Chennai-based startup Raptee.HV! is shaking things up by focusing on high-performance EV motorcycles, a segment that’s been eagerly waiting for a true game-changer. Unlike many existing electric two-wheelers, Raptee is adopting high-voltage (HV) technology—the same kind used in electric cars—to deliver performance and charging convenience that riders expect.
The Machine and the Mission
Raptee’s first electric motorcycle, the Raptee T30, is already generating excitement. It boasts a top speed of 135 kmph and can zoom from 0 to 60 kmph in a quick 3.5 seconds, putting it right alongside its petrol-powered rivals in the 250−300cc segment. The claimed range is 200 km (IDC estimated), with a realistic range of around 150 km on a single charge.
But the biggest flex is the High-Voltage Drivetrain. This proprietary technology is what makes the T30 unique: it’s the only electric two-wheeler in India compatible with CCS2 car charging stations. This means you can plug into the rapidly growing public car charging network, with Raptee claiming an 80% charge in just 45 minutes! No more range anxiety or fiddling with bulky home chargers, as the T30 features a lightweight onboard charger.
Production and Launch Plan
The company, founded in 2018 by engineers Dinesh Arjun (CEO), Keerthivasan Ravi (COO), Phunith Kumar, and Karthikeyan Adhikesavan, rolled out its first production-ready unit from its Chennai facility earlier this year.
The plan is to begin commercial production and supply by November. The initial manufacturing capacity is around 1,500 units per month, which can be scaled up significantly to 100,00,00 units annually. With thousands of advance orders already in hand, it seems the launch is perfectly timed to capture the Indian electric motorcycle market. Raptee has ambitious plans to expand its retail presence to 60 cities in the next few years.
In the performance electric motorcycle category, Raptee T30 will go head-to-head with players like Ultraviolette F77, Tork Motors, and Oben Electric. However, Raptee’s HV architecture and CCS2 compatibility give it a distinct advantage in terms of fast charging and performance consistency, helping it stand out as a premium, next-generation EV option. This focus on deep-tech innovation has even secured them strategic funding from the Government of India’s Technology Development Board (TDB). Raptee is not just building an electric bike; they’re trying to future-proof the electric mobility experience for Indian riders.
There are multiple EV 2 wheeler startups making headlines in India. Earlier we had posted about Simple Energy, which is making electric scooters. Though it’s not in performance motorcycle category, the EV wave in India is something to look out for.
