Could you please tell us a bit about your vision for Raptee in the emerging electric motorcycle market of India?
We envision a future where our electric motorcycles redefine the way people commute in cities, offering efficient, sustainable, and exhilarating rides. We’re committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in e-mobility, setting new industry standards for performance and design. With a relentless focus on quality and customer satisfaction, we aim to inspire riders to embrace electric motorcycles as a superior and eco-friendly mode of urban transportation. Our vision is a world where our e-motorcycles seamlessly integrate into everyday life, reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the joy of riding.
Do you have any plans to enter the electric scooter space in the future as well?
Right now, we do not have any plans of entering the electric scooter space.
Tell us about some of the challenges you faced and how you overcame those in developing an all-new electric motorcycle from scratch.
Certainly, developing an entirely new electric motorcycle from scratch presented us with numerous challenges that we had to overcome. One of the most significant hurdles was establishing a robust supply chain for components that were traditionally imported and assembled from foreign markets. With a relatively small and young team of just 60 members, we had to manage this frugally.
Furthermore, building an electric motorcycle, as opposed to scooters, introduced additional complexities. This included vehicle design intricacies, meeting performance requirements, and more.
However, the most notable challenge we faced was the time it took to secure Tier 1 suppliers. Given the multitude of brands in the market, Tier 1 suppliers were understandably cautious and had limited resources to accommodate everyone. Convincing them to partner with us on our journey was an arduous task.
What are you planning to be the USP of Raptee in the Indian electric motorcycle market?
1. Accessible charging (CCS2 charging standard) – We’re the only electric 2-wheeler company that can connect to the widely available public charging network in India using the CCS2 port; with a charging speed of 0 to 80% in just 45 minutes.
2. High-Voltage Electric Powertrain – With our high-voltage system, the motor generates less heat, which means we lose less energy, making our bikes more efficient overall.
What is your views on the pace of the development of charging infrastructure and what do you feel needs to be done to encourage more customers to adapt electric mobility?
The pace of the development of charging infrastructure is accelerating, but it is still not keeping up with the rapidly growing demand for electric vehicles. This is a major challenge to the widespread adoption of EVs.
Foremost, we need to ramp up the number of public charging stations, especially in rural areas and along major highways, so EV drivers can confidently travel longer distances. Making these charging stations more accessible and affordable is crucial to encourage widespread adoption. It’s high time we standardize charging connectors, making it super easy for all drivers to use different charging stations without any hassle. More importantly, public awareness campaigns are essential to educate everyone about the benefits of electric vehicles and let them know just how convenient and available charging infrastructure is becoming. These steps will surely help accelerate the EV adoption.
