One look at the electric Kridn (pronounced Kree-Done, which in Sanskrit means ‘to play’) motorcycle and except for a box-like enclosure below the tank, there’s hardly anything unusual or exciting about it, in comparison to a conventional machine. The news of its export therefore does not click at once. Not, because it comes from a company that does not have a long legacy of automobile manufacture to boast of. A search about the company on the internet draws media reports, but the company website does not speak much about itself. It seems to speak more about the product rather than the company or its manufacturing infrastructure. A search concerning the company’s CEO, Gaurav Uppal, throws a Linkedin link. His previous ventures mark him as the co-founder of ‘Lets Score Soccer Stats’ app and then as the CEO of MapMyMeet iOS and Android App. This looks and sounds quite unlike how one would read the profile of Pawan Munjal, Managing Director, Hero MotoCorp, or that of Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto. Perhaps that is where the magic of automotive electrification comes into play. There is no need for a manufacturing legacy of two-wheelers or a position of fame in the two-wheeler industry to be producing an electric two-wheeler. 

Coming under the spotlight sometime last year, Noida-based One Electric, it does not take long to figure out, is a start-up. Like Ola or a Zomato, it is sans any baggage that a legacy manufacturer would carry. Add to this equation the announcement to invade the African market and things start to settle down. As of now, One Electric has started exporting its Kridn electric motorcycle to Kenya. Against a backdrop where an estimated three million electric vehicles were sold the world over in comparison to an estimated 17,000 EVs sold in 2010, the ambition of One Electric to invade four other African markets begins to make sense. Priced at INR 1.25 lakh approximately, the Kridn is touted as the fastest electric motorcycle in India. It is claimed to be capable of a top speed of 95 kmph. Exported to Africa with an eye on the bike-taxi segment there (it is called as ‘Bodaboda’), the Kridn is promising a big change. Stacked against the Chinese, it is, according to Gaurav Uppal, offering the African bike-taxi buyers a sustainable, profitable and eco-friendly alternative to what they are currently using. 

The ‘African’ proposal

Stating that the Kridn is designed for tough road conditions, heavy loading and high temperatures, Uppal averred that it is capable of fitting into the African transport system, which is motorcycle intensive. Of the opinion that the Kridn is capable of answering the needs of African, Indian and South American users, he informed that the robust build of the Kridn is complemented by its comfortable seats, metal body and high power-speed capability. Emphasising that this is conducive enough to replace the stock petrol motorcycles Africans are using, Uppal explained that the Kridn can swap batteries, offer superior power and speed qualities, and can withstand heavy loading despite the rough road conditions that prevail in Africa. Claiming to be the first electric two-wheeler company to invade the African market, One Electric is working towards becoming a serious player in the African markets. It is keen to leverage the Kridn’s battery swapping technology to ensure that the bike-taxi operators are able to honour their timelines. Bike-taxi services are highly time sensitive. The option of battery swapping provides a convenient alternative to operate an internal combustion engine powered bike. 

Drawing attention to the electric motorcycle’s design and manufacturing process, Uppal said, “We have a complete in-house design, prototyping, development and production setup.” “We make our moulds and dies,” he added. The manufacturing process of One Electric is such that once a design is finalised, a 3D print-out is taken to check the fitment and alterations. Two or three iterations are a part. A pattern is made thereafter and plastic moulds are embarked upon. It is similar for metal parts manufacture, except there is no 3D printing resorted to. There are other technologies that One Electric employs. Agile enough to adapt and improvise a motorcycle design, according to Uppal, the company boasts of over 80 percent localisation. It uses high quality components to produce the Kridn and is working to achieve 100 percent localisation. Known to use a Honda frame for reference to built its own, One Electric is confident of achieving the goal.

About Kridn

To ensure a robust build, the chassis of the Kridn is said to be two-to-three kg heavier than those of similar motorcycles. It is built in-house along with parts like the battery, tank and speedometer. With stress on utility rather than a funky look, the Kridn employs seat, suspension, throttle and switches, lights and tyres that are sourced from leading suppliers in India. The seat, for example, is sourced from Meenakshi Polymers, the same company that supplies to Hero MotoCorp. The lights are said to be supplied by Fiem Industries, which also is a supplier to Harley-Davidson and Royal Enfield. The suspension is claimed to be sourced from Munjal Showa, which enjoys a supplier status with Hero MotoCorp as well. The quantity of supply by Munjal Showa to Hero MotoCorp per month is said to be no less than half a million bike-pieces per month! The tyres are sourced from Ceat. 

With One Electric known to own an IP right for the design, fuel tank and battery box cover of the Kridn,  the cells of the battery pack for the electric motorcycle are claimed to be imported as of now. The motor controller and the single brake component are also said to be currently imported. The Noida plant of One Electric has the capacity to produce 1,000 units per month. A bigger plant at Pune and Delhi-NCR will soon elevate the count to 10,000 units a month, quipped Uppal. “Expect that to happen in the next three-to-four months,” he added. Aggressively pursuing localisation, One Electric is claimed to have two provisional patents for a new type of motor which is being developed locally. The company is said to hold six-to-seven IPs. Focusing on B2B segment in India, the company, completing multiple last-mile delivery trials, has started receiving LOI's for a pan-India rollout. Insisting on a limited presence in the B2C segment, it is aiming at a first-year deployment of close to 10,000 units.

The road ahead

Stating that the company did not avail of government subsidies due to the lack of suitable drivetrains in India, Uppal mentioned, “The invitation from states for setting up a manufacturing unit has boosted our morale.With the petrol prices rising, electric vehicles have an opportunity to draw people to them. On charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, Uppal averred that the lack of space to comfortably park the vehicle and charge is proving to be a limitation. “This is giving rise to technologies like battery swapping,” he stated. Expecting battery swapping and charging stations to come up, the way ahead, according to Uppal, will be ‘fast charging’ battery swapping stations. Several startups are focusing on that too, he informed. Of the opinion that one battery pack in a vehicle should have enough capacity to last at least two days, Uppal averred that his company is working on a battery tech that could help achieve this goal. It is doing so for its B2C consumers. For the B2B consumers, it is developing a separate infrastructure all together, consisting of ready charging at certain points in the city.

Facing a disruption due to Covid-19 in the form of factory shutdown and supply chain issues, One Electric is working to invade the European and South American markets by 2022. “The South American market,” said Uppal, “is similar to the Indian and African market.” “The European market at the other end is about high cost and quality components, about performance and more,” he added. To focus on the brand of lithium cells for its European strategy, the company, in India, is currently pushing the Kridn through 25 dealerships across six states. (MT)

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Hero MotoCorp, a leading two-wheeler manufacturer globally, has announced its official entry into the Republic of Italy. This expansion marks the company’s entry into its 49th international market.

Product distribution will be managed by Pelpi International, a large distributor that offers sales, service, and parts through a network of over 160 dealers. Initial distribution will focus on key cities with 36 dealers, with plans to expand to 54 touchpoints.

The three models available at launch are the Xpulse 200 4V, Xpulse 200 4V Pro and Hunk 440. Both models comply with E5+ and EU standards.

Hunk 440: This model enters the L3e−A2 performance category. Its engine delivers torque of 36.0 Nm at 4000 rpm and power of 27 BHP at 6000 rpm. It features dual-channel ABS with 320 mm front and 240 mm rear discs, USD Cartridge Forks by KYB, a full-digital TFT display and navigation. The Hunk 440 starts at EUR 3,990 (Incl. VAT) and is available in Twilight Blue and Phantom Black.

Xpulse 200 Family: The Xpulse 200 4V Pro has a 4-Valve head that produces 18.9 BHP and 17.35 Nm torque. It includes three ABS Modes (Road, Off-road, and Rally). It is equipped with a digital speedometer, inverted LCD Display, navigation, and LED Projector headlamps. The Xpulse 200 4V starts at EUR 2,990, and the Xpulse 200 4V Pro at EUR 3,190.

Hero MotoCorp will offer a standard 3-year warranty and an additional 2-year warranty as a launch offer, extending the total warranty to 5 years.

Sanjay Bhan, Executive Vice-President, Hero MotoCorp, said, "Entering Italy, the very heartland of two-wheeler culture, marks a defining milestone in Hero MotoCorp’s global expansion journey. We aim to redefine ‘The Future of Mobility’ at a global scale with next-gen smart mobility solutions that cater to diverse riding preferences. With products that reflect both the Explorer and Liberator spirit, we are inviting Italian riders to experience Limitless Freedom and Limitless Adventure every day. Our success in the Dakar Rally with Hero MotoSports is a testimony of our global engineering excellence and the innovation in products that we are bringing for Italy market."

Cesare Gali, Managing Director, Pelpi International, said, “We are proud to champion Hero MotoCorp’s entry into Italy. Their global scale, product quality, and the unparalleled commitment of a 5-year warranty give us immense confidence. The Hunk 440 and Xpulse 200 fill crucial, highly competitive segments in Italy, offering a unique blend of technology and value that will resonate deeply with Italian consumers.”

Pelpi International will make the brand available with 36 dealerships across key cities.

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Chennai-headquartered mid-size motorcycle major Royal Enfield has further expanded its online presence on e-commerce platform Amazon India. The company is making available its entire range of 350cc motorcycles on the e-commerce platform.

The partnership aims to offer convenience in the purchasing process, in addition to payment options available on the platform. The purchase option is currently open to customers in five cities: Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, New Delhi and Pune.

The range of 350cc models available includes the Classic 350, Bullet 350, Hunter 350, Goan Classic 350 and the new Meteor 350. These will be sold through a dedicated Royal Enfield brand store on Amazon India.

Delivery and aftersales service will be handled by the customer’s chosen Royal Enfield dealership in the city. The brand page also allows customers to buy genuine motorcycle accessories (GMAs), riding gear and merchandise.

Royal Enfield 350cc motorcycles are now available on two e-commerce platforms, reaching ten cities in India. They are sold through Amazon.in in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, New Delhi and Pune, and via Flipkart.com in Bengaluru, Gurugram, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai.

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Aprilia Racing has achieved global success with the limited-edition RSV4 X-GP, announcing that all 30 units sold out in just fourteen days following its introduction at the Catalunya Grand Prix.

The company stated that the immediate sell-out confirms the strong international appeal of Aprilia's ‘X’ brand, which the company states is a reference point for exclusivity, innovation and pure performance.

Enthusiasts from markets including Europe, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Malaysia and the United States secured the bikes, with booking requests reportedly exceeding availability during the presentation weekend itself.

The RSV4 X-GP was created by the Noale Racing Department to mark the 10^th anniversary of the RS-GP's debut in MotoGP, featuring the official MotoGP Team livery. It is the most powerful RSV4 ever built, boasting 238 HP for a mere 165 kg of weight, creating an ‘unprecedented riding experience.’

The bike introduces several track-focused innovations derived directly from the RS-GP prototype, notably becoming the first factory derivative bike in the world to feature leg and tail wings – aerodynamic solutions previously exclusive to the MotoGP machine. It also includes a structural carbon seat support.

Massimo Rivola, CEO, Aprilia Racing, said, “X confirms its status for Aprilia Racing as an exclusive and niche brand with enormous potential. Aprilia Racing is synonymous with innovation and it fills us with pride to see that, even at a strategic and product level, we have created an iconic brand and a new type of absolutely exclusive bike, conceived specifically for track enthusiasts.”

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Suzuki Motorcycle India, the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, has introduced new colour line-up for the Suzuki Gixxer SF and Gixxer motorcycles.

The fully faired Suzuki Gixxer SF priced at INR 137,231 (ex-showroom Delhi) gets two new colours - Metallic Oort Gray + Pearl Mira Red and Glass Sparkle Black + Metallic Oort Gray. The company is also providing exchange benefits up to INR 5,000 and extended warranty at INR 1,999 or insurance benefits up to INR 7,000 as part of the festive sales offer.

On the other hand, the Suzuki Gixxer priced at INR 126,421 (ex-showroom Delhi) gets three new colours - Metallic Oort Gray + Pearl Mira Red, Glass Sparkle Black + Metallic Oort Gray and Metallic Triton Blue + Glass Sparkle Black. The company is offering exchange benefits up to INR 5,000 along with an extended warranty at INR 1,999 or alternatively insurance benefits up to INR 6,000.

The Suzuki Gixxer SF and Gixxer are powered by a 155 cc, BS-VI OBD-2 B-compliant single-cylinder engine equipped with Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP), delivering 13.6 PS of power and 13.8 Nm of torque. This engine has a proven track record, having set a national endurance record in the 150cc category.

Both motorcycles feature European-inspired styling, highlighted by a LED headlamp and tail lamp, a sporty dual-muffler and split seats. The motorcycles also get a Bluetooth-enabled multi-function digital console with the Suzuki Ride Connect application. Key safety and performance features include single-channel ABS, wide radial tyres and a 7-step adjustable mono-shock for handling across varied conditions.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President – Sales and Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “The fresh colours of Gixxer SF and Gixxer underline Suzuki’s commitment to blending style, performance and innovation while catering to the aspirations of young Indian riders. With these enhancements, the motorcycles reflect Suzuki’s engineering and design philosophy, combining sporty character with comfort for both everyday city rides and long-distance touring. Along with attractive purchase benefits and easy ownership options, the updated line-up adds to the festive excitement and strengthens the connect of the GIXXER brand with customers across the country.”

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