| Work Detail |
Chennai-based EV startup Raptee.HV is set to commence deliveries of its high-voltage electric motorcycle, the T30, by May 2025, following certification from the Automobile Research Association of India (ARAI). Originally scheduled for delivery in January, the T30 faced delays due to an extended certification process. “We now expect to begin deliveries by May,” said Jayapradeep Vasudevan, Chief Business Officer at Raptee.HV. The company has received over 8,000 registrations for the motorcycle and remains committed to its previously announced price of ?2.39 lakh for at least six months. Positioned in the 300cc segment, the T30 offers a cost advantage over petrol-powered counterparts like the Honda CB300R, especially due to road tax exemptions. In Chennai, the T30’s on-road price is ?2.55–2.57 lakh compared to the CB300R’s ?2.9 lakh. In Bengaluru, where taxes are higher, the CB300R costs nearly ?3.7 lakh, while the T30 remains at ?2.57 lakh. The electric motorcycle also promises lower running costs, with estimated annual savings of over ?30,000 on fuel and maintenance for 10,000 km of usage. A key innovation of the T30 is its high-voltage architecture (240V+), enhancing efficiency by reducing current draw while maintaining power output. This results in lower heat generation, eliminating the need for cooling systems, reducing weight, and improving reliability. Notably, it is the first Indian two-wheeler compatible with public DC fast chargers used by electric cars. Raptee collaborated with ARAI to validate this technology, marking a milestone in its six-year journey. The T30 boasts an IDC-estimated range of 200 km and a real-world range of over 150 km per charge. Production will take place at Raptee’s 4.5-acre R&D and manufacturing facility in Manapakkam, Chennai, which has an annual capacity of up to 1 lakh units. The company has also secured land in Cheyyar, Tamil Nadu, for future expansion. Deliveries will begin in Chennai and Bengaluru, followed by Pune and Hyderabad, as part of an initial launch in eight cities with company-owned outlets. Raptee, which secured funding from Blue Hill Capital and Artha 99 in October 2023, is currently in talks to raise $19 million to support expansion and meet working capital needs. |
