Interview: Sumedh Battewar
Co-Founder and CBO at EMotorad
EMotorad Raising the Bar of EV Domain with High Quality E-Cycles
October 28, 2024. By Aishwarya
Que: Can you highlight EMotorad’s core offerings and explain what makes them unique compared to other brands in the industry?
Ans: Founded in 2020, EMotorad is an electric mobility pioneer that began its journey with premium electric cycles. Despite being a newcomer in India’s market, we invested significantly in developing the category already established in many countries abroad. Today, we offer a wide range of e-cycles, from premium to budget-friendly options, operating across B2C and D2C channels. We currently export to 18 countries through our B2B channels, leveraging our manufacturing arm, Dynem.
What sets us apart is our commitment to e-cycle innovation. We are expanding into other electric segments and investing in cutting-edge technology that is difficult to replicate. Our new integrated gigafactory brings manufacturing in-house, enhancing our control over quality and the supply chain and giving us a significant advantage over competitors.
Que: What are the expected annual production capacities at the new gigafactory, and how does this compare to the previous setup?
Ans: E-cycles are currently the best-selling EV units worldwide, surpassing cars and scooters. In 2022, we had an annual capacity of 90,000 units, but growing global demand has already nearly maxed that out. To meet this surging demand and fulfill our mission to manufacture in India for global markets, we've launched our gigafactory—an ambitious, phased project designed to increase our production capacity and innovation capabilities significantly.
The gigafactory is planned in four phases, each scaling up our manufacturing potential:
• Phase 1 starts with in-house production of motors, batteries, chargers, and displays, with an initial capacity of 500,000 e-cycles per year across six assembly lines spanning 2,00,000 sq ft in this phase.
• Phase 2 will introduce in-house frame component production and add two more assembly lines.
• Phase 3 focuses on mechanical components and multipurpose units, further boosting production.
• Phase 4 will be shaped by the outcomes of earlier phases and evolving market demands, but we anticipate even larger capacity expansion.
The gigafactory enhances our production capabilities and positions us to capture a significant share of the $40+ billion global e-cycle market, driven by increasing consumer preference for green mobility, government incentives, and ongoing technological advancements. We expect the facility to play a pivotal role in setting new benchmarks for quality, reliability, and scale in e-cycle manufacturing.
Que: How does EMotorad ensure compatibility between the removable battery system and future charging infrastructure advancements, and are there any plans to integrate solar charging or other renewable energy solutions with the removable battery system?
Ans: One of the biggest challenges EVs face in India is the lack of charging infrastructure. We couldn't have expected riders to extend power connections to their parking spots, carry the cycle up flights of stairs, or even in elevators each time they wanted to charge as it was impractical. That's why we dedicated significant time to designing a removable battery that can be dismounted within seconds and securely locked with a key when attached to the e-cycle. This enhances safety and makes the bike lighter for mechanical mode. Our battery is incredibly easy to detach and charge, reaching 0-80% in 2-3 hours. Plus, it charges like a mobile phone on any home socket with the charger given along.
Que: What technical innovations have been incorporated into the 250 W motor to enhance durability and reduce maintenance?
Ans: We use advanced lithium-ion battery technology, which offers fast charging, high efficiency, and exceptional performance. Lithium-ion batteries can charge and discharge rapidly, providing maximum versatility and a burst of power when needed. This fast-charging capability reduces downtime, making it ideal for riders who need quick turnarounds.
To further enhance performance and reduce costs, we’re bringing battery production in-house—an industry-first globally. We’re building South Asia’s largest integrated e-cycle gigafactory, where key components like the display, battery, motor, and charger will be manufactured in-house. This vertical integration will improve battery quality and safety and significantly boost overall performance and longevity, setting a new standard for e-cycle technology in India.
Que: What role does AI or machine learning play in optimizing the performance of EMotorad’s smart features?
Ans: Our technology front has been our long-term vision, and we’re gearing up to launch our IoT-enabled app, which will keep riders fully connected with their e-cycles, offering features that weren’t possible before. With this app, users can monitor their bike’s performance remotely, access real-time diagnostics, and receive software updates, all from their smart devices. By integrating our bikes with smart devices, we’re empowering riders with valuable insights into their riding habits, battery health, and maintenance needs, helping them optimise performance and prolong the life of their e-cycles. This seamless integration enhances convenience and ensures a smarter, more connected cycling experience.
We're embedding Industry 4.0 into our gigafactory with IoT devices and sensors to capture real-time data, significantly optimising processes and minimising downtime. In Phase 3, robotics and automation will enhance quality checks and boost efficiency. Data analytics will remain central to our decision-making. Embracing cutting-edge technologies, AI will play a pivotal role in process optimisation and predictive maintenance. Our supply chain will be digitally integrated for improved visibility and agility, backed by strong cybersecurity measures to safeguard our digital infrastructure. These strategies are designed to keep us at the forefront of competitiveness.
Que: What safety standards does the T-Rex Pro model meet, and how do you ensure compliance with local and international regulations?
Ans: Safety is our key priority, and our latest addition, the T-Rex Pro, is a true testament to our commitment to innovation. The T-Rex Pro is India’s first e-cycle with fully integrated rear and front indicators, equipped with high and low-beam headlights, flashlights, a horn, and brake lights. It also features a colour LCD integrated into the handlebar, setting a new standard in both safety and style. Our bikes come with mechanical disc brakes with auto cut-off technology that offers better stopping power, especially at high speeds; they are less prone to overheating, less likely to rust, and have faster recovery from immersion. When you brake using the throttle or pedal assist, our auto cut-off technology instantly cuts power to the motor, ensuring a safer stop. The T-Rex Pro combines cutting-edge safety features with a sleek design, making it the world’s most comprehensive e-cycle available at this price point.
Regulations vary from country to country. We prioritise compliance with local regulations and safety standards to ensure our electric cycles are safe and accessible to all. In India, as per the RTO rules, electric cycles are allowed to have a top speed of 25 km/h and a motor capacity of up to 250W. This exempts our e-cycles from needing a driver's licence, allowing children and adults to enjoy the ride without additional legal requirements. We follow all norms and guidelines the Automotive Research Association of India laid down, achieving an ARAI certification. With our bikes already in the Japan and Spain markets, we also ensure that all our production is set to the highest compliance and quality standards.
please contact: contact@energetica-india.net.