The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is gaining momentum in India and all over the world.
When we hear about EVs we usually think about electric scooters. But, Ultraviolette Automotive, a Bengaluru-based EV startup is making waves with its cutting-edge electric bikes.
The company’s founders are Narayan Subramaniam and Niraj Raj Mohan. Their vision and expertise are driving the company toward redefining electric mobility in India.
Recently, Narayan in an insightful conversation, shed light on Ultraviolette’s journey.
He shared the challenges of building high-performance EV motorcycles. He also talks about the company’s expansion plans and the future of electric bikes in India.
The Beginning
Ultraviolette was founded with a clear intention to match electrical that should match the traditional petrol-powered bikes.
The initial idea was born out of a passion for innovation. Narayan and Niraj spent years in research and development,. Their focus was on building an electric motorbike that would challenge conventional electric two-wheelers in the market.
They wanted to prove that electric motorcycles could be as thrilling as petrol-powered bikes. In the electrical vehicles, designers also get the luxury of designing more cleaner and more efficient models.
The Launch of Ultraviolette F77
After years of continuous testing and research, Ultraviolette officially launched the F77 electric motorcycle in November 2022. This was India’s first high-performance electric motorcycle.
Most early EV brands in the country targeted EVs at everyday commuters. Ultraviolette stands out, as the F77 was designed for motorcycle enthusiasts who crave power, speed, and style.
The bike came with an aggressive, aerodynamic design. This was inspired by fighter jets, an advanced battery system, and smart connectivity features.
The bike’s launch created a buzz in India’s automotive industry. This made Ultraviolette as a serious player in the premium EV space.
So when launched, the F77 wasn’t just an electric alternative to petrol bikes, but it was a statement of the future.
Scaling Up: Growth and Expansion Plans
The F77’s launch was a huge success. So Ultraviolette’s next focus was to scale up the production and expand its reach.
The company has been working towards improving its supply chain and also increasing production capacity. The brand has a keen interest in international markets too.
Narayan and his team have been very serious about quality control and performance. They make sure every F77 that rolls out of the factory meets global standards.
They also introduced upgraded battery technology. Also, improved software features to improve the riding experience.
As said earlier, Ultraviolette has ambitions beyond India. Their goal is to make Indian-made electric bikes a global sensation. They want to prove that homegrown technology can compete with the best in the world.
Also read, How to get Ultraviolette dealership?.
Why Motorcycles and Not Scooters?
We know most of the EV startups in India have focused on scooters. But Ultraviolette took a different approach.
Narayan and Niraj believed that India’s motorcycle market, especially the premium segment market, had a huge potential. The Motorcycle lovers always expect power, handling, and cool design.
In India, this space was largely untapped in the EV sector.
So they did not focus on the market, that is the budget-friendly scooters. Ultraviolette saw an opportunity to create a brand focusing on performance and technology.
The F77 was built to prove that electric motorcycles can offer a thrilling experience without compromising on sustainability.
Has Any Government Subsidy Helped?
Since the last decade, India’s EV ecosystem has benefited from government initiatives like FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles).
This initiative provides incentives for electric vehicle manufacturers. Ultraviolette has made use of some of these government policies.
The company has a long-term vision that it should operate independently without depending on any government subsidies.
The founders believe that government incentives help speed up adoption. But the real success of EVs lies in creating the best products that people really looking for without thinking of the subsidies.
Current Challenges in the EV Market
Ultraviolette has a good progress, but the journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. The founder shared some of the biggest challenges the company faces today:
- Many Indian riders are still hesitant to switch to EVs. This is mainly due to concerns about charging infrastructure, range, and resale values.
- It is not easy to balance between meeting growing demand and maintaining quality. The EV market in India is becoming more competitive.
- Home charging is a convenient option in EV vehicles. However, the lack of a widespread public charging network is still a barrier to mass adoption.
- Government incentives exist. However, the changing regulations and tax policies can impact production costs and pricing.
What is Ultraviolette’s Business Model?
Ultraviolette does not follow traditional motorcycle manufacturers. They follow a direct-to-consumer model. This will allow customers to receive a premium experience from order to delivery.
The company also focuses heavily on software integration. They offer smart features, remote diagnostics, and over-the-air updates to improve vehicle performance over time.
All these approaches give Ultraviolette a unique edge. This creates a technology-driven ownership experience. This is much different from conventional two-wheeler brands.
Learning from Rivals
The founder believes that EV companies like Ather, Revolt, and global brands like Tesla and Zero Motorcycles have paved the way for EV technology. Ultraviolette has taken some valuable lessons from their journeys.
These things make Ultraviolette stand out from others,
- As said earlier, many early EVs were focused on budget-friendly two-wheelers. But Ultraviolette only focused on creating high-performance two-wheelers.
- Ultraviolette is able to build an identity around futuristic design and performance. This attracts riders who want an aspirational EV experience.
- Some features like over-the-air updates, remote diagnostics, and advanced connectivity give Ultraviolette motorcycles a technological edge.
Introducing the Ultraviolette F99
After the huge success of the F77 motorbike, Ultraviolette recently announced the F99, a high-performance electric racing motorcycle. This is specially designed for track enthusiasts.
This motorcycle shows how far EVs have come. This proves that electric bikes can not only match petrol bikes but can also outperform them in competitive racing environments.
Ultraviolette is shaping the future of electric two-wheelers in India. They have a bold vision, cutting-edge technology, and focused on performance
The company is proving that EVs can be just as thrilling, if not more, than their petrol-powered counterparts.
As Narayan Subramaniam and Niraj Raj Mohan continue to push boundaries, one thing is certain: the future of motorcycling is electric, and Ultraviolette is leading the way. **For Indian riders, this means an exciting new era.
