Raptee.HV Makes History: India’s First EV Motorcycle OEM Backed by Govt of India

Raptee.HV, a Chennai-based electric motorcycle startup, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming India’s first EV motorcycle OEM to receive funding from the Government of India’s Technology Development Board (TDB). This marks a major breakthrough for the Indian EV industry, signaling strong government support for high-voltage (HV) motorcycle technology.

The funding will allow Raptee.HV to expand its proprietary high-voltage architecture—a technology previously exclusive to electric cars—into motorcycles, unlocking new possibilities in performance, safety, and charging convenience. With India’s motorcycle market contributing nearly two-thirds of two-wheeler sales, this innovation could redefine the future of EV adoption in India.

Why This Matters

• First TDB-backed EV motorcycle OEM: Raptee joins the league of game-changing Indian innovations once supported by TDB, such as the Tata Indica and Bharat Biotech’s COVID-19 vaccine.

• High-voltage advantage: Unlike other startups relying on existing platforms, Raptee built its motorcycle tech from scratch, offering car-level reliability and fast CCS2 charging.

• Massive EV potential: With India targeting 30% EV penetration in two-wheelers by 2030, Raptee’s innovation could accelerate the shift from ICE to performance electric motorcycles.

Raptee.HV’s Unique Positioning

• Founded in 2019 by ex-Tesla engineer Dinesh Arjun, Raptee has filed 156 patents and developed 100% of its core electronics in-house.

• Its motorcycles are the only ones in India compatible with CCS2 car chargers, giving riders instant access to the nationwide EV charging network.

• Current production capacity: 100,000 units annually in Chennai, with expansion plans for a 40-acre facility in SIPCOT, Cheyyar.

• Funding roadmap: Raised $5 million Pre-Series A, now closing a $20 million Series A round.

Performance Meets Innovation

Raptee.HV isn’t just building another electric motorcycle—it’s creating a no-compromise riding experience for traditional ICE users. The startup claims its HV-powered bikes will deliver:

• Car-level acceleration & reliability

• Longer riding range

• Access to 1000s of fast chargers nationwide

This positions Raptee as a direct challenger in India’s $1 billion performance EV motorcycle segment, currently untapped by mainstream OEMs.

What This Means for India’s EV Future

The government’s backing of Raptee.HV signals a strong shift towards performance-driven EV adoption. Unlike scooters targeting short commutes, high-voltage motorcycles could capture urban, highway, and premium segments, bringing EVs into the mainstream faster.

As Dinesh Arjun, CEO of Raptee.HV, stated:

“We built India’s only high-voltage motorcycle architecture ground-up when no ecosystem existed. With TDB’s support, we’re set to push the boundaries of performance-driven motorcycle electrification.”