Raptee Energy Unveils First Electric Motorcycle Made In Chennai
When launched in June, the Raptee Energy electric motorcycle will compete with the likes of Revolt 400, Ultraviolette F77 and Tork Motors’ Kratos.
Raptee Energy Pvt. Ltd. has unveiled its first production-ready electric motorcycle within a year of commencing manufacturing operations at its Chennai plant.
The yet-unnamed electric motorcycle has a claimed top speed of 135 km/h, accelerating from 0-60 km/h in 3.5 seconds, according to the company’s website. The EV has a claimed real-world range of 150 km, after which the drained battery can be charged to 80% within 45 minutes, the website claimed.
“At Raptee, for over four years, we have imagined and reimagined electric motorcycles to give consumers not just a replacement but an actual upgrade from ICE alternatives,” Dinesh Arjun, cofounder at Raptee Energy, said in a statement on Tuesday.
“This milestone (production-ready electric motorcycle) not only represents our growth as a company but also reflects our commitment to provide a thrilling ride experience, without range anxiety.”
The Raptee Energy electric motorcycle rolls off the assembly line in Chennai. (Photo: Company)
Raptee Energy’s assembly line in Chennai, which went onstream in June last year, is now fully operational. The EV startup is now gearing up for commercial launch in the ongoing quarter. The electric motorcycle has yet to undergo rigorous testing and homologation processes, including ARAI certification, to become road legal.
The first showroom will open in Chennai shortly thereafter.
The electric motorcycle drops Raptee Energy in India’s bustling electric two-wheeler space dominated by scooters. Sure, a few Indian startups have delved into motorcycles—only the Revolt 400, Ultraviolette F77 and Tork Motors’ Kratos come to mind—but several others have steered clear due to the lack of space in the chassis. Scooters, on the other hand, have a bulbous enough chassis to cradle a battery pack or two.
That’s stark, for India’s best-selling two-wheeler is a motorcycle, Hero MotoCorp Ltd.’s Splendor, followed by the Activa scooter retailed by Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. Electric versions of the two best-sellers are still awaited.
To be sure, Raptee Energy is entering India’s EV space at a time it is at an inflection point. Sales of electric two-wheelers surged 30.6% over the previous fiscal to 9,47,087 units in FY24, achieving a penetration of nearly 10% in the world’s largest two-wheeler industry. Ola Electric Pvt. Ltd., with 3,29,237 scooters, had the highest 35% market share.