Interview with Ankit Khatry, co-founder, Emflux Motors

What are you trying to build under Emflux?

The electric motorcycle concept is relatively new, even for the world market where electric motorcycles truly arrived only in the last five years. In India, till date, we have only seen launches of electric scooters which are the low-performance variants in the two-wheeler category.

The electric superbike that we are building aims to dispel the myths about the electric two-wheelers in the Indian market. We are working on a motorcycle that is not only a means to provide emission free transport for commuters but also it will be a technologically advanced and high-performance electric motorcycle.

Can you share the range, battery life, top speed that you want to achieve?

The electric motorcycle will have a range of 200 km in city ride condition, can accelerate from 0 - 100 kmph in 3.0 Seconds and can achieve a top speed of 200 kmph (Electronically Limited)

The vehicle will be powered by Li-ion 9.7 kWh high power cells. We will be giving 5 years /1,00,000 kms warranty on battery and we are using AC Induction Motor - 60 kW (Limited to 53 kW from the controller).

The main features of the Emflux superbike include Brembo Brakes, Ohlin’s Suspension, Dual channel ABS, Single Sided Swingarm, fully connected smart dashboard with AI capabilities. More details and features to be unveiled at Auto Expo’18.

What about the funding for your venture, how is it progressing?

We initially raised some capital from co-founders, friends and family. Followed by a round from some serial entrepreneurs including Samar Singla (Co-founder of Jugnoo & Click Labs). As of now, we have a comfortable runway to showcase our bike in Auto Expo 2018 and a year thereafter. We will be focusing on fundraising after Delhi Auto Expo to bring the production model to market in record time.

How far are you from launch?

We are unveiling our 1st electric superbike “Emflux One” at the Auto Expo’18. This will be available for public in April, 2019. We will follow a complete online model for sales through our website using digital payment methods. Initially, we will open experience centers in Bangalore, New Delhi and Mumbai followed by other parts of the country.

Are you building any tech in-house? What will differentiate your bike from others (apart from its performance?

Yes, we have developed Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), Master controller and complete drivetrain technology in-house which includes Motor, Motor Controller, Battery pack, Battery Management System (BMS), Charger Circuit.

This gives us competitive advantage over others in the form of intellectual property, better agility and scope of customization as well as better efficiency. Since we developed all the parts by ourselves, we have the optimal coordination between different components.

Apart from performance, components such as Ohlin’s suspension (premium variant), Brembo Brakes would be another differentiator.

But our main advantage lies in our after sales approach. We will always be in reach of our customers. Our aim is not to sell vehicles and get away. We will serve customers whenever and wherever they need us. If someone is stuck somewhere due to any fault in bike, we will get the bike repaired at customer’s location and that too at company’s cost. Users will also be receiving over-the-air software upgrades to enjoy the benefits of our R&D.

What options are you going to provide your customer for charging?

Our Superbike “Emflux One” will have a range of 200 kms on one complete charge of Battery. Assuming a person travels 30 -35 kms in a day within city the bike will run for 5 – 6 days without charging. Also, we are providing in-built charger in the bike that can be used to charge their bike at home with normal 5 Amps or 15 Amps socket. We will later be installing WARP Chargers across connecting highways. These charges will charge the battery 0- 80% in 36 mins.