EVs set for faster charging, longer range and increased safety: Raptee

Raptee, EV motorcycle brand is leading the charge in the electric two-wheeler revolution. A pioneer in innovation, Raptee stands as the exclusive EV 2Wheeler brand currently compatible with government charging stations. Recent success in securing $3 million during the pre-series A round and unveiling plans for the first factory launch in Chennai underscores Raptee's rapid ascent.

With a proposed investment of 85 crores and an anticipated annual production of 100,000 units, Raptee envisions a strategic growth trajectory, targeting 8,000-10,000 units in the first year, yielding a revenue of 200 crores. The second year projects an even more ambitious plan of 40,000 units, targeting a revenue of 1000 crores, with physical store launches predominantly in Bangalore and Chennai.

In a recent interview with Bizz Buzz, Dinesh Arjun, CEO-Founder of Raptee, provided insights into the perfect EV and the company's dedication to user experience, emphasizing a minimalist design, high performance, and smart connectivity features. The motorcycle, poised for the mid-premium segment, boasts a top speed of 135kmph, a range of 150km, and a rapid 0-60kmph acceleration in 3.2 seconds

What according to you is your perfect EV in the two-wheeler category? What are your bike specs?

Choosing the perfect EV in the two-wheeler category depends heavily on individual needs and preferences. But if I have to answer, I would go for an electric motorcycle with a minimalist design, high performance, long-range battery, quick acceleration, and smart connectivity features. As we are targeting the mid-premium segment in motorcycles, we offer a top speed of 135kmph and a range of 150km. Our bike can reach 0-60kmph in 3.2 seconds.

Does your EV have two batteries that can be kept as a spare?

No, we don’t operate on spare battery mechanism, rather our motorcycle comes with an inbuilt rechargeable battery pack.

What is the total range an EV can have?

Electric cars can have a range up to 800km per charge and two-wheelers currently have a maximum range of 200km in India. And we intend to offer 220kms IDC range.

Why are EVs priced rather high compared to petrol/diesel ones?

The primary contributor to a higher price tag is the battery pack, which is significantly more expensive in electric vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries, the most common type used in EVs, are still under development and have a complex manufacturing process. EVs utilize advanced technologies like electric motors, power electronics, and regenerative braking systems, which are currently costlier to manufacture compared to the components used in petrol/diesel vehicles. It’s also important to note that the price gap between EVs and petrol/diesel vehicles is expected to narrow over time. As production volumes increases and battery technology advances, the cost of EVs are projected to decline significantly.

What are the savings associated with using an electric vehicle, considering the need to change the battery from time to time?

The initial purchase of an electric vehicle may be comparatively costlier than that of an ICE vehicle. But considering the potential savings in fuel and maintenance costs, can make them cost-effective over time. The new generation batteries can live longer till the life of the vehicle like an ICE vehicle and many EV owners find that the overall savings offset these potential expenses.

What kind of technological changes can you expect in the next two years?

The future of electric vehicles (EVs) is poised for remarkable advancements, driven by innovations in battery technology and charging infrastructure. Solid-state batteries, currently in development, hold the promise of significantly higher energy density, faster charging times, and enhanced safety compared to existing lithium-ion batteries. Some companies are targeting commercialization within the next two years.

Concurrently, improvements in lithium-ion battery technology, focusing on energy density, cost reduction, and lifespan extension, will further enhance the appeal of EVs. Exploring alternative battery chemistries like sodium-ion and magnesium-ion opens avenues for lower costs and broader availability.

Meanwhile, the advent of ultra-fast charging technologies, such as 800-volt systems, is set to revolutionize charging times, minimizing wait periods and enhancing user convenience. Furthermore, the expansion of public charging networks is expected to grow rapidly, alleviating range anxiety and making EVs more accessible to a broader audience.

How is your company addressing the challenges of your customers?

We at Raptee are reimagining the powertrain on e2Ws. We are developing the first high voltage drivetrain for electric two wheelers. This means a lot of the tech stack, both hardware and software, had to be designed and developed in house. This will help us to deliver to the customer a high-performance motorcycle equivalent to a 250cc engine.

What is your production capacity?

We have not started our production yet and will start by the end of Q1 2024. Our first facility will have a peak production capacity of 1,08,000 units a year.

How many do you expect to sell?

We expect to sell 1,08,000 units in the first year and scale up production according to demand.

Can you mention some salient points of your patents and how do they help in the production of a better bike?

We have accumulated over 45 pieces of IPR so far across the stack. Everything that we have done so far at Raptee has had one goal – User experience. Even the patents that we’ve filed clearly highlight that and not just merely adding features. User experience also includes rider safety which translates into peace of mind and that’s a place we’ve put in considerable amount of effort. For example, we’ve patented driver assistance systems that can work in heavy traffic conditions such as urban Indian roads helping avoid accidents. We’ve also patented battery assembly methods that prevent on road failures in the long run (10 to 15 year period).