Qargos brings innovative electric cargo two-wheeler to market faster with 3DExperience

Pune-based e-mobility startup Qargos, which unveiled its unique cargo-carrying electric two-wheeler – the F9 – at the Dassault Systemes 3DExperience World 2024 exposition in Dallas, Texas, USA on February 12, has identified a key void in India's fledgling last-mile logistics market.

The company says its research shows about a fourth of two-wheelers on India's roads deployed for last-mile delivery of products and services, experience a challenging vehicle format that does not allow proper stowage space for the cargo in transit. "Therefore, we identified this white space in the market wherein there was room to offer a customised two-wheeler solution to deliver light cargo in a safe, convenient, and speedy manner," Alok Das, co-founder, Qargos, told Autocar Professional.

Das, an IPR law practitioner, bootstrapped this venture with the intent of designing a vehicle that could innovatively solve the rider's problem of carrying the cargo's load on their shoulders while riding a two-wheeler to deliver goods or services, a common sight in India's metropolitan cities. The Qargos F9 is the result of the company's research around this problem statement, and has been designed from scratch in a concise timeframe of less than 24 months. 

The company leveraged Dassault Systemes' 3DExperience suite of tools, including Solidworks for the design, and Simulia for the virtual simulation of the vehicle to come up with the final product, which, it says, is currently being tested by one of the leading global companies operating in the logistics space in India, as well as by the defence sector. Qargos also sees application potential for the F9 to be used as an ambulance on two wheels to act as a first-responder vehicle in crowded Indian cities.

Low centre of gravity, originating from 6.1kWh fixed Li-ion battery and 200 Nm of torque delivered by rear-hub-mounted electric motor, ensure agility and zippy performance for the Qargos F9.

Made-in-India ergonomic cargo-transporting EV on two wheels
The F9 gets an indigenously-designed steel chassis, which integrates a closed 120kg-payload capacity cargo compartment in front of the rider's seat, which aims to offer a comfortable riding position. The low centre of gravity, originating from the 6.1kWh fixed Li-ion battery, along with the 200Nm of torque, delivered by the rear-hub-mounted electric motor, ensure agility and zippy performance through congested city roads.

As per Dassault Systemes, the design tools solution major was looking to partner young startups which are intent to come faster to market, and have a simulation-driven design approach for the product. The French giant says its digital-twin solutions helped Qargos develop the product ground up within 24 months. The company says it has integrated all development tools into a single platform with its 3DExperience suite. 

While the e-motor, and controller of the F9 are imported at present, Qargos says it is in the process of identifying local suppliers for these high-value components in its EV drivetrain. The company claims the Qargos F9 has received more than 100 design patents in over 40 countries.

The Qargos F9 is currently being tested by one of the leading global logistics  companies operating in India.

Eyeing sale of a million units in less than five years
Qargos estimates the market size for its product to be in the million-units ballpark, and says the e-commerce delivery segment is only a small portion of its potential market. "We are looking at milk vendors, courier delivery companies, MSMEs, defense, as well as e-commerce players, among others, who could be the potential customers of our vehicles," said Das. 

"Our product is going to cut across segments and is likely to create an overlap between electric two- and three-wheeler customers. If we are able to convert these customers, we see potential of clocking sales of around a million units in less than five years," he added.

Looking to set up a plant in Chakan
The company has received a pre-order for 500 units from a leading logistics player, and says it is on the lookout for a 200,000 square feet site in Chakan, near Pune to set up a 50,000-unit annual capacity assembly plant. Qargos would require an investment of up to US$ 3 million to be able to fulfil its future go-to-market plans, and strategy. Dassault Systemes, which has enabled the design, and virtual validation of the product, would enable Qargos in the manufacturing aspect as well with its digital-twin tools that allow to virtually commission the factory, even before actual start of production. 

"We are looking to extend our engagement with startups  beyond design, and offer them end-to-end solutions, including the virtual layout of the shopfloor as well," said a Dassault Systemes senior spokesperson. "That is the power of the 3DExperience platform and we could expand the respective application tools based on the customer's requirements," the spokesperson for the software major added.

While Qargos aims to price the F9 in the region of Rs 150,000, ex-showroom, Qargos will also be willing to tie up with players like Zypp Electric, which is a growing EV delivery services provider in the country. "We are looking at leasing partners, and several of them are startups themselves. We also intend to talk to the government for financing the vehicle under the Mudra loans that encourage micro-entrepreneurship in the country," Das said.

Qargos is also eyeing overseas potential for its electric cargo-transporting two-wheeler in markets like Europe, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Images: Qargos

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