Pune-based Ace Motors has launched its first range of e-bikes.
The bikes, powered by battery, do not require petrol or diesel. Priced at Rs 26,250 ex showroom, the bikes weigh 60 kg and have load carrying capacity of 100-140 kg.
A full charge of 6 to 8 hours, with an input voltage of 220 volts, would enable the bike to cover a distance of 70 km and allow maximum speed of 25 km/hour.
"The e-bike is virtually maintenance free. It has no gears, no engine, no belt or chain drive, zero emission, no pollution, electronic start and accelerator, besides it is exempted from the Central Vehicles registration act by the Automotive Research Association Of India and does not require any registration or licence," said Kumar Raval, managing director, Ace Motors.
The bikes have been manufactured in the city with technical assistance from Changtong E Bike Company Ltd, China.
"We have a production capacity of 2,000 e-bikes per month and will soon expand this. We have invested Rs six crore in setting up the infrastructure so far and plan to invest another Rs 5 to 6 crore (Rs 50 million to Rs 60 million)
for expansion" said Raval.
The company plans to launch a new model by Diwali and get more powerful e-bikes in the future, he added.
At present, 70 per cent of component sourcing is done from China, with only the chassis frame, lighting system and bulbs being locally manufactured.
"But we plan to manufacture more components indigenously in the future to bring the costs down," said Raval.
The company has its own showroom at East Street and a franchisee-Hind Automobiles at Pimpri.
"By the end of the financial year we hope to have 20 franchisees, 10 in Gujarat and 10 in Maharashtra, of which Pune will have four," said Raval.
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