Chennai's Raptee: Powering India's EV Future with the T30

Chennai-based EV startup Raptee.HV is set to begin deliveries of its high-voltage electric motorcycle, the T30, by May 2025, following certification from the Automobile Research Association of India (ARAI).

Initially planned for a January launch, the T30 faced delays due to an extended certification process. “We now expect to begin deliveries by May,” said Jayapradeep Vasudevan, Chief Business Officer at Raptee.HV. The company has received over 8,000 registrations and remains committed to its ₹2.39 lakh price for at least six months.

Positioned in the 300cc segment, the T30 benefits from road tax exemptions, making it more cost-effective than petrol-powered rivals like the Honda CB300R. In Chennai, its on-road price is ₹2.55–2.57 lakh, compared to ₹2.9 lakh for the CB300R. In Bengaluru, where taxes are higher, the CB300R costs nearly ₹3.7 lakh, while the T30 remains at ₹2.57 lakh. Additionally, the T30 promises lower running costs, with estimated annual savings of over ₹30,000 on fuel and maintenance for 10,000 km of usage.

A key innovation of the T30 is its high-voltage (240V+) architecture, which improves efficiency by reducing current draw while maintaining power output. This minimizes heat generation, eliminating the need for cooling systems, reducing weight, and enhancing reliability. Notably, it is India’s first two-wheeler compatible with public DC fast chargers designed for electric cars.

Raptee collaborated with ARAI to validate this technology, marking a milestone in its six-year journey. The T30 has an IDC-estimated range of 200 km and a real-world range exceeding 150 km per charge. Production will take place at Raptee’s 4.5-acre R&D and manufacturing facility in Manapakkam, Chennai, with an annual capacity of up to 1 lakh units. The company has also secured land in Cheyyar, Tamil Nadu, for future expansion.

Deliveries will start in Chennai and Bengaluru, followed by Pune and Hyderabad, as part of an initial launch in eight cities with company-owned outlets. Raptee, which secured funding from Blue Hill Capital and Artha 99 in October 2023, is currently in talks to raise $19 million to support expansion and working capital needs.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.