Raptee Announces Commercial Launch of India's First High-Voltage Electric Motorcycle

Chennai-based electric vehicle (EV) startup, Raptee, is poised for the commercial launch of India's first high-voltage electric motorcycle. Following overwhelmingly positive media reviews, the company is ready to commence significant deliveries by the end of this month. Raptee has already garnered approximately 8,000 bookings nationwide, including from tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

Production plans include rolling out 300 bikes per month by March and delivering around 2,000 bikes in the current calendar year. Initial delivery cities are Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Pune, with dealerships being established. Raptee emphasizes a go-slow approach to expansion, prioritizing the setup of service centers in each city before scaling sales.

After five years of research and development (R&D) and a successful pilot program, Raptee is bringing its unique selling proposition (USP) to market: motorcycles compatible with India's extensive public car charging infrastructure. The flagship motorcycle, priced at ₹2.55 lakh on-road, boasts a 240V drivetrain, a significant upgrade from the 48V-72V systems found in conventional scooters. This high-voltage architecture ensures sustained performance and prevents overheating, even on challenging terrain.

A key differentiator is its compatibility with CCS2 charging points, typically used for electric cars. Raptee has registered over 70 patents for its technology. The motorcycle offers home charging in one hour and fast charging in just 36 minutes.

Financially, Raptee has raised ₹40 crore in equity and ₹10 crore in debt. It is currently finalizing a $20 million (₹165 crore) funding round from venture capital firms, family offices, and strategic investors. The company previously secured funding from the Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology, making it the first EV Motorcycle OEM in India to receive such support.

This funding will fuel advancements in its proprietary high-voltage technology and accelerate its entry into the performance electric motorcycle segment, estimated to be a $1 billion market. The capital will also support expansion from current production levels to 9,000 units per month, with plans for a new 40-acre facility in Cheyyar, Tamil Nadu, within three years, aiming for an annual output of 70,000 units. The Tamil Nadu government is supporting this expansion through land allocation and subsidies under its EV policy.

Impact:

This news signifies a major step forward for India's electric vehicle sector, particularly in the performance motorcycle segment. Raptee's innovative high-voltage technology and compatibility with existing car charging infrastructure could set new industry standards. For investors, it highlights potential growth opportunities in the burgeoning EV market. The successful funding rounds and expansion plans indicate strong investor confidence in Raptee's technology and business model. The company's focus on advanced technology and charging infrastructure could significantly influence consumer adoption of high-performance electric motorcycles.

Rating: 7/10

Difficult Terms:

• High-voltage drivetrain: A system in an electric vehicle that uses a higher electrical voltage (like 240V) to deliver more power and efficiency compared to lower-voltage systems (like 48V-72V) found in typical electric scooters. This allows for better performance, especially under heavy load or on inclines.
• ICE vehicles: Stands for Internal Combustion Engine vehicles, which run on fossil fuels like petrol or diesel. The article compares Raptee's motorcycle pricing to similar-sized petrol/diesel bikes.
• OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer. This refers to a company that manufactures parts or products that are then marketed by another company.
• CCS2 charging points: Combined Charging System (CCS) Type 2 is a widely adopted standard for fast charging electric vehicles. It allows for both AC and DC fast charging and is commonly used for electric cars, but Raptee's motorcycle is also compatible with these, offering faster charging.
• Patents: Legal documents that grant inventors exclusive rights to their inventions for a specific period, preventing others from making, using, or selling the invention without permission.
• TDB (Technology Development Board): A statutory body established by the Department of Science & Technology in India to promote the development and commercialization of indigenous technology and support R&D activities by industries.
• VC firms (Venture Capital firms): Private equity firms that provide capital to companies exhibiting long-term growth potential, typically startups, in exchange for equity. They often provide strategic guidance as well.
• Family offices: Private wealth management firms that serve ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, managing their investments, trusts, and philanthropic endeavors.
• HNIs (High Net Worth Individuals): Individuals who possess substantial liquid assets and investments, often defined by a minimum net worth threshold.
• OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer. This refers to a company that manufactures parts or products that are then marketed by another company.