solutions named NEX 1, NEX 2, and NEX 3. Hero previously filed a patent in June for the NEX 2, which is a self-balancing three-wheeled trike. The company first unveiled the NEX 3 at last year's EICMA show, and the design patent images match the features seen on that showcase model.

Design And Features

A major highlight of the micro car is its single wing-style door that opens upwards. This design helps when parking in tight spaces because it limits the side space needed to get in and out. The large door also gives clear views of the outside world when parked, which helps prevent a feeling of claustrophobia inside the small cabin. Hero describes the NEX 3 as a micro SUV, and the exterior features a V-shaped front grille with vertically stacked lighting elements in a trapezoidal format. A full-width LED strip is expected on the bonnet, alongside large aero-optimized alloy wheels with low-profile tyres, flared wheel arches, a large second-row passenger window, and a gently sloping roofline. The rear includes a hexagonal-style boot lid and a prominent bumper.

Interior And Launch

The vehicle seats two people and is built for fast movement in modern cities. The cabin has a minimalist layout with bright colors, a hexagonal steering wheel, a clutter-free dashboard, and dual circular instrument dials. Buyers will get customizable interior options for personalization. While exact specifications are not public yet, expected features include automatic AC and turn-by-turn navigation. Hero has not yet announced a specific launch timeline for the NEX 3.

Context

Micro electric cars are designed to help solve urban parking problems and reduce city traffic congestion while keeping running costs low. Patents are legal steps taken by companies to protect their designs before products reach the production stage. As cities grow more crowded, carmakers are exploring smaller vehicle formats that combine the enclosed safety of a car with the small size of a two-wheeler.