Simple
Energy, India’s longest range electric scooter, also among the top three EV
start ups has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu
Government for an investment up to Rs 2500 crore for constructing the largest
electric two-wheeler state-of-the-art plant in Dharmapuri.
As
part of Phase 1, the first plant of 2 lakh square feet is being constructed
near Shoolagiri (Hosur) and has the capacity of up to 1 million production
units per year and is slated to be operational by early 2022. This would put
the flagship scooter ‘Simple One’ into production and begin deliveries. The
home-grown company aims at redefining the electric mobility in India with this
initiative.
As
per the MoU signed, the company shall make an initial investment of Rs 1000
crore to build its second plant (as part of Phase 2) in 600 acres of land and
intends to open the second factory by 2023. By investing in the second plant,
the company has established its intent to build an EV ecosystem in the state,
that would also have a future-ready R&D centre, world-class testing
facility, a vendor park in accordance with the Build in India initiative.
Simple
Energy’s flagship e-scooter Simple One launched in August 2021 has the longest
range of 203km in eco mode and 236km in IDC in a single charge. Available in
four colours, the scooter is the next best substitute to an ICE vehicle in the
market.
Upon
successfully completing its signing agreement with The Tamil Nadu Government,
Suhas Rajkumar, Founder and CEO of Simple Energy, said “Tamil Nadu gave us the
confidence in creating the EV ecosystem which can be sustainable in achieving
our long-term goals. With the MoU, we commit to leading the Indian E2W market
in India by setting up a resourceful ecosystem that will help the country’s
vision to lower carbon footprints at a faster pace. Simple Energy will thus
redefine electric mobility in India."
Speaking
on this announcement, Raghunath Subramanian, Chairman of UiPath India and
Investor in UK battery maker, Britishvolt and the board member of Simple Energy
noted, “Simple Energy has taken a big step in taking the Indian EV industry
forward. With this step, we hope to amplify the country's efforts to promote
the tech and auto industries to a global level and compete with global legacy
players.”
Pooja
Kulkarni IAS, MD & CEO- Guidance, Tamil Nadu said, "The electric
vehicle industry is growing in popularity throughout the world. The MoU with
Simple Energy is to create a facility that will broaden and deepen the E2W
market. We hope that the partnership with Tamil Nadu will help them become a
global player, benefiting the local ecosystem.
With
the announcement of this MoU, the company would want to invest in world-class
production capabilities not just for Indian market, but also for exports to
eventually create more than 12000 direct and indirect jobs to those in need.
Simple Energy also aims at reducing dependence on imports, and increase focus
on localization of parts.