Here Are the Most Affordable Electric Motorcycles for Daily Commuters
Electric vehicle startup Oben Electric, which is based in Bangalore, has introduced a commuter electric motorcycle – Two-wheelers-maker announced the launch of its one and only e-motorcycle for commuting purpose “Rorr EZ” priced at INR 90K Oben Electric has taken an in-house manufacturing strategy to make rang affordability and contemporaneous features, with technology progressions a priority. These LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells are just one of the ways that Rocket is changing the landscape of electric motorcycles with innovation as well.
Oben Electric: Charting & Making Innovation in Indian EV Space
That the electric motorcycle market is a niche segment, albeit some of it still very promising, as EV adoption also increases. Oben Electric, Ultraviolette, Revolt and Tork Motors are some of the startups cashing in on this progress with offerings specific to an Indian commuter. The approach of Oben Electric is one-of-a-kind where they have planned to develop all critical elements from batteries, protection system and controllers along with the motors made in-house and it definitely changes up things for this sector. It is this 360 degree approach that the company CEO Madhumita Agrawal believes will help Oben deliver premium quality products at affordable prices.
This leverages our in-house manufacturing capabilities to competitive pricing.
Tapping into the ADK-3 government incentives, Oben Electric develops and manufactures batteries, motors as well as chargers among others on its own — in addition to assembling them alongside vehicle control units at production facilities based out of Jigani. Thanks to this complete process cycle, the startup will be able not only to reduce manufacturing costs and transfer savings on end consumers but also nimbly implement cutting-edge technology.
“This process will enable us to offer competitive pricing on our products along with the best possible features and technology,” said Madhumita Agrawal, Founder & CEO of Oben Electric in an interaction with ETAuto.
The Advantages of LFP Batteries for Electric Motorcycles
Central to the Rorr EZ and its siblings is an LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery, a safer alternative that’s superior in many ways. While LFP batteries are common in passenger EVs, Oben Electric is turning to them for two-wheelers due to their cost-effectiveness, durability and high safety level.
Also Read: Bajaj Auto Accelerates Electric Two-Wheeler Expansion with New Chetak Range
Why Are LFP Batteries A Preferred Choice?
Longer Life: LFP batteries give almost twice the number of life cycles compared to NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) batteries.
Able to Take the heat: With higher thermal stability These batteries are less susceptible of overheating making sure that riders feel secure even on blazing days.
Environment-friendly – LFP batteries are green because they have no cobalt and nickel.
“LFP batteries do not have nickel and cobalt in them, so they are more sustainable than the NMC cells that we typically see,” Agrawal explained as one of their key benefits from an environmental standpoint.
Although these batteries come with their own set of benefits (longer life, better heat resistance), they are also lumpy and take up a lot of space — making them especially tough to design into smaller two-wheeler applications.
Production Capacity and Expansion Plans: Scaling Up to Cater to the Burgeoning Demand
The factory of Oben Electric at Bangalore has a production capacity for 400-500 motorcycles per month. Yet the plant is set up for more than big growth, considering it has production capacity all the way up to 100,000 motorcycles per year. What is set to take forward this aggressive growth plan from the company once again, will be a new product in the 100cc segment by Q4 of FY2025. Oben will be able to introduce a range of motorcycles starting from 100cc and extending up to the 150 cc segments, widening its product portfolio.
In light of this, Oben Electric is currently in process to raise an additional $50-60 million over the next two years required for their proposed growth. With this funding, they wish to increase the market reach of their business and expand in new markets of Pune, Gujarat Hyderabad & Rajasthan.
Seeking to Become the Leading Player in a Narrow Landscape
With few entrenched competitors in the market, Oben Electric is uniquely positioned to take significant market share. But it looks like the big players that are taking their sweet time to develop and release an electric motorcycle have only just unveiled said motorcycles at last years EICMA 2024 show (links). This will see him compete against the penultimate Unsung company, Oben has a unique investment thesis they are investing in sustainable technology however with might work to his advantage given that he was an early mover and at least part of his focus is on affordable safe housing.
Innovation and Accessibility: the Future of Electric Motorcycles in India
To win over the typically price-sensitive Indian consumer, Oben Electric is focussing on value and in-house engineering aspects of its EVs. The company is boldly addressing safety concerns with LFP batteries, while at the same time dovetailing with an environmental-friendly technology push worldwide. Oben Electric To Scale Production As Demand Rises For Electric Motorcycles
Final Opinion: Where is Oben Electric and Indian EV Market Head from Here?
With Rorr EZ, and other upcoming models from Oben Electric might have a considerable contribution in the Indian EV market. Oben offers more than just performance, with prices starting at $8,999 before incentives. Combine that progress in cost-effective production and sustainable technology together with a commitment to quality like this team… Oben could very well be the next big name in electric motorcycles. We can infer from that choice of LFP batteries hat they are just as serious about rider safety as much to the environment.
Also Read: Royal Enfield Bear 650: New Release in India, Priced from Rs 3.39 Lakh
FAQs: Answers to Your Questions Regarding Oben Electric and LFP Batteries
Why LFP batteries from electric motorcycles are the first choice?
A Rechargeable Battery that is SAFER & Lasts Longer than NMC? They are also more environmentally friendly, since they do not contain nickel or cobalt.
Easiest way that Oben Electric’s Rorr EZ motorcycle is so low cost
Oben Electric keeps costs down with in-house component production, and that helps the brand price the Rorr EZ reasonably.
How will Oben Electric scale up production?
At the moment, Oben Electric is producing 400-500 motorcycles a month in its Bangalore facility with production capable of scaling up to year level capacity of one lakh as and when demand arises.
what is a customer experience that Oben Electric would like to expand next?
The company looks to continue growing in Pune market, Gujarat / Hyderabad / Rajasthan are the other areas under expansion radaractable pubs east london.
Among the electric motorcycles in India, are things getting too crowded?
Not yet. Despite a growing EV market, electric motorcycles are still relatively niche and there aren’t many big players around just yet an advantage for Oben Electric, which is getting in early.
