Ultraviolette Automotive, a Bengaluru-based start-up, is planning an end-2019 launch for its electric motorcycle with which it aims to compete with petrol-engine bikes in the 200-250cc segment. Chennai-based TVS Motor Co is betting big on the electric two-wheeler and energy infrastructure start-up and has invested an additional Rs 6 crore, which will be utilised for continued product engineering and R&D.
In December 2017, our sister publication, Autocar Professional, had first broken the news about TVS Motor picking up a 14.78 percent stake in the start-up, just a day after the company launched its premium racing motorcycle, the RR 310.
TVS Motor Co says Ultraviolette Automotive is engaged in developing top-of-the-line electric mobility solutions. The company is currently building an electric motorcycle that is driven by progressive design and energy efficient technology that will outperform traditional petro-engined motorcycles in the 200-250cc segment. The additional investment will be deployed for continued product engineering and further expansion of Ultraviolette Automotive’s core R&D team and facility.
Commenting on the investment, Narayan Subramaniam, founder and CEO, Ultraviolette Automotive said, “This investment is a validation of TVS Motor Company’s faith in our product and the progress we have made so far with our motorcycle. We are building a high-performance, electric motorcycle that brings together the best of technology and design to deliver an unmatched user experience. The motorcycle will be enabled with smart features such as on-board diagnostics, preventive maintenance, over-the-air upgrades and ride customisation. We believe that TVS Motor Company’s continued support will go a long way in realising our goal of delivering a superior electric vehicle in India.”
Electric bike launch by end-2019
Speaking to Autocar Professional, both Narayan Subramaniam and Niraj Rajmohan have confirmed that the company has reached a good stage of the product development and they expect the first electric-bike to be out by end of 2019.
While the founders of Ultraviolette did not give out the technical specifications, they confirmed that the first product from the company’s stable will compete with the traditional petrol-engined motorcycles in the 200-250cc segment.
The company is not just looking to roll out the electric bike but also plans to set up energy infrastructure simultaneously to facilitate and support EV momentum. “We are looking at finalising the technical specifications, including the charging specs and suppliers. The government has made good progress in defining the Bharat charging standards and we are working around it,” they said.
According to the company, everything is being done in-house when it comes to powertrain and BMS (battery management system), and they are looking at options to source the battery raw material.
NILESH WADHWA