Future Mobility Media shines a spotlight on Raptee as a startup in electric mobility. In a talk with Dinesh Arjun, Co-founder and CEO of Raptee, the company’s innovative journey is explored, detailing how they overcame supply chain challenges and integrated AI and IoT into their electric motorcycles.
The Beginning
In 2018, a group of passionate engineers fresh out of college, including Dinesh Arjun, Co-founder and CEO of Raptee came together with a shared vision. There was a fascination towards the Indian automotive sector due to the exposure gained from intercollegiate competitions like BAJA SAE INDIA and SUPRA SAEINDIA. That fascination led them to explore the electric two-wheeler market in India and they noticed a massive void with a lack of homegrown technology and a supply chain heavily reliant on imported components. They felt there was a need to build the technology and sub-components within India that would serve as the backbone for the entire industry. They realised getting into the two-wheeler market in India was not just about building a superior product but also tapping into the emotions of the Indian society where motorcycles have been a household mandate.
Thus, Raptee was born, driven by the mission to develop a safe, smart, and sustainable electric motorbike tailored for the Indian market, crafted by Indian tech enthusiasts.
Early Challenges and Innovations
As for any startup, the journey to develop their first electric motorcycle was also fraught with challenges. One of the most significant hurdles was establishing a robust supply chain for components that were traditionally imported and assembled from foreign markets. “It took a considerable time to secure Tier 1 suppliers. Given the multitude of brands in the market, Tier 1 suppliers were understandably cautious and had limited resources to accommodate everyone. Convincing them to partner with us on our journey was an arduous task. With a relatively small and young team of just 60 members, we had to manage this frugally,” shared Dinesh.
“Furthermore, building an electric motorcycle, as opposed to scooters, introduced additional complexities. This included vehicle design intricacies, meeting performance requirements, and more,” added Dinesh.
Market Entry and Differentiation
Understanding the emotional connection Indians have with motorcycles, Raptee aimed to offer not just a superior product but also a lifestyle upgrade. They prioritized CCS2 charging compatibility, addressing a critical pain point in the Indian EV market: the lack of public charging infrastructure compatible with two-wheelers. By making their motorcycles compatible with existing public charging stations, Raptee offered customers the convenience of fast charging—0-80 per cent in just 45 minutes—both at home and in public.
To further differentiate their products, Raptee integrated emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and advanced analytics into their motorcycles. “Our vehicles have the capability and the hardware (dedicated onboard data processing and neural engine cores) that help the motorcycle learn from its mistakes and from its peers to make your experience better one ride at a time,” shared Dinesh.
Their vehicles were designed to be data centres on wheels, equipped with onboard data processing and neural engine cores. This enabled the motorcycles to learn from each ride, continuously enhancing the user experience.
Scaling Up
Raptee’s innovative approach and robust product design attracted significant funding. Raptee has successfully raised approximately USD 5 million in previous funding rounds and is now aiming to secure an additional USD 19 million. “This recent funding will be strategically utilized to scale our operations by ramping up vehicle production, expanding our dealership network, and rolling out our e-bikes in new states. These efforts are essential to meet growing demand and solidify our presence in the market,” explained Dinesh.
The Manufacturing Hub
Raptee’s manufacturing plant in Chennai is central to its growth strategy. The plan is to start with a micro-manufacturing setup initially and grow to a full-fledged production line. “Our batteries will be assembled using a proprietary process to make them last the lifetime of the vehicle. This will be a trade secret and will be one of our moats”, Dinesh said.
He further added, “Coming to tech, data has become the key, taking the processing data to the customer is what our setup is capable of. Though our first plant isn’t fully automated, we are deploying a complete closed-loop system ensuring traceability and quality. Raptee’s new factory will be its primary production plant for the next 24 months. It will have a peak production capacity of 100,000 units per year and will employ 470 people further for manufacturing and design innovation.”
A Future of Endless Possibilities
Dinesh Arjun’s experience at Tesla heavily influenced Raptee’s strategy. He understood that for electric vehicles to gain traction in India, they needed to be perceived as an upgrade, not just an alternative. Drawing parallels to Tesla’s branding strategy, Raptee focused on creating a product that resonated emotionally with consumers.
Featured in Forbes Asia 30 Under 30, Raptee envisioned a future where their electric motorcycles would redefine urban commuting. Their goal was to set new industry standards for performance and design, inspiring riders to embrace electric motorcycles as a superior and sustainable mode of transportation. Raptee’s vision was to integrate their e-motorcycles seamlessly into everyday life, reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the joy of riding.
Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Dinesh Arjun’s advice to aspiring EV entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: Invest in your team. Great companies are built by great people who internalize the company’s vision and drive it forward with the right attitude. This belief in the power of a dedicated and passionate team is the cornerstone of Raptee’s success.
Dinesh Arjun
Co-founder
and CEO of Raptee