Revolt RV1, RV1+ EVs lead ambitious charge to disrupt entry-level bike market

New Delhi-based electric two-wheeler start-up Revolt Motors, which is now a fully-owned subsidiary of RattanIndia Enterprises, has mounted a fresh assault on the electric motorcycle market with its latest offerings – the Revolt RV1 and Revolt RV1+ – launched in September 2024. The two new Revolts are among the handful of electric motorcycles on sale in India amidst a sea of electric scooters. Interestingly, the company is also eyeing a share of the entry-level commuter bike market where the biggies like Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Co rule.

The company aims robust growth with the widened appeal of its expanded four-model line-up which includes its first two EVs – the RV400 and RV400 BRZ. Now, with the RV1 and RV1+, Revolt Motors is squarely targeting the entry-level ICE commuter motorcycle (100cc-125cc) segment. While the Revolt RV1 was launched at an introductory price of Rs 84,990, ex-showroom, the Revolt RV1+ came at an introductory price tag of Rs 99,990, ex-showroom. The pricing strategy seems to be a success, what with Revolt Motors claiming to have received over 16,000 bookings within the first week of launch itself.

The 100cc-125cc category forms a sizeable chunk of two-wheeler sales in India with an over 44% share, and averages annual sales of over 8 million units. Revolt Motors has pitted its latest offerings against the likes of the fuel-sipping segment stalwarts – Hero Splendor, Hero Glamour, Hero Passion, and Honda Shine – which are the dominant models since years, and continue to appeal to a wide base of price-sensitive consumers who value a highly-reliable, efficient, and durable motorcycle.

RV1 AND RV1+ HELP ACCELERATE REVOLT MOTORS' SALES 
With rising petrol prices (currently at Rs 104.19 a litre in Mumbai), and a growing transition to electric two-wheelers in India, Revolt Motors believes the RV1 and RV1+ have the potential to disrupt the commuter-motorcycle segment with the promise of a lower-TCO, modern technology, and convenience of a stress-free, gearless commute.

The company, which has sold a total of 8,947 units in the January-November 2024 period and registered a 42% year-on-year growth (January-November 2023: 6,294 units), is already witnessing the positive impact of the two models.

New RV1 and RV1+ along with the expanded network have accelerated sales. Revolt’s November retails at 1,994 units (up 197% YoY) are its highest monthly sales yet and take its January-November 2024 total to 8,947 units. 

While Revolt’s sales in October 2024 (952 units) registered 38% YoY growth over October 2023 (689 units), retail demand in November nearly tripled to 1,994 units, compared to just 671 units sold in November 2023, when its line-up only comprised the RV400 and RV400 BRZ. Moreover, the company has been aggressively expanding its dealership network, focusing on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities across India, which comprise the maximum demand for these commuter motorcycles.

Revolt Motors’ retail and aftersales network now stands at 168 outlets, including 14 latest touchpoints which were recently opened in cities such as Hubli (Karnataka), Muzaffarpur and Katihar (Bihar), Nawanshahr (Punjab), Kannauj and Bulandshahr (UP), Satara (Maharashtra) and Balasore (Odisha), among others.

SHARP FOCUS ON QUALITY AND HIGH LOCALISATION LEVELS
The Revolt RV1 and RV1+ feature a host of modern features, including LED headlight and tail-lights, a 6-inch digital backlit LCD display, as well as a built-in under-seat storage for the charger. While the RV1 offers a range of 100km with its 2.2kWh battery, the RV1+ gets a claimed range of 160km with a bigger 3.24kWh battery pack. While the RV1 takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to recharge from 0-80%, the RV1+ requires 3.5 hours and supports fast-charging as well with a 0-80% recharge time of only 80 minutes. Revolt Motors offers a 5-year, 75,000km warranty on the detachable battery and 2-year warranty on the standard charger supplied with the motorcycles.

The steel frame allows a 250kg payload and houses the front telescopic fork as well as a twin shock absorber setup at the rear. Both variants sport a 110/80 R-17 tyre at the front, and a 90/80 R-17 rear tyre, while getting a 240mm disc brakes as standard at both front and rear ends, along with a combi-brake system (CBS). With a wheelbase of 1,350mm, the RV1+ offers a good ride quality by virtue of its comfort-oriented suspension that takes bumps and potholes in its stride both at slow and higher speeds.

The swingarm houses the mid-drive motor which is rated at 2.8kW peak power and drives the rear wheel with a chain mechanism, which is designed for more durable usage compared to a belt-drive setup. The Revolt RV1 and RV1+ get three forward riding modes divided into steps – Step 1, 2, and 3 – which can be selected using a toggle switch on the right-hand assembly. While Step 1 (Eco mode) limits the output of the electric motor to 25kph, Step 3 (Sport mode) offers the maximum power output and a top speed of 70kph from the drivetrain.

While acceleration is comparable to most IC-engine-powered commuter motorcycles, what sets the Revolt twins aside is the convenience of a gearless drive that enhances the riding experience, especially in dense traffic situations. Moreover, a Reverse mode, which reverses the motor’s polarity, allows for easier manoeuvrability of the motorcycle while taking it out of tight parking spots.

Most components, including the switchgear, chassis, tyres, and lights are localised on the Revolt RV1 and RV1+ motorcycles, with the company having focused on offering good quality components. Furthermore, even the electric drivetrain components are localised, thereby, enabling the company to achieve a competitive price tag.

While the 2.8kW mid-drive electric motor is being locally manufactured and supplied by Anand Group’s EV drivetrain joint venture – Anand Mando eMobility, the lithium-ion battery pack and BMS is also being locally assembled by Navitasys India at Bawal, Haryana. On the other hand, the battery charger on the Revolt RV1 and RV1+ is being manufactured by the Noida-headquartered Neenjas Electric.

With a highly-localised offering that aims at giving the right value to the consumer the Revolt RV1 and RV1+ come across as new growth engines for Revolt Motors, which is strategically charting its roadmap with a focus on differentiating itself with strong attributes of a qualitative EV drivetrain, and robust mechanicals, complemented by a well-spread sales and aftersales network.

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