The Fastest 200cc Bike in the Indian Market is Ultraviolette’s Electric Prototype

Bengaluru-based electric mobility startup Ultraviolette Automotive plans to launch its premium electric motorcycle, with an electric drive train delivering close to 200-250 cc and capable of reaching top speeds of 150 kmph, in the second half of 2019. According to the founders Niraj Rajmohan and Narayan Subramaniam, their product will become India’s most powerful two-wheeler when it launches next year.

The three-year-old startup claims the motorcycle, now in its fourth generation, has outperformed similar fuel-driven bikes in “design, performance, user and ownership experience” but will be offered at a similar price point to increase accessibility of electric technology. The motorcycle’s top speed of 150 kmph exceeds the 138kmph mark claimed by KTM Duke 200, which is said to be the fastest 200cc motorcycle currently in distribution in India.

“Our intent, when we started out, was not to build the best electric bike but the best mobility solution,” said Subramaniam in an interview, pointing to the poor performance associated with electric vehicles (EV) for their low power and sometimes-unpredictable range. “We want to showcase the superior performance of EVs over ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles and make them desirable. The boundaries of what’s possible with EVs have not been pushed because of limited volumes,” he added.

Ultraviolette became only the second Indian startup to get official funding from a two wheeler conglomerate when TVS invested in the Bengaluru firm to strengthen its position in EVs. Since December last year, the Chennai-based company has invested more than Rs 11 crore in Ultraviolette over two rounds, for a total stake of 25.76%.

With a range higher than 150km, the fourth generation of the bike is “very close” to production, but more testing needs to be done to determine its final performance stats, Subramaniam said. Ultraviolette claims to work with “selected chemistries” on a lithium-ion battery to maximize efficiency, range and energy density.

The first assembly facility will be set up near Bengaluru where the company plans to first sell its vehicle, primarily targeting customers in their 20s. The facility will come up in early 2019, with an installed capacity of more than 10,000 vehicles. Besides, the startup is looking to setup a smart network of charging points on city-wise basis, again beginning with Bengaluru.

Recently, Hero MotoCorp Ltd-backed startup Ather Energy started distribution of its first vehicle, the Ather 450, the Bengaluru based startup also came up with a charging network back in May.