All of us have heard all about electric cars and scooters. But an electric motorcycle? That’s definitely unheard of. But not anymore. Dinesh Arjun, Founder and CEO of RapteeHV is here to revolutionize the EV sector in the Indian market.
Founding RapteeHV
With a degree in Production Engineering from Madras Institute of Technology, Arjun has always been obsessed with energy and innovation. This zeal drove him to establish Raptee, to build India’s first high-voltage electric motorcycles that don’t just compete with traditional two-wheelers but surpass them.
This decision was backed with some hard-hitting research. Over 70% of India’s vehicles were motorcycles, yet the EV revolution had barely touched this segment. The market was dominated by low-voltage solutions that fell short on performance, reliability, and long-term value. This was the gap and the opportunity.
Founded in October 2019 at a technology centre in Guindy, this company has rapidly established itself as an emerging leader in the electric two-wheeler segment. The team tirelessly works to redefine the future of mobility through innovation and precision engineering.
Challenges Faced
This journey at Raptee has however been fraught with challenges. There was no existing HV ecosystem for two-wheelers. This meant development of every sub-component from scratch—battery packs, motor controllers, power electronics, and more.
Taking this path came with its own set of challenges. Unlike conventional EVs, where components are readily available, the HV ecosystem for motorcycles simply did not exist. Testing and validation took time, as every part had to be built, optimized, and rigorously evaluated to ensure reliability and safety.
One more critical challenge was the vendor ecosystem. Since no supplier had ever worked on HV components for two-wheelers before, it was essential to collaborate closely with manufacturers and convince them to develop entirely new solutions. It wasn’t just about sourcing parts—it was about building an ecosystem together.
The Silver Lining
But it is rightly said “When you have the right intention, the right opportunity will open the door.” Raptee with its relentless efforts, became the first company to receive non-dilutive funding from ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) and MHI (Ministry of Heavy Industries) for developing a high-voltage powertrain specifically for electric two-wheelers. For motorcyclists to consider switching to electric, the bikes must not only surpass ICE counterparts but also break industry barriers to drive adoption.
Thus, this green light from ARAI was a significant milestone as it proved that HV motorcycles could meet industry standards. This can quicken the shift to high-voltage motorcycles. Riders no longer feel that electric bikes are like a compromise. Just like high-voltage technology transformed electric cars, it is now set to redefine the two-wheeler industry.
Future Plans
Raptee.HV is strategically focusing on Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities in India, where the adoption of 150cc motorcycles is strong, making high-voltage motorcycle a natural upgrade for these riders. Its market entry is further supported due to the widespread acceptance of electric scooters in these regions which indicates a growing shift toward EV adoption.
It has raised $1.7 million in its latest round of funding led by Singhvi Heritage. Over the next two years the company plans to explore international expansion, starting with South Asian markets, to establish Raptee.HV as a global player in electric mobility.
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