eBikeGo is a one-of-a-kind revolutionary start-up focused on offering environmentally friendly modes of transportation. Adaptive transportation develops and installs electric transportation solutions that enable people to not only enjoy the present but also prosper in the future. eBikeGo is an on-demand service that allows customers to rent or buy from a pool of fully insured, licenced, and maintained vehicles that are available in real time. eBikeGo solutions are intended to facilitate a smooth transition from the present transportation paradigm to more sustainable means of mobility.
In an Interview, Abdullah interacted with Hari Kiran, Co-Founder and COO, eBikeGo, highlighting how eBikeGo is a pioneering force in India’s electric vehicle (EV) landscape and its challenges and vision for revolutionising urban mobility through sustainable, connected, and cost-effective electric two-wheelers.
How was eBikego started? Could you explain in brief about the journey right from its Inception?
eBikeGo was Founded in 2019 by Dr. Irfan Khan and me, eBikeGo started as a bike rental service for businesses like Zomato, Swiggy, etc. Starting with rentals gave us valuable insights into the actual needs and usage patterns of two-wheeler commuters. This knowledge was essential for our growth and helped us guide our shift towards manufacturing electric vehicles.
We had to navigate through uncharted territories of manufacturing, ensure we understood our customers deeply, and tackle the logistics of sourcing and technology integration. Our partnership with Acer Electric was a milestone in this journey. eBikeGo’s collaboration with Acer Electric aims to innovate and manufacture electric vehicles on a global scale going forward.
How is India fast-tracking its rise as an electric vehicle (EV) producer?
With leading players entering the market with their innovations and continuous support from the government, India is heading towards becoming a global frontrunner in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. In addition to this, collaborations with tech giants are enhancing the quality and efficiency of the vehicles, making them competitive globally. Constant efforts towards localising the production of key components, resulting in a reduction in cost, also contribute to fostering a self-sufficient ecosystem.
eBikeGo, as an OEM and through their collaboration with Acer, is committed to contributing to the goals by making EVs that are perfect for what people in India need and can handle all geographical factors in the country.
What challenges does eBikeGo encounter when introducing its electric bikes and scooters within the country, and how does it overcome them?
In the journey to becoming a front-runner in India’s EV market, we faced a series of formidable challenges. Initial reluctance towards electric bikes, coupled with other concerns like battery life, vehicle range, and adaptation to Indian roads, stood out. We tackled the concerns by doubling down on research and development, taking feedback from consumers, and making changes that aligned with the demands of the users.
Market penetration and consumer adoption posed significant hurdles for us. We overcame these by being innovative, learning from customers’ inputs, and showing through successful test projects that our product is ideal for every Indian consumer. We, along with our team, worked on the design that was suitable for people and on the batteries that lasted longer. We expanded our horizons by forming partnerships with global leaders that played a major role in overcoming these challenges and facilitating growth in the industry.
How can collaboration with global brands help India become a global manufacturer of electric vehicles? Also, how does eBikeGo pick its partners for growing its business around the world, and how do these partnerships help you reach more people?
A self-sustaining and reliable ecosystem of EV production, strategic collaboration, and enhanced government support will enable India to be the leader in the global EV industry. And we at eBikeGo stand at the forefront of this evolution. We design vehicles that cater to the specific needs of Indian consumers and the unique characteristics of India’s roads.
Our partnerships with global tech giants such as Acer and WHILL not only generate technological sophistication but also provide exposure for robust market expansion. We chose these partners because they are in line with our vision for innovation and sustainability in electric mobility. This, in turn, will also help us increase our brand awareness globally.
Which government actions have helped electric vehicles the most, and what more do you think needs to be done to speed up people switching to electric?
The government has been working to encourage the adoption of electric mobility and has set a target of 30% share for EVs in all new vehicle sales in the country by 2030.
FAME-II aimed to subsidise 1 million electric two-wheelers (E2Ws), 500,000 electric three-wheelers, 55,000 electric four-wheelers, and 7,090 electric buses. The scheme has been successful in achieving goals for E2W’s and electric buses. Apart from this, the government advocates for policy changes, including tax benefits, subsidies, and investments in EV infrastructure. The government has also suggested a reduction in customs duty on lithium-ion batteries and an extension of subsidies under the FAME-II scheme to boost battery manufacturing.
According to the Economic Survey of 2022–23, India’s electric vehicle market is expected to grow to 1 crore units in annual sales by 2030 and create five crore direct and indirect job opportunities.
How many manufacturing plants do you have, and are there any special features about them?
eBikeGo is proud to operate a production facility located in Pune, boasting an impressive annual capacity to manufacture 100,000 units. This plant is not just a manufacturing hub; it’s the birthplace of innovation, where a variety of electric vehicles, including scooters, motorcycles, and cycles, come to life. Designed to cater to the diverse needs of both Indian and international consumers, our Pune facility stands as a testament to our commitment towards sustainability and cutting-edge technology.
Our manufacturing facility is equipped with advanced machinery and automation technologies, which are integrated at every phase of the manufacturing process. Environmental friendliness is another feature of our facility that we are proud of. This helps to reduce environmental impact as much as possible and allows for the use of energy in an optimal way. The plant functions both as a manufacturing unit and a research and development centre where the engineers and the designers put efforts together to deliver vehicles that promote environmentally friendly features but also have the best performance, durability, and safety standards in the industry.
What is eBikeGo’s vision for the 10 years ahead for electric bikes and scooters? Where do you see the industry going in the future?
We at eBikeGo envision a future where electric bikes and scooters are the main way people move around cities. We intend to lead this change by using the latest AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to make our EVs smart and easy to use. Our goal is to be a top company in the EV segment by developing bikes and scooters that are not only great to ride but also packed with advanced tech features. eBikeGo is all about making travel smarter, eco-friendly, and well connected. It will make our planet cleaner and greener.
We are determined to support the government’s vision of achieving 30% EV share in new vehicle sales by 2030, which will not only make our country emission-free but also create a lot of job opportunities in the sector. As cities become smarter and more connected, eBikeGo is ready to be a leader in making electric travel an essential part of living sustainably all over the world.
What efforts is eBikeGo making to teach people about the benefits of electric vehicles and how easy they are to use?
eBikeGo is inclined and deeply invested in educating the public about the advantages of electric vehicles (EVs) and showcasing their ease of use, aiming to facilitate the transition to sustainable transportation. By incorporating swappable batteries in models such as the ACER MUVI 125 5G, we’re enhancing the convenience and usability of our EVs. This feature, along with our vehicles’ compatibility with easy app connectivity and fast-charging batteries, exemplifies our commitment towards making electric mobility seamless and user-friendly.
Our outreach extends beyond just the practicalities of using EVs; we’re also dedicated to continuous innovation and expanding our product lineup to highlight the efficiency, eco-friendliness, and superior user experience of electric riding. Through these efforts, eBikeGo aims to demystify electric vehicles for consumers, showing not only their environmental benefits but also their ease of integration into everyday life.
How can electric vehicles serve as guardians of our green spaces, ensuring zero emissions and maximum impact on environmental sustainability?
EVs can protect our green spaces by reducing air and noise pollution from conventional vehicles, thereby conserving the environment’s integrity. As electric vehicles run on lithium-ion batteries, they emit little to no CO2. With no reliance on fossil fuels, EVs do not require fuel tanks or tailpipes.
This finally contributes to a sustainable future that is entirely dependent on renewable energy and improves the environment. Electric vehicles have been making a significant impact on the automotive industry, with continuous innovation, improvement, and the promise of a greener future.
What are the key factors driving the increasing popularity of electric two-wheelers in the Indian market?
There are several key factors driving the popularity of electric vehicles, especially two-wheelers, in the Indian market.
Cost Effectiveness of EVs: At the end of the day, every consumer is concerned about the cost of their new vehicle. According to a recent study, 67% of prospective buyers said cost was the most important consideration. This is one of the areas of EV adoption where external considerations come into play.
Increasing Awareness: The growing concern about climate change and the environmental impact of typical ICE automobiles is pushing customer’s desire for electric mobility. This environmental conscience has fueled rising EV adoption, as EVs are well-known for their environmentally favourable features, zero tailpipe emissions, and compatibility with renewable energy sources.
Government incentives: Government incentives and corporate sustainability initiatives further boost their demand. The Indian government has been supporting and promoting electric vehicles through various incentives, like subsidies and tax benefits.
How do electric two-wheelers fit into the future vision of smart and connected urban mobility solutions?
Traffic congestion is a serious issue in Indian urban areas like big cities and towns, causing increased travel time and economic losses. To solve this problem, we need smart and connected urban mobility solutions and Electric two-wheelers can help with that. These scooters help reduce traffic congestion by taking up less space on the road and providing a viable alternative to heavier cars. Their small size lets them move more quickly through traffic and park more readily, lessening overall road congestion.
Apart from traffic decongestion, these compact vehicles offer other numerous benefits that make them an ideal solution for last-mile connectivity in Indian cities, like being eco-friendly and sustainable, being cost-effective and time-saving, etc.