Founded in 2017, BattRE Electric Mobility is a pervasively technology-driven, customer-focused, and deeply innovative EV Startup which manufactures lifestyle-complementary electric city scooters.
During an interactive conversation with Aishwarya, Kumar Abhishek, COO, BattRE Electric Mobility reiterated company’s steadfast commitment to the Make in India initiative and how the company is contributing to the cause with its innovative solutions.
What are BattRE’s key product offerings and what differentiates your solutions from its competitors?
BattRE Electric Mobility is a trailblazer in e-mobility, revolutionizing urban commuting with its distinctive product line. What sets BattRE apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation, positioning it as a standout player in the competitive landscape. The company’s hallmark offering, the ‘Storie’ electric city scooter, epitomizes this approach. Boasting a range of 132 km per charge, a top speed of 65 kmph, and a rapid 5-hour charging time, it’s a blend of classic and contemporary design with robust metal panels. The scooter’s interconnected motor, controller, battery, and dedicated app provide riders with AI-backed analytics and a host of features, including distance-to-empty, call notifications, and navigation assistance.
BattRE’s e-scooter range is designed to cater to diverse consumer preferences. The ‘ONE’ model, priced at ₹73,900.00, is an entry-level scooter featuring a detachable LFP battery, three riding modes, and advanced safety features like dual disk brakes and an anti-theft alarm. The ‘LoEV’ model, starting from ₹68,900.00, is a premium entry-level scooter designed for manoeuvring through heavy traffic with ease. It comes with a lithium ferro phosphate battery, dual disc brakes, a remote key, and a host of other features, making it an ideal choice for families.
What truly distinguishes BattRE is its forward-thinking approach to e-mobility infrastructure. The introduction of the ‘RE:Charge Station’, is a game-changer. This low-cost charging solution can be installed at homes, offices, or standalone stores, providing convenient access for all the electric vehicle users. BattRE’s nationwide 24*7 roadside assistance in collaboration with Europ Assistance further solidifies its customer-centric approach, ensuring swift support in the event of a breakdown.
Integration of next-generation technology is the key to innovation in the automotive segment. Mention your views on the same and can we expect the same integration in your upcoming product portfolio?
The integration of next-generation technology is undeniably pivotal in propelling innovation within the automotive segment, especially in the realm of electric two-wheelers. This holds true for Battre as well. Today, we have 20 patents to our name, a testament to our commitment to continuous R&D to better our products and provide the very latest and cutting-edge applications of technology to our customers. Recognizing our trailblazing efforts in this direction, our in-house R&D was recently recognized by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. This undoubtedly affirms the company’s commitment to providing the safest and most efficient electric vehicles to riders across the country.
At BattRE, we firmly believe that staying at the forefront of technological advancements is the cornerstone of our success. Our commitment to sustainability and performance-rich commute experiences is deeply intertwined with cutting-edge technology. We believe advancements in battery technology can significantly enhance the range and performance of EV vehicles. Furthermore, connectivity features have become a hallmark of modern electric vehicles. Smart features such as GPS integration, remote monitoring, and over-the-air updates, as seen in the products of many global companies and now in our products as well. We offer a connected app that provides real-time data on battery status, location tracking, and even anti-theft capabilities, enhancing convenience and security for riders.
In terms of design and materials, there is immense potential in next-generation technologies for premium, high-performance electric motorcycles. Their use of high-quality materials and advanced engineering techniques results in motorcycles that not only perform at a high level but also exude a level of craftsmanship and refinement akin to traditional high-end motorcycles. We conduct extensive in-house prototyping and testing to innovate ceaselessly in all these frontiers of advanced tech.
At BattRE, we are wholeheartedly committed to integrating next-gen technologies into our upcoming product portfolio. We’re dedicated to ensuring that our vehicles not only keep pace with but also lead the way in the ever-evolving landscape of electric two-wheelers. We continue pushing boundaries so that we not only meet but exceed the evolving expectations of our discerning consumers
Do you also provide after-sales services? If yes, explain.
At Battre, we consider it our duty to provide continuous support to our valued customers, ensuring their satisfaction with our products. Our after-sales services, offered through our extensive network of over 400 pan-India dealers are designed to offer comprehensive assistance. This includes a robust warranty coverage that safeguards against any manufacturing defects. In the event of any operational challenges, our team of skilled technicians stands ready to swiftly diagnose and rectify the issue. We also maintain a well-stocked inventory of genuine spare parts, guaranteeing quick and efficient replacements in the rare instance those are needed.
Furthermore, our technical support team comprises highly trained professionals who are dedicated to offering expert guidance and troubleshooting assistance. We regularly release firmware and software updates, aimed at enhancing performance and introducing new features. Your feedback is invaluable to us, driving our ongoing efforts to refine and improve our offerings.
Mention the challenges Indian OEMs are facing in India’s EV manufacturing sector and mention your views on the Make in India initiative.
Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers in India face a set of pivotal challenges. Firstly, there exists a notable gap in consumer awareness and acceptance. Currently, EV adoption accounts for approximately 5% of total 2-wheeler sales. This figure underscores the relatively low levels of familiarity and endorsement among Indian consumers. Key concerns revolve around uncertainties about the technology, charging infrastructure, and the overall ownership experience. Another critical obstacle lies in the high upfront costs associated with EVs. This is primarily attributed to the expensive nature of the batteries. Consequently, achieving affordability and competitive pricing, particularly in price-sensitive markets like India, remains a significant challenge. Moreover, consumers tend to weigh EVs against Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles primarily based on the initial purchase cost, often overlooking the consideration of the total cost of ownership.
Additionally, the charging infrastructure in India presents a critical bottleneck. It is currently limited in scope and unevenly distributed. A substantial majority of charging stations are concentrated in urban areas, creating notable gaps in accessibility across the nation. Range limitations also persist as a substantial challenge. Despite commendable progress, EVs still contend with restricted driving ranges. This poses a hurdle for potential buyers accustomed to conventional vehicles that offer extended ranges.
Lastly, the advancement of battery technology is a linchpin in determining the performance, range, and cost of EVs. However, realizing these advancements entails significant investments in Research and Development (R&D) and the establishment of a robust supply chain encompassing raw materials, components, and manufacturing processes.
Here, I would like to reiterate our steadfast commitment to the Make in India initiative, a visionary campaign that resonates deeply with Battre’s core values and mission. Since our inception, we have actively and proudly championed the cause of indigenous manufacturing, recognizing the immense potential it holds for our nation’s economic growth, technological advancement, and job creation. By embracing the Make in India initiative, we’ve not only bolstered our own growth but have also played a role in strengthening India’s position as a global manufacturing hub. Our dedication to this cause is unwavering, and we remain committed to driving innovation, excellence, and economic prosperity right here at home.
Any upcoming projects or expansion targets the company is planning for?
As a deeply forward-looking organization on the edge of tech growth and ingenuity, we’re excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Currently, we are in the advanced stages of planning a significant expansion initiative which includes the introduction of a few two-wheelers and a motorcycle. Furthermore, we are actively exploring partnerships and collaborations with leading technology firms to integrate cutting-edge innovations into our product offerings. This will not only enhance our product portfolio but also reinforce our commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable products to our customers everywhere.