In a recent discussion with Mobility Outlook, Hari Kiran, COO and Co-Founder of eBikeGo, provided insights into the company's journey, challenges, and plans for the future.
How did the decision to enter manufacturing unfold, and what led to the acquisition of technology from Europe?
We began our journey with vehicle renting, starting with regular vehicles and later transitioning into electric rentals. The demand surged post-COVID, especially from B2B companies like Flipkart, Amazon, and Swiggy. Our experience in the rental business exposed us to the challenges and quality issues in existing electric vehicles in the market, prompting us to foray into manufacturing.
We realised that existing electric vehicles in the market, often assembled in India from Chinese components, lacked R&D support and after-sales services. We acquired technology from a Spanish company called MUBI to address this gap. This European-built vehicle underwent Indianisation, and we subsequently partnered with Acer to launch the vehicles under their brand name.
What differentiates the MUBI 125 4G, and why did you choose Acer as a brand partner?
The MUBI 125 4G is a 16-inch-wheel European-built electric vehicle suitable for Indian roads. It features swapping technology, eliminating the need for plugs or sockets. The vehicle has a single suspension on the back and has proven to be a solid choice, with over 30,000 units sold in Europe.
The vehicle is inspired by existing petrol vehicles, aiming to set a benchmark for quality and performance. Acer's partnership lends credibility and trust to our brand. The 4G in the name denotes that it is a 4th generation vehicle. We aim to launch a 5G version soon, emphasising our commitment to continuously improving battery performance and range.
Customer feedback is our priority, influenced by our experience in the rental business. We have a structured approach to collecting and implementing customer feedback, ensuring satisfaction and continuous improvement.
What policy changes do you encourage in the electric vehicle sector, and how do you view swappable batteries?
While acknowledging the Government's efforts in infrastructure and subsidies, we believe that standardised batteries could significantly benefit the industry. Swappable batteries are more efficient in B2B applications due to predictable demand, making them an attractive option.
Could you share insights into the investments in eBikeGo and plans?
eBikeGo has raised over $5 million and is in talks for additional capital. Investment has primarily gone into marketing, team setup, and initial R&D. The plans include expanding the vehicle portfolio, entering the B2B segment, and further dealership expansion.
We currently have around 25 finalised dealerships, with plans to reach over 100 in the next 2-3 months. Initial focus areas include Maharashtra and Telangana. While challenges are expected during physical setup, our experienced team minimises potential obstacles.
Beyond dealership expansion, we aim to diversify our vehicle portfolio, focusing on B2B applications to achieve higher volumes. While B2C is a priority, the immediate focus is on the dealership launch and expansion.
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