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| Zapp Electric Vehicles to Launch i300 in India, Expanding Global Reach of Hydrogen-Electric Two-Wheelers Image credit: Zapp Electric |
Zapp Electric Vehicles, a London-based electric two-wheeler brand, aims to become a global EV company, with India as a crucial launchpad. TechCrunch reports that Zapp will introduce its first product, the i300, an urban electric two-wheeler, in the UK next month, followed by Thailand. India, a massive market with millions of annual two-wheeler sales, will play a significant role in Zapp’s international expansion, according to founder and CEO Swin Chatsuwan.
Accelerating Plans for India
Recognizing India's potential, Zapp advanced its plans for the country. India is not only the world's most populous country but also the second-largest two-wheeler manufacturer after China. Chatsuwan noted, "We initially planned India as phase two but decided earlier this year that it can’t wait."
Partnership with Bounce Electric
Zapp has partnered with Indian electric two-wheeler maker Bounce Electric 1 for contract manufacturing and local sales of the i300. After completing the homologation process, sales are expected to begin in 2025. Zapp aims for an annual production capacity of 5,000 units in India, contributing to its global goal of 25,000 units by 2026.
Competing in the Indian Market
Last year, 17 million two-wheelers were sold in India, with 2.8 million being high-speed vehicles. Zapp plans to target the premium segment, competing with brands like BMW rather than aiming to capture a large market share from heavy-weight cruiser motorcycles like Royal Enfield. The i300, priced at $7,590 in Europe, will be more expensive than other Indian electric two-wheelers, with expected pricing between 500,000 and 1 million rupees.
Features and Production Challenges
The i300 features an aerospace-grade alloy load-bearing exoskeleton, a chrome-moly steel underbone design, an air-cooled electric motor with a peak power of 14kW, and two portable batteries with 720Wh capacity each. Pre-orders began after its 2018 unveiling, but production and deliveries were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Deliveries in the UK are set to begin in the coming weeks, with sales in Thailand also planned for this year.
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| Zapp Electric Vehicle i300 Image credit: Zapp Electric |
Future Market Expansion
Zapp plans to expand its market to Spain, Italy, Vietnam, and Indonesia in phase two, with further expansion into the Middle East and South America. Chatsuwan emphasized, "We want to be the 21st-century version of Triumph and Royal Enfield and Norton."
Customization and Accessories
Zapp intends to offer extensive personalization options and accessories for the i300, available in four distinct versions. Consumers can customize the color and wheel design and add features like hidden storage and a fast charger. This approach aims to establish Zapp as a complete motorcycle company rather than a one-hit wonder.
Understanding the Indian Supply Chain
Launching in India will allow Zapp to understand the "breadth, depth, and quality" of the country's supply chain, potentially enabling the export of vehicles to global markets over time. This move is part of Zapp’s strategy to establish a significant presence in the global electric vehicle market.
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