Indian electric two-wheeler manufacturing company Okinawa Autotech on Thursday announced that it has signed a joint venture with TACITA, an Italian manufacturer of electric and performance motorcycles. The newly formed JV company will be based in India and begin production from 2023.
According to a press release from Okinawa, it will provide the local development of the future products and its production, while Tacita will provide the powertrain – controller, motor, battery packs and BMS.
The JV venture will consist of two product lines - scooters and motorcycles, meant for the domestic & international markets. The year 2023 range will include a scooter and a high-end performance motorcycle. The entire range will be equipped with the connectivity systems on the market having Okinawa technology.
The company’s next steps will be design, development, patenting, and finally, the tests on the road. The design will be developed in Italy at the TACITA headquarters with Okinawa professional technicians and an Italian team to develop the powertrain, battery packs and BMS. Road tests will be carried out in India and Italy in all weather conditions. Part of the tests should include an inaugural voyage from Okinawa headquarters in India to the Tacita headquarters in Italy.
JV, Jeetender Sharma, MD & Founder, Okinawa Autotech, said, “There is a steady and conscious shift in consumer preferences and we have witnessed a growing demand for premium and performance electric motorcycles in India. Tacita will help us in creating a marketplace that matches the demand for futuristic technology and products. Their advanced and futuristic technology will also further broaden and strengthen our existing product range.”
Pierpaolo Rigo, Managing Director, Tacita, said, “We are happy to provide our expertise in the premium EV bike segment to launch a top-end line of bikes. Our team along with Okinawa Engineers is dedicated to R&D to introduce unique product propositions that define the future.”