Raptee.HV may begin deliveries of T30 electric motorcycle in May

Chennai-based EVstart-up Raptee.HV plans to begin delivery of its high voltage technology-powered electric motorcycle, the T30, by May this year as the company has secured certification from the Automobile Research Association of India (ARAI), the country’s certifying authority for automobiles.

During the unveiling of the electric motorcycle last year, the company said it would begin delivery of the bikes in January 2025. “The certification process took longer than expected, causing a delay in deliveries. We now expect to begin deliveries by May,” Jayapradeep Vasudevan, Chief Business Officer at Raptee.HV told businessline.

“We previously announced a price of ₹2.39 lakh and remain committed to maintaining it for at least the next six months,” he said, adding, “We have received over 8,000 registrations for our electric motorcycle.

Raptee HV’s electric motorcycle T30

Raptee’s T30 electric motorcycle is positioned in the 300cc category and promises a significant price and cost advantage over comparable petrol-powered motorcycles such as the Honda CB300R. The on-road price difference is more substantial due to EV road tax exemptions. In Chennai, the CB300R costs about ₹2.9 lakh on-road, while the Raptee T30 is around ₹2.55–2.57 lakh. In Bengaluru, where road taxes are higher, the CB300R is priced at nearly ₹3.7 lakh, whereas the Raptee T30 remains at ₹2.57 lakh.

Also, Raptee T30 benefits from lower running expenses. With an estimated ₹30,000+ annual savings on fuel and maintenance for 10,000 km of usage, the total cost of ownership is significantly lower, he said.

Detailing Raptee’s introduction of high-voltage technology (240V and above) in electric two-wheelers, he said this architecture enhances efficiency by reducing current draw, while maintaining power output. Lower current results in less heat generation, eliminating the need for cooling systems, which reduces weight, lowers costs, and improves reliability. Another major advantage is its compatibility with public DC fast chargers, similar to those used by electric cars nationwide.

Raptee’s motorcycle is the first and only two-wheeler capable of seamlessly connecting to these chargers. “ARAI had never tested a high-voltage two-wheeler before, so we collaborated closely with them to validate this technology, ultimately achieving the necessary homologation and certification to bring it to market. This milestone marks the culmination of our six-year journey,” stated Vasudevan.

Raptee HV’s electric motorcycle T30 is described as India’s first CCS2-compliant e-two-wheeler.

The stated performance metrics remain unchanged – an IDC estimated range of 200 km and a real-world range of over 150 km on a single charge. The electric motorcycle will be manufactured at Raptee’s R&D and production facility in Manapakkam, Chennai, which spans 4.5 acres. With an annual production capacity of up to 1 lakh units, this facility will meet demand for the initial years. For future expansion, the company has secured land in Cheyyar, Tamil Nadu.

The bike will be delivered in phases, starting with Chennai and Bengaluru, followed by Pune and Hyderabad. Initially, Raptee plans to launch in eight cities with company-owned outlets to provide a premium customer experience in line with expectations of the 300cc segment, he said.

Raptee.HV secured its last funding round in October 2023, led by Blue Hill Capital and Artha 99, along with participation from Indian and international family offices. The company is now in discussions to raise $19 million to meet working capital requirements and support its aggressive expansion plans.