Asad Abdullah, a 22-year-old Indian entrepreneur from Uttar Pradesh, has demonstrated the future of environmental security with his new solar-powered electronic bike. Abdullah claims that he made the bike from scraps with his KTM bike.
What is the Solar Powered E-Bike?
Abdullah recently posted a video on his Instagram account (@asadabdullah62), showcasing the e-bike. The video shows a seven-seater e-bike, one for the driver and six passengers. What makes it stand out even more is the solar panel canopy over the heads of the people in the vehicle. It charges the e-bike while also providing shade for people in the vehicle. It looks comfortable to drive and ride in, all the while being completely safe for the environment.
Abdullah has estimated an amount of ₹8000 to ₹10,000 for its creation, a fairly affordable and convenient vehicle. His invention can also top 125km/hr and covers at least 130km on a single charge. It has impressed people like the current chairman of RPG Enterprises, Harsh Goenka.(Link)
So much sustainable innovation in one product – produced from scrap, seven seater vehicle, solar energy and shade from the sun! Frugal innovations like this make me proud of our India! pic.twitter.com/rwx1GQBNVW
How Have E-Vehicles Improved Climate and Economic Conditions?
It’s not new that the climate crisis is getting worse day-by-day and actions need to be taken. One of the largest contributors to climate change is vehicular emissions. Not only is the danger level rising but also prices have become pretty much unreasonable. Due to the urgency of finding a solution, electric vehicles have become popular around the world. They have played a major role in improving traffic conditions and reducing carbon emissions.
Another unspoken advantage is how much quieter electric vehicles are and Abdullah’s e-bike is not only great for the environment but also protects their riders from the sun with its convenient canopy. Noise pollution greatly impacts people’s health, and the increase in electric vehicles tackles this directly. The quieter, the better! Abdullah’s e-bike is also much more affordable than gas-powered vehicles. He decided to tinker with his original bike after spending nearly ₹6000 per month on fuel alone and wanted a more economical alternative.
Learning DIY Tech Yourself
Abdullah’s passion for inventing and DIYing knows no bounds. His YouTube channel, Homemade Creative, has a range of products that he has modified himself. The best part about his channel is its informative nature. His description box has all the gear you need to make these products yourself. More importantly, he has a website dedicated to teaching you how to make your own electronic bike. This is incredibly helpful and only costs ₹599 and is guided by him. He also does reviews of the best accessible technology.
Naked streetfighting machines have always adorned the Indian roads and have had a sweet spot in my heart. So when Yamaha first launched the MT-15 in India, expectations were outraged because it was almost the same motorcycle as the R15 underneath, but with less weight to carry around and an extra-terrestrial fascia that could even make an alien contemplate its existence. The Yamaha R15 might have been a raging success but the same couldn’t be said about its street counterpart.
However, Yamaha has now equipped the MT-15 with enough ammunition to go all-guns-blazing on its competition. The prime weapon of choice has to be the inclusion of golden USD forks and a few other key upgrades, but would these updates suffice in making the MT-15 2.0 better than its predecessor?
The Japanese connection
Now that the R15 V4 is finally bestowed with the addition of golden USD forks, it was child’s play to assume that the MT-15 would receive the same upgrades. And it has! The USD forks have certainly added a lot of drama in the front, apart from lending the MT-15 with sharper riding dynamics. The MT-15 has never been lethargic when it came to maneuvering it, but the second generation has kicked up the handling characteristics by several notches. The front end is now more reactive and the rider now feels a lot more connected to the tarmac than before. This particularly makes the MT-15 2.0 a perfect motorcycle for shuttling around in city traffic where you can just slice through the moving traffic like a Japanese Katana. A cast aluminum swingarm has now replaced the box-section unit of the previous motorcycle. This addition has affected its stability by a fair margin and the MT-15 2.0 now feels a lot more pliant on the road than before. Be it highway straights or leaning bends and corners, the MT-15 for sure feels like a Yamaha in all its glory.
This hooliganism and reactive handling is further accentuated by its comfortable ergonomics. Its riding stance is like that of a true-blue streetfighter with a low-set flat handlebar and rear-set footpegs which provide a more comfortable posture than the R15. But the downside to the suspension front is that it feels way too stiffer on city road potholes and over the undulations of the road.
Ninja technique
Yamaha has also slightly tweaked the engine, the official spec sheet reveals that the overall power output from this 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine is down by 0.1PS but the torque has gone up by 0.2NM. These mild revisions have made the MT-15 a lot more tractable than before as it can chug along as low as 25kmph in the sixth gear which is a formidable feat for an engine that is renowned for its high-revving nature. This 155cc motor is an absolute gem, no wonder Yamaha has milked the cows out of this engine by deploying it in a variety of products. All thanks to the magic woven by the VVA tech, the MT-15 2.0 is a lively machine but in particular power bands. From a standstill, it gets off nicely, taking all the assistance from the VVA but the actual feast commences when you breeze past the 6000 rpm mark on the tachometer. At around 7000 rpm, the VVA kicks in yet again, breathing a new life into this engine. After that, it keeps pulling ahead like its tail’s on fire and keeps pulling with a feisty force till it hits its redline. This is exactly what makes the MT-15 2.0 a joy to blast around. Keep the throttle pinned in every gear and it delivers in spades. The ideal cruising speed is around 100kmph with the engine humming happily at 8000 clicks.
The simplistic LCD instrument cluster is now a goner and has paved way for a Bluetooth-enabled unit that displays Call, E-mail, and SMS Alerts along with Smartphone battery status available through the Bluetooth-Enabled Y-Connect App.
It is now time to shed some light on its dark side.
As rude as pointing a finger at a Japanese!
Life is like a perennial barter deal as you have to trade something to receive something in exchange for it. Those glitzy golden USD forks might have made the MT-15 2.0 sharper than before but the stiff ride quality comes out as major trade-off. Since the front end now chatters a lot more than before, you can feel everything that is happening on the road. The braking feels adequate at best but more feedback and bite would have rounded off the rough edges. We still cannot wrap our heads around the fact that it still misses out on dual-channel ABS.
The cramped proportions of the MT-15 become even more pronounced when you invite someone to ride as a pillion. The pillion seat is borderline non-existent because even the number plate holder at the back is longer than the pillion seat. It might make the MT-15 look uber-cool but be prepared to get hurled with curses if you take someone along with you on a long ride.
We might adore the 155cc mill to death but it has its own set of shortcomings. Although the top-end performance of the MT-15 is to die for, the mid-range is rather bleak. There’s absolutely no juice in the mid-range so you are left with no other option than to wring it through all the gear ratios. Moreover, mild vibrations start spoiling the fun at around 7000 rpm and they keep get surfacing higher up in the rev range.
The MT-15 2.0 definitely looks more radical than its competition, thanks to that unique fascia. But it sort of comes out as a missed opportunity that Yamaha didn’t play around with the aesthetics of the MT-15. A revamped overall design inspired by the bigger MTs would have justified this generational upgrade even more.
Usually, we save the best bits for the last but this time around, we are sliding away from the regime to pinpoint the most irritating ergonomic feedback of the MT-15 2.0. The horn is placed usually where we find the indicator toggle and vice versa. Its more of an intuitional defect than an ergonomic one. I mean, why Yamaha? I had the MT-15 with me for a week and even after riding it for a considerable amount of time, I found myself cursing at this placement every single time I reached out to operate either the horn or the indicator. I could have dug deep in the thesaurus to find a better word than ‘irritating’ but it fits the bill perfectly. It actually is irritating. It also loses out on turn-by-turn navigation which could have proved to be a lot more useful than SMS and call alerts.
Yes Yamaha ! Why Yamaha ?
The new MT-15 2.0 has seen a price bump of INR 12,000-13,000 as it now retails at INR 1.60 Lakh. The pricing might sound a little steep but when you factor in the R15 V4 and KTM 125 Duke into the equation, it starts making sense. It looks dope! Even criminal in some sense! Handles like it is supposed to and being an urban commuter, its top-end performance will make your urban ex-girlfriend curse you more. But the MT-15 2.0 could have been so much more! It lacks the mid-range grunt we usually associate with streetfighters and the lack of dual-channel ABS is still not quite understandable. Overall, the Yamaha MT-15 2.0 might be a better bike than before but it still needs another generational upgrade to evolve to be the best version of it.
Unique for everyone. Unprecedented for the industry.
TVS Built To Order is a first-of-its-kind customization platform and a much-needed revolution in the performance motorcycling segment. This translates into the whole process of interacting with the platform as well.
With TVS BTO, your vision for your motorcycle is brought to life with world-class engineering and state-of-the-art technologies. Every aspect of your machine is now in your control, right from the performance to your preferred aesthetic that truly represents you. The power to be unique on your own terms is now in your own hands.
The company’s BTO platform lets the customers customize their bikes as per their needs and requirements after which their unit is built directly in the factory. This time around, TVS has introduced a new, industry-first, factory built-to-order (BTO) system, where customers can specify their RR 310 as per their needs and requirements via the TVS ARIVE app or the online configurator. The BTO also allows the customers to track the journey of their bikes in real-time and finally get it delivered from their nearest TVS dealership.
The official TVS ARIVE app and web configurator can be used to select the preferred variant, package option, make a booking, and even complete the payment – all in just a few clicks. Following this, an authorized dealer from a preferred showroom will complete the delivery process.
In the highly exciting wait for their machine, one can also track and preview the machine in the ARIVE app. The bike can be visualised both in AR and a 3D model, giving one access to the even most minute details of the machine.
Be unique on your own terms.
TVS offers two customization kits with the Apache RR 310 – Dynamic and Race kits. The dynamic kit consists of a fully adjustable front fork set-up, full adjustable rear monoshock and an anti-rust brass-coated drive chain. The front fork gets 20-step compression damping and 20-step rebound damping and 15 mm of preload adjustment.
Similarly, the rear monoshock gets 20-step rebound damping and 10-step preload adjustment. Similarly, the race kit includes a new handlebar which is lowered by 8 degrees and tucked inwards by 5 degrees. It offers a more aggressive and committed riding posture. The footpegs too have been raised by 30 mm and offer increased clearance of up to 4.5 degrees. They are knurled as well, offering better grip for the riders.
<iframe src=”https://www.pearltrees.com/futureex/tvs-apache-rr310-build-before/id53665531?embed=2&d=202205301129″ width=”560″ height=”413″ style=”border:0px;” allowtransparency=”true”></iframe><span style=”display:block; padding-top:2px; color:#818181; font-size:13px;”><a href=”https://www.pearltrees.com/futureex/tvs-apache-rr310-build-before/id53665531″ style=” color:#818181; font-size:13px;” target=”_blank”>TVS Apache RR310 BTO ! Build it before you buy it</a>, by <a href=”https://www.pearltrees.com/futureex” style=” color:#818181; font-size:13px;” target=”_blank”>futureex</a></span>
Dynamic Kit
Crafted for those who race off the beaten track, Dynamic kit offers superior performance on every terrain with adjustable front suspension and rear monoshock and brass coated drive chain. Let your performance speak for itself and make a statement with the special race edition graphics.
Fully Adjustable KYB Front Suspension
Race into the unexplored, with a fully adjustable KYB suspension with 20 sets of damping and 15mm of preload in the front forks, which can be adjusted by the rider for firmness or flexibility depending upon the terrain and riding style.
Fully adjustable KYB rear suspension
The enhanced KYB suspension allows for adjustment of the rear monoshock. The adjustable rear suspension features 20 sets of damping and 10 steps of preload adjustment, to adjust the level of stiffness for a race experience.
Brass coated Drive chain
With the factory fitted brass coated drive chain, you will always find an excuse to push the limits on the racetrack. The anti-rust brass coated chain delivers superior performance output from this race machine.
Race Kit
Crafted for those who aspire to clip every apex, and burn rubber on every straight, the race package features an aggressive racing stance and ergonomics. The tuck down racing handlebar, raised footrest and race footpegs make your track weapon an unforgettable force.
Racing ergonomics – Handlebar
The race ergonomics turn your race machine into a formidable force on the track. The lower set handlebars at 117.1 degrees enable a highly aggressive and committed stance, facilitating tighter corners and faster straight-line speeds. This also delivers a superior grip on the racetrack.
Race Designed footpegs
The knurling on the footpegs provides for superior grip and great stability while attacking corners.
Raised footrest assembly
The raised footrest assembly provides the rider with an aggressive and committed posture, making room for a higher lean angle to achieve higher speeds while cornering.
New Race Replica Graphics
Racing is inherent to every TVS Apache RR310 that leaves the assembly line. The glorious heritage of TVS Racing since 1982 is now etched on your race machine. The eminent TVS Racing wreath graphic imparts an exclusive identity and the TVS Racing OMC inspired livery makes your track weapon stand out. The Race Replica edition enlightens the racer within you, making for memorable podium finishes.
Personalized Race Number
The number on the machine is more than just a figure!! It is an identity that is owned by you and defines you. With the option of getting your favourite number on the visor, you can carve your own legacy through your track weapon.
Honda established itself as one of the topmost manufacturers of automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment globally. The Japanese company also manufactures garden equipment, marine engines, personal watercraft, power generators, robots and mountain bikes. Let’s take a look at the top 5 Honda divisions.
Honda Motorcycles
Honda has come a long way from manufacturing noisy scooters to making the finest cars on the planet, but people will always remember the company for its motorcycle division. Since 1955, Honda has been the largest motorcycle manufacturer in Japan and one of the topmost motorcycle manufacturers globally. Honda started venturing outside the Japanese motorcycle market in the ’60s and began exporting their motorcycles to the United States.
Along with Robert Emmenegger, creative director, Grey Advertising, the company created an innovative 12-year-long advertising campaign, “You meet the nicest people on a Honda”, and it became hugely successful, helping the company to sell over 90,000 motorcycles. The campaign marked the inception of the decay of domestic and British motorcycle brands in the US market and helped Honda to rise as a top motorcycle manufacturer.
Honda Automobiles
After Honda Motorcycles, a large sum of the company’s annual sales came from Honda Automobiles, which the company began manufacturing in 1963. The first car from Honda was the S500 sports car, which had chain-driven rear wheels. Over the next few decades, the company expanded their range of vehicles and exported its automobiles to the United States and other parts of the world.
In 1986, the company ventured into the luxury car segment and became the first Japanese automobile manufacturer to release a dedicated luxury brand- Acura. Soon, the company released the wildly successful Acura brand to the American market to gain ground in the luxury vehicle market. Since its inception, Honda has produced several prosperous cars, including the Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and Honda City.
Honda Engines
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is the world’s largest engine manufacturer that sets the standard for reliable and hard-working engines. When it comes to making engines, Honda focuses on better fuel efficiency, higher power output, superior and quieter performance. Honda engines are built with high-quality elements designed for optimum performance in the harshest environments. Honda engines are renowned for being easy to start but, despite being known as an engine company, Honda has never built a V8 for passenger vehicles. Honda engines powered the entire 33-car starting field of the 94th Indianapolis 500, held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, in 2010.
Honda Robots
Being a motorcycle and automobile manufacturing expert, Honda has always shown interest in Robotics. Since 1986, the company has been involved with artificial intelligence/robotics research. The Japanese company developed its first humanoid robot in 1986 and named it the Honda E series. The E series was a collection of experimental humanoid robots made by Honda between 1986 and 1993.
The series later evolved into the Honda P series and helped Honda gather the knowledge and expertise necessary to create Honda’s advanced humanoid robot: ASIMO, which the company released in 2000. ASIMO was the world’s most advanced humanoid robot of its time, and even today, it is the world’s only humanoid robot able to ascend and descend stairs independently.
Honda Aircraft Company
Honda Aircraft Company is an aircraft manufacturing company founded as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Honda Motor Company in August 2006. The aircraft division of Honda has pioneered new technology in its HA-420 HondaJet and is responsible for producing the HondaJet family of aircraft. Honda Aircraft Company builds aircraft with the latest innovations in aviation to change the way we travel.
The company has introduced several innovations and cutting edge technology in general aviation aircraft, including an over-wing engine mount, carbon composite fuselage and natural laminar flow wings. In late 2003, an experimental HondaJet equipped with Honda HF118 engines completed its initial flight test, and in 2005, the aircraft division made its world debut for the public. Since 2017, the HondaJet has been the most delivered aircraft in its class, earning the accomplishment for the fourth consecutive year.
Did You Know?
As of October 2021, Honda’s market capitalization was valued at over $52 billion.
The Honda Accord was the first foreign vehicle manufactured in the United States.
Honda has its airport.
The Honda Gold Wing motorcycle has been in production for over 40 years.
The Honda Civic was Honda’s answer to the ’70s Fuel Crisis; the car is still one of the best value and fuel-efficient options on the market.
Honda made the first four-wheel-drive car, the 1987 Honda Prelude.
Honda’s logo is the most conservative one as it has remained unchanged in its entire history.
Every Honda CR-V manufactured from 1997 to 2006 had a picnic table under the cargo area.
Massive transformations have taken place in automotive engines in the past few decades, but the two main internal combustion engine designs remain the 2-stroke and the 4-stroke. While we reckon that you’ve at least heard these terms before, do you really know the difference between them? How do they work, and which is better? Read on to know more!
How Does a Combustion Engine Work, and What Is a “Stroke” Anyways?
In order to understand how different these two engines are, you need to first understand the basics of how an engine works. Combustion, also known as the process of burning fuel, is the underlying chemical process involving releasing energy from the mixture of air & fuel. In an internal combustion engine (ICE), the ignition and combustion of the fuel occur within the engine itself. The engine then partially converts this energy from the combustion to work up. The engine consists of a fixed cylinder and a moving piston. The expanding combustion gases push the piston, which in turn rotates the crankshaft. Ultimately, through a system of gears in the powertrain, this motion drives the vehicle’s wheels. A stroke is when the piston moves up & down to complete a revolution. This revolution or the combustion cycle is the complete process in which fuel & air is mixed and sucked in the piston chamber, ignited and expelling exhaust gases. This process takes place in four different steps mainly-
Intake: When the piston moves down the cylinder, it allows a mixture of fuel and air into the combustion chamber.
Compression: When the piston moves back up the cylinder, the intake valve is closed to compress the gasses within.
Combustion: A spark from the spark plug ignites this mixture.
Exhaust: When the piston goes back up the cylinder and the exhaust valve is opened, the combusted gases are released via the exhaust.
Two-stroke vs four-stroke
The Difference between a 2-stroke and a 4-stroke engine is how quickly this combustion cycle process takes place, based on the number of times the piston moves up and down during each cycle.
In a 2-stroke engine, the entire combustion cycle is completed within a single piston stroke: a compression stroke followed by the combustion of the compressed fuel. During the return stroke, the exhaust is let out, and a fresh fuel mixture enters the cylinder. The spark plugs fire once every single revolution, and power is produced once every 2-strokes of the piston. It has one revolution of the crankshaft during one power stroke, and due to the larger power-to-weight ratio, it generates higher torque as compared to four-stroke engines. It uses ports for fuel’s outlet and inlet, and is usually less efficient and produces more smoke. Two-stroke engines also require more lubricating oil to be pre-mixed in with the fuel, as it burns with it.
In a 4-stroke engine, the piston completes 2-strokes during each revolution: one compression stroke and one exhaust stroke, each being followed by a return stroke which means it has two revolutions of the crankshaft during each power stroke. The spark plugs fire only once every other revolution, and power is produced every 4-strokes of the piston. Compared to the ports used in two-stroke engines, the four-stroke engine uses valves for the inlet and outlet of fuel, resulting in higher thermal efficiency while generating less torque. It is more efficient in burning the fuel, it emits less smoke and has comparatively less wear & tear of the parts. These engines also do not require pre-mixing of fuel and oil, as they have a separate compartment for the oil.
So, which is ‘better and which one to choose?
Here are a few of the pros and cons of both engine designs:
As far as efficiency goes, the 4-stroke certainly ranks up the chart due to the fact that fuel is consumed once every four strokes.
Four-stroke engines are heavier due to more components & can weigh up to 50% more than a comparable 2stroke engine, adding a lot of difference to the overall riding dynamics of the vehicle.
Typically, a 2-stroke engine creates more torque at a higher RPM, while a 4-stroke engine creates a higher torque at a lower RPM.
BRRRAAAAPPPPP!!! The 4-stroke engine is also much quieter; a 2-stroke engine is significantly louder and has a distinctive, high-pitched “buzzing” sound.
Because 2-stroke engines are designed to run at a higher RPM, they also tend to wear out faster; a 4-stroke engine is generally more durable in comparison. That being said, 2-stroke engines are more powerful as the initial torque can blow the mind away!
Two-stroke engines are of much simpler design as compared to the complexity of four-stroke engines, making them easier to fix. They do not have valves but rather ports. Four-stroke engines have more parts; therefore, they are more expensive, and the maintenance costs more.
Two-stroke engines require pre-mixing of oil and fuel, while the 4-strokes do not.
Four-strokes are more environmentally friendly; in a 2-stroke engine, burnt oil is also released into the air with the exhaust.So which is better and which one to prefer completely depends on the application and preference of usage. Two-stroke engines are typically found in smaller applications such as remote-controlled cars, lawnmowers & tools like chainsaws, boat motors and dirt bikes. Four-stroke engines are found in anything from go-karts, sportbikes right up to the typical internal combustion engine in your cars. It’s up to you to decide which engine you prefer and for what purpose.
The Indian Automobile Industry is ranked as the 5th largest in the world and is expected to move up to be the 3rd largest by 2030. Despite this impressive growth, India still needs a dramatic shift in the mobility sector so as to cater to its vast, ever-growing population. With the crude oil prices drifting up internationally, as well as the rocketing fuel prices, the existing models might not suffice in the coming years; as technology needs to be environment-friendly and cost-effective at the same time. What, then, should be the alternative?
Electrification certainly seems to be the talk of the town in this regard. It would do a great deal in reducing vehicular emissions – which are a key contributor to air pollution, a major and looming issue today in all the big, crowded cities of the country. The Indian auto industry has been buzzing with new innovations and trends with respect to this in the recent years. It all started with the “Reva” electric car which made its debut in the year 2001 (and later got acquired by Mahindra), and a few e-rickshaws which entered the market at that time. Since then, there have only been a few automakers (both four & two wheelers) to fill the gap. But the concept of electric vehicles, that used to turn just a few heads, is now catching everyone’s attention. It can definitely be said that electric vehicles are on their way to becoming a lucrative solution & a bright reality.
Besides the strengthening of EV and related component manufacturing, the battery prices are also expected to fall by more than 30% by 2025, which will make electric vehicles more affordable over the period of time. Also, the government of India has announced various tax redemptions and subsidies to further encourage more people to consider EVs. Under the Make In India programme, the manufacturing of EVs and their associated components is expected to increase. On the economic front, large-scale adoption of electric vehicles is expected to bring down the dependency on foreign oil & petroleum imports. The running cost of EVs, as compared to fuel could fall as low as Rs 1.1/km from that of Rs.6-10/km of a diesel or petrol vehicle , helping an electric vehicle owner save up to Rs. 20,000 for every 5,000km traversed.
Further, a holistic e-mobility ecosystem is complete only with an effective charging infrastructure & e-mobility service providers (rentals, charging spots, battery swapping stations etc.) and related regulations. Currently, charging infrastructure for EVs is an area of concern; however, there have been some positive developments with more and more OEM’s entering the market with their products and collectively helping set and grow the infra across the country.
The demand for electric vehicles in our country is driven by the concern of fast-charging batteries coupled with great performance & extended driving range. Indians are known for being value-conscious & thus the number of EVs selling today is less. Talking money, the running cost of a diesel/petrol vehicle can be tremendously more than that of an EV, but the initial investment is what gets heavy on the pockets. It is this mentality which needs to be changed.
For automotive players today, the primary challenge is to develop quality battery packs with extended range and longer lifespan; batteries which are safe and can store & deliver a lot of energy. In the current ecosystem, lithium ion batteries have emerged as the most suitable option.
Reservations do exist among consumers today due to the limited range of these vehicles and the lack of charging facilities, as well as the high operating costs behind setting up Public Charging Stations (PCS) – the burden of which would be passed on to them in the form of higher tariffs. As a result, EVs are only used for short, irregular trips and have yet to become the norm. However, despite these infrastructural limitations, continuous investments are taking place in the research and development arena to make EV and associated technology more cost-effective. Along with this, an increasingly facilitative role is being played by the Government in providing concessions to encourage their adoption. Finally, with the realization of the practical realities surrounding traditional vehicles and their externalities, these factors will cumulatively begins to shape the consumer’s preferences favourably towards EVs. They will surely become a viable and optimal alternative in the coming future, with immense potential to transform the landscape, and usher in a new era for the automobile sector.
India can benefit on a large scale with the widespread adoption of e-mobility. Various government interventions can definitely play a vital role in advancing electric mobility in the country. Indian policymakers have been actively pushing EV adoption in the recent years, by introducing various plans like NEMMP (National Electric Mobility Mission Plan, 2020) , the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles (FAME) and other electric campaigns under different state governments.
The world is already running out of fossil fuel reserves, and the level of pollution is increasing dangerously day by day, causing trouble in our routine lives. So, making electric vehicles part of our lives is the need of the hour and starting small with buying electric vehicles is a step towards meeting the global goals of climate change. To help you make your e-journey more comfortable, we’ve created a list of Top 10 Electric Bikes in India.
Revolt RV400
Range: 150 kilometres
Torque: 170 Nm
Battery: Lithium-Ion
If you’re looking for an electric bike for your daily commute, then you should definitely go for a Revolt RV400. It is the first electric motorcycle from Revolt Intellicorp, a Gurugram-headquartered start-up managed by Rahul Sharma, the same man who co-founded Micromax in India. The Revolt RV400 is the first AI-enabled electric motorcycle in the Indian market. The sleek, sporty and muscular e-bike is manufactured on the same lines as Micromax, bringing the Chinese components and Indianising it.
The design of the RV400 resembles the Chinese-made Super Soco TS1200R e-bike. The RV400 e-bike offers a fully digital instrument panel, a 3.24kW lithium-ion battery, 85km of top speed, an ARAI-certified range of 156km, a combi brake system, and a warranty of 8 years or 1,50,000 km, whichever is earlier. The e-bike is available in two variants; the premium variant is priced at ₹1,02,000, and the standard variant is priced at ₹90,000.
TVS iQube Electric
Range: 75 kilometres
Torque: 140 Nm
Battery: Lithium-Ion
TVS entered the electric scooter segment with the launch of the iQube Electric scooter. The e-bike is priced at ₹1,15,000 and offers exceptional value for money, along with riding comfort. The TVS e-bike is powered by a 4.4kW electric hub motor and a set of 2.25kWh li-ion batteries. It provides up to 75km of range in one single charge and a top speed of 78 Kmph. The exceptionally refined and silent e-bike has two riding modes – economy and power.
The TVS iCube electric offers a Q-park Assist feature, which helps in forward and backward motion assistance. Also, it offers several other features such as an all-LED lighting system, a TFT instrument cluster and smartphone connectivity. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the expansion of the iCube e-bike, and that’s why it is currently available only in selected cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi, and Pune. The impressive and practical iCube will compete with the Bajaj Chetak, and soon it will be available in more cities by March 2022.
Ather 450X
Range: 65 kilometres
Torque: 20.5 Nm
Battery: Lithium-Ion
Ather Energy Pvt. Ltd. is a Bangalore-headquartered electric vehicle company founded in 2013 by Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain. The Ather 450X e-scooter is developed and manufactured entirely in India, and it is one of the best e-scooters to hit the market. The 450X was first launched in late 2019 at ₹1,32,000, and it appears very much identical with Ather 450. The stand-out e-scooter is offered in three colours, space grey with a yellow, white body with green accents and mint green with orange accents. Ather 450X supports a 4G sim card, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, smart helmets, and tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS).
The e-scooter offers three different riding modes, X-Eco, Ride and Sport, with adjustable attributes, making 450X a flawless e-scooter for Indian roads. It also offers one special mode, Warp mode which helps you to accelerate from 0-40kmph in 3.41 seconds. The e-scooter has a battery capacity of 2.9kWh, and it takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes to charge the battery fully when using a standard home-charging point. A fully charged 450X can aid you to achieve the average 65kms of range. Ather Grid, an electric vehicle charging infrastructure, has set up over 120 fast charging points in 18 cities across India as of March 2021.
Bajaj Chetak
Range: 95 kilometres
Torque: 16.2 Nm
Battery: Lithium-Ion
The Bajaj Chetak scooter has a special place in the heart of the middle-class Indians, the iconic scooter was relaunched in 2020 as an electric scooter, and like the good old days, the scooter grabbed people’s attention. The Chetak e-scooter is priced at ₹1,42,000, and currently, it is available for sale in Pune, Bangalore and Nagpur. The company has plans to expand the sale and make the model available in 22 cities by the end of 2022.
The Bajaj Chetak has a 3.8 kW BLDC motor that offers Eco and Sport riding modes. The e-scooter has a 3kW lithium-ion battery which provides a range of 80 km on a single charge. The Chetak e-scooter is available in urbane and premium variants with 6 colours options. The seamless and stylish e-scooter from the house of Bajaj is designed in metal, which helps it stand apart from the other e-scooters. The Chetak competes against the Ather 450X and the TVS iQube Electric.
Okinawa iPraise+
Range: 139 kilometres
Torque: 40 Nm
Battery: Lithium-Ion
The name Okinawa may sound similar to Japanese or Chinese background, but Okinawa is an Indian company started in 2015. The Gurgaon headquartered company manufactures India’s fastest and most advanced e-scooters, and Okinawa iPraise+ is one of them. Okinawa e-bikes witnessed massive price cuts following the Fame II subsidy scheme in 2020, and that’s why the e-bike iPraise+ is now priced at ₹99,708, about ₹17,892 less expensive than the previous price.
The Okinawa iPraise+ is identical to its elder sibling iPraise, but the new plus version e-bike uses detachable lithium-ion batteries and gets premium features such as geofencing, virtual speed limit, find my scooter, battery health tracker, maintenance/insurance reminder, and vehicle status. The e-bike is powered by a 1000w BLDC motor that can make up to 2500w power to reach a top speed of 58kmph. The iPraise+ is claimed to be charged in 4 to 5 hours and provides you 139Km of range in one go.
Hero Electric Optima HX (Dual Battery)
Range: 122 kilometres
Torque: N/A
Battery: Lithium-Ion
Hero is one of India’s most popular and trustable bike brands, and only the name is enough to make sure this scooter will be reliable and suitable for the average Indian biker. Hero has several e-bikes in their lineup, but if you’re looking for an electric bike that will best fit the city roads in India, then Hero Optima HX (Dual Battery) is the best option for you. The e-bike offers a Telescopic Suspension to help you avoid rough and bumpy rides; the suspension assures you a smooth and jerk-free ride.
The 12-inch alloy wheels in Optima HX make your vehicle lighter and more stable. The 550/1200 Watts of Motor Power allows you a top speed of 42kmph. The lightweight frame Optima HX (Dual Battery) is claimed to be charged fully in 4 to 5 hours and provides a 122 Km range in a single charge. The e-bike arrives with a shiny body design, along with a spacious comfortable seat. The Optima HX (Dual Battery) is available in four colour options and is priced at ₹59,000.
Ultraviolette F77
Range: 108 kilometres
Torque: 90 Nm
Battery: Lithium-Ion
Ultraviolette F77 is India’s first sporty electric motorcycle and brings its design inspiration from the aviation space. The e-bike offers innovative engineering from the inside out along with intelligent interfacing. The F77 is powered by a 27kW electric motor producing 33.5bhp and 90Nm of torque to provide you with 0-100kmph in just 7.5 seconds. Currently, Ultraviolette F77 is the most powerful on sale electric motorcycle in India, giving you a top speed of 147kmph.
The F77 motorcycle houses three removable lithium-ion batteries of 4.2kWh each to allow you to cover the range of 150km on one single charge. The electric motorcycle also supports fast charging to give you 0 to 80 per cent in just 50 minutes. The F77 offers smart features such as LTE connectivity, Adaptive dashboard brightness with Ambient Light Sensor, GPS/GLONASS positioning for real-time velocity, Shock and Impact sensors and Customisable Performance Profiles. The freaky and sporty looking e-bike is priced at ₹3,00,000.
Joy e-bike Monster
Range: 75 kilometres
Torque: 30 Nm
Battery: Lithium-Ion
Joy e-bike Monster is one of the most stylish products offered by the Gujarat-based two-wheeler manufacturing company Joy e-Bike. The Monster e-bike is inspired by the Honda Grom 125, and at the same time, its design looks quite similar to the Ducati Monster. The sleek and stylish petrol free bike runs on a powerful 72V/39Ah Lithium-Ion battery and hydraulic suspension. The e-bike takes 4 to 4.5 hours to charge from flat to 100% and offers 75km of range in one charge. The Joy e-bike Monster is powered by 250 Watts Brushless Hub motor and priced at ₹1,06,000.
Pure EV Epluto 7G
Range: 90-120 kilometres
Torque: 60 Nm
Battery: Lithium-Ion
The Pure EV Epluto 7G is a premium looking e-bike that offers a serene ride with an emission-free and anxiety-free experience. The e-bike is specially made for Indian roads and matches some of the best options on the list. The design of the Epluto 7G is modern and attractive, which resembles the Vespa models and Bajaj Chetak. The e-bike generates 1500W power from its BLDC motor to get a top speed of 65kmph. The high-speed electric scooter helps you achieve a speed of 0-40 kmph in just 5 seconds and offers a range of around 90-120kms in one full charge. The bike accommodates Anti-theft Smart Lock and a ladies footrest option. The e-bike is available in 6 colour options and is priced at ₹83,999.
Hero Electric Photon HX
Range: 108 kilometres
Torque: N/A
Battery: Lithium-Ion
The new Photon HX is a high-speed electric scooter from the house of Hero electric. The e-scooter is offered in a single variant – HX and three colour options. The Hero Photon HX generates 1200W power from its motor to provide you with a top speed of 45kmph. The e-scooter arrives with powerful LED headlamps to help you ride safely, even in the dark and 10-inch alloy wheels to make your vehicle lighter and more stable. The Hero Electric Photon HX takes 5 hours to charge the battery fully and offers 108km of range in one go. The e-scooter is priced at ₹71,440 and can be a valuable option for any rider.
So far, we have discussed EVSE, Battery Capacity Segmentation, and Battery Swapping when we reviewed NITI Aayog’s Policy Document on Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure. If you missed all of these sections, along with concrete recommendations made by Exhibit, you could read all of them here. Let’s move on and go further with this document to assess what all things are here for you.
Public Charging Points
Not so important section, but you cannot ignore it. Well, it becomes important for stakeholders to think about bringing establishments and distance between such closest points. NITI Aayog has given the example of the EU and how they have kept different charging points or stations for several categories of vehicles. However, one should only see the good practices present in the EU countries and not adopt them as the conditions in India will be pretty different. In addition to this, Exhibit will also suggest you check how electricity for charging is getting produced. Even, Government and private players who will get involved in this domain need to ponder about green production of electricity. One such example is of setting up a Solar-powered electric vehicle charging station in Karnal (midpoint of Delhi and Chandigarh in the Delhi Chandigarh highway by BHEL).
Setting Targets
Don’t worry; you are not playing a cricket match where one of us has set a target for another. The Indian team had proved its mettle on Lord’s again a few days back when they defeated the England team by 151 runs. Since the core discussion is on electric vehicle charging infrastructure, we will stick to it. The Government of India, through different ministries, has set a target of where to install a charging station, be it in a public place, semi-public place, or private place. But, the issue is that again all this is going through different branches. Rather, the focus should be brought to a special-purpose vehicle or working group that will formulate everything in this sector. No doubt NITI Aayog has talked about nodal agencies and working groups. However, NITI Aayog has assigned different niches to them.
Assessing Demands
Trust me, but this section is very confined on which the policy formulation team has worked properly. Under this, NITI Aayog has laid out the assessment plan with which you as a stakeholder can understand the demand. NITI Aayog is right in its place to record data of how many vehicles are coming, along with the charging time it takes to refuel the batteries installed in EVs. Also, you have to examine the timeline to understand how this demand is increasing.
Leveraging Streets & Electricity Grids
NITI Aayog has also provided information on how a Germany-based startup has utilized the street poles to upgrade them and build mini charging points. Hence, there is optimum space for leveraging the street and its essential points where one recharges their EV batteries. And, to tap such poles for electricity, it becomes important to ponder electricity grid and street poles connection. But, if one thinks of such connections, one has to consider electricity tariff rates. For this purpose, all the state governments have to come up with a consolidated strategy. Consolidated strategy means instructing DISCOMS to establish a parallel framework or bring a new connection for such electricity supply.
Final Remarks on NITI Aayog Policy’s on Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
No doubt, NITI Aayog has laid down a vibrant framework to ensure a country like India can create a conducive ecosystem. But, it also becomes necessary to work upon eliminating loopholes. For other Auto-Tech section articles, click here.
Ducati is a brand decade in the making. Their name is synonymous with speed, design and performance. Today, the Italian bike maker dominates globally with its vast array of motorcycles ranging from adventure tourers to sports bikes. So far in India, Ducati has dominated the premium segment with a series of successful product launches. How do they do it, and what it takes to run a successful brand? We discuss all of this with our special guest, Bipul Chandra, MD Ducati India.
Q – Ducati has been on a roll this year; you guys are putting out one great product after another. To what would you attribute this change in strategy?
Ans: 2020 was, as you know, quite a challenge. Many of our bikes, which we wanted to introduce in India following BS6 norms, were delayed. This in part and our growing BS6 portfolio, combined, resulted in our aggressive plans for 2021. As an industry, we had grown and were better prepared to deal with COVID related restrictions. We were confident we would deliver on our plans and introduce our long-awaited bikes in the Indian market in 2021. So far, we are right on the mark as the first four months of the year were positive. We are eagerly looking forward to more launches and infusing the market with our entire line-up of BS6 bikes.
Q – Ducati recently launched the brand-new Streetfighter V4, and it features some significant improvements since last time. How well do you think it’d be competing for this time around?
Ans: The Streetfighter V4 has developed an insane following amongst riders and enthusiasts alike, making it a halo product in the segment. To experience the best in the super naked category, the Streetfighter is undoubtedly in a league of its own. We were the first to introduce and popularise the “Naked Bike” category, and with the Streetfighter, we have raised the bar yet again. Our team has nailed the design, the power, and the stance. No doubt, it won the ‘Most Beautiful Bike’ at EICMA 2019. I am happy to share that we have sold out the initial shipment assigned to India, and we are already looking to get another one ready for the customers. This is a testimony to how eagerly the Ducati fans were waiting for the Streetfighter, and I am thrilled that we finally have it here.
Q – An year after the lockdown, we’re in another one, and with countries preparing for a third wave worldwide, do you think “work from home” is a permanent change?
Ans: We are still bound to our home offices with minimal movement of our staff to oversee the supply chain and the delivery aspect of the bikes to our customers. We have taken extra precautions to allow for easy and safe servicing and delivery of new bikes at home. Ducati has always been a very customer-oriented brand, and that’s why, last year, we introduced the ‘Ducati Cares’ program, which has a detailed and a defined SOP related to sanitisation, social distancing, temperature checks etc. at our showrooms. Understandably, it has not been smooth sailing for every operation to go remote. Still, with the vaccination drive picking up steam in the country, it looks like working from home will be a thing in the past if we all do our bit to take suitable precautions to prevent the pandemic.
Q – How has lockdown affected brand marketing? Are there new opportunities emerging as we move ahead?
Ans: Due to the ongoing situation, most of our advertising is via social media and digital platforms. We have a highly engaged community on Facebook, Instagram and we use lead generation advertising to reach out to prospects and book their test rides for when things are better. We also promoted posts on social media and Google Display Network to amplify our new launches for the Streetfighter V4, which got an exceptional response on social media and our website. We constantly promote initiatives like our Bike Configurator on the website. A customer can accessorise and customise his Ducati via an extensive range of accessories and get the new bike delivered precisely as they configured it online. Yes, the experiential marketing has taken a hit as we have consciously decided not to conduct any on-ground launches or events to do our bit in containing the spread of the virus. I hope that we will be back with DRE activities this year or in 2022 if the Covid situation is under control and the government regulations allow us.
Q – The second wave has affected us in ways unimaginable: how has Ducati helped its employees to ease this situation?
Ans: We have introduced flexible hours for our employees and dynamic structure implementation so that our team members can take time off to manage the home duties as well. We have also created a support group for internal purposes where our employees can reach out if they need assistance of any sort. As a team, we are constantly checking in on our employees to ensure their mental health. And being a lean team, we are always in touch with each other.
Q – With Ducati in Italy, its factory in Thailand, and India’s office, you effectively work in three time zones. What’s your strategy to manage all that?
Ans: I am proud to share that as a team, we are very well coordinated. Our plans develop keeping the time zones in mind and the flow in which our announcements are made to not hamper our strategy in any of our markets. I am also always in awe of how fast our team’s turnaround is to any request from our office/dealerships. 2021 has already seen eight new bikes from Ducati hit the roads, from the updated Scrambler range including Nightshift, Desert Sled, Icon, Dark Icon, and 1100 Dark Pro to the super naked, the Streetfighter V4 joined by Panigale V4 and Diavel 1260, which were just launched! This goes on to show the speed with which we are proceeding.
Q – What’d you say is the best way to market to a niche audience?
Ans: It is very subjective, but we believe in the age-old saying ‘Race on Sunday, sell on Monday.’ We are associated with various racing events and competitions such as MotoGP, WSBK Championship, AMA Superbike Championships etc. These associations are an incredible way to continually improve and deliver products that our customers have come to expect of us. Furthermore, our team and athletes enjoy these events, so that’s an advantage. It also helps us incredibly engage with our key audience. We also focus a lot on organising demo ride events riding events on the racetrack, off-road tracks, etc. We try to share the experience of riding a Ducati. We are super confident of the product and believe that a customer can take an informed decision only when he has experienced the quality and the character of a Ducati motorcycle.
Q – Any inside scoop that you’d like to share for the Ducati fans?
Ans: I do have one: this year, we will have our entire international BS6 line-up available in India. Next on the launch timeline is the Multistrada V4, which will be launched in India in the first half of July, so that’s an exciting development that we’re looking forward to.
It may seem like a distant dream, but we are finally looking to resume on-ground events and activities to reconnect with our customers via our world famous DRE events like Track Days, Off-Road Days, Dream Tour and Scrambler “Land of Joy” riding experiences. If the situation permits, we would love to launch our bikes at on-ground events, meet our friends in the media and, of course, attend MotoGP events with the Ducatisti.
Q – With the used vehicle market jumping through the roof due to the pandemic, do you see brands officially venture into this particular market in the future?
Ans: We are also a part of that market in the form of Ducati Approved. The service team at our dealer network follows a stringent 35-point checklist while inducing a used bike to ensure that it is in good condition and can earn the Ducati seal before being sold to an interested customer. I feel that Ducati Approved is a brilliant stepping-stone for customers to enter the world of Ducati. The prices are attractive, and the after-sales service costs have also gone down considerably. It will not be long before we see more people opting to buy pre-owned luxury superbikes.
Q – Electrification increasingly seems to be the next step in transportation. How well do you see it play out in the Indian market?
Ans: We are proud of our rich history, legacy, motorsport success, and our ability to transform these experiences into high quality, performance-oriented, tech-infused products that are used daily by both motorcycle enthusiasts and new riders. It has allowed us to understand our customers and share our passion with people worldwide to experience and relish in the joy of owning a Ducati. Satisfaction and experience are high on every Ducati product that comes into the creativity and ultimately creates an odd sensation. To get all these experiences into fruition, you have to test ride a Ducati, and that is how confident we are of the product. In addition, we ensure that every motorcycle produced in Italy makes its way to India. Therefore, we are a few manufacturers with such a diverse range of motorcycles, from racing to sport touring to heritage and ensuring that each model makes its way to India.
Coming to electrification, Ducati invests a lot in R&D, and we are weighing the options. We are transparent about one thing; no matter what the source of power is, we will not compromise with the signature experience of riding a Ducati.
Q – Lastly, what’d you like to say to Ducati riders and fans moving forward in 2021?
Ans: I would like to request every Ducatisti, Ducati enthusiast and fan to stay safe and follow all COVID guidelines so that we can all come out of this pandemic safer and stronger than ever. We have great plans for the Indian market, and I can promise that the following years will be eventful in Ducati’s Indian journey.
Q – What’s your dream car and bike?
I would love to lay my hands on a Lamborghini Countach and a Ducati 916
Q – What’s on your reading list nowadays?
I am reading the Multipliers by Liz Wiseman and Find your Why by Simon Sinek. Then I have a couple of more books waiting for me.
Q – What’s the best life lesson you learnt?
Character is the only thing that matters.
Q – Any advice for upcoming marketers and directors?
Actually, a couple of them: One may be deprived of time, but it always pays to look for the devil in the details, never compromise on ethical issues and always stand for your team.
Q – Your favourite non-work-related activity?
Watching YouTube videos about technological advancements and documentaries about historical events.
Q – How’d you sum up your experience working at Ducati in three adjectives?
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the 1971 war victory, and Jawa Motorcycles has come to the fore to offer a tribute to the gallantry of our Forever Heroes. Continuing its #ForeverHeroes initiative, the brand has introduced two new colours of its modern classic Jawa to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the 1971 war victory.
To further contribute to the ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ celebrations throughout the year, Jawa Motorcycles will be a part of various celebratory rides with the Indian Army that mark important landmark occasions like Kargil Vijay Diwas, Battle of Turtuk and Battle of Longewala, with the Jawa Khakhi and Midnight Grey leading the charge. What makes these motorcycles unique is the commemorative emblem that features the prestigious Indian Army insignia flanked by a ‘laurel wreath’ symbolising the 1971 victory.
The two new colours honour the spirit of courage, service, and sacrifice of the Indian Army and embody the brave and bold spirit. The Jawa Khakhi signifies the spirit of selfless service to the nation by the men in uniform. On the other hand, the Jawa Midnight Grey is inspired by the Battle of Longewala, fought in the western frontier along the Rajasthan border. This battle played an essential role in India’s victory in the ’71 war. Brave soldiers from the Indian Army and BSF thwarted the enemy attack and defended our motherland, fighting bravely through the night. Jawa Midnight Grey is an ode to the bravery of these soldiers and the victory that we achieved on this night. The wheel and tyre sizes remain unchanged from before, but these motorcycles ride on blacked-out spoke rims to go with the overall black theme.
Setting the context for this Tribute, Anupam Thareja, Co-Founder, Classic Legends, said, “How we measure success as a company is not by how many motorcycles we sell. It is by how much we’re able to give back.”
Picking up from the sophisticated styling of the Jawa, the new Jawa Khakhi and Midnight Grey add a dark sophistication and a more outdoorsy feel to the Jawa character. Both shades are finished in matte and feature an all-black theme that runs across the motorcycle’s mechanical parts. The engine now features brushed fins adding to the attention to detail. The 1971 War Victory commemorative insignia occupies the place of pride on the fuel tank flanked by tricolour stripes.
The entire Jawa range features a new 293cc liquid-cooled and fuel-injected engine that makes 27 bhp of maximum power and 27 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a six-speed transmission. The engine now features a repositioned lambda sensor that monitors internal and external variables more efficiently to give consistent performance and cleaner emissions regardless of any road condition. The throttle response has been made crisper to respond to even the slightest inputs with precision through improved fuelling. The overall result is a more linear performance across the rev range, with a noticeable punch in the mid-range resulting in stronger acceleration.
Presenting the two new colours of Jawa as a tribute to the 1971 victory, Ashish Singh Joshi, CEO, Classic Legends, said, “We have a special place in our heart for the men and women who protect our nation. We call them Forever Heroes and it’s the cornerstone of Jawa’s existence. It gives us immense pride to dedicate the Jawa Khakhi and Jawa Midnight Grey to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the 1971 war victory. As a company we are honoured to carry the Indian Army’s insignia on our motorcycles that will forever remind the riders of the bravery and sacrifices made by our soldiers to keep our motherland protected.”
The Jawa Khakhi & Midnight Grey will be available across Jawa Dealerships and priced at Rs 1,93,357 (ex-showroom). The new colours will only be available in the Dual ABS version.
