The electric two-wheeler (E2W) market is rapidly evolving, with manufacturers pushing boundaries in performance, sustainability, and user experience. Over the past five years, PURE EV, the start-up incubated from the i-TIC at IIT Hyderabad, has been focusing on delivering assured mileage and consistency, a critical factor for E2W users, the Founder and Managing Director of PURE EV Dr Nishanth Dongari told Mobility Outlook. The company makes e2Ws such as ePluto 7G MAX, ETRANCE Neo+, ePluto 7G, ecoDryft 350, and eTryst X.
Starting with a range of 70–80 km per charge, the latest models now offer 120–180 km per charge, he claimed. Notably, over 20,000 customers have logged more than 50,000 km, with another 37,000 crossing the 30,000 km mark, he pointed out.
According to him, the company’s users travel 46 km per day on an average, a usage pattern comparable to internal combustion engine (ICE) two-wheelers. About 70 to 80% of the customers experienced the same mileage he mentioned, adding that the company aims to enhance this factor up to 99% in the years to come. Secondly, “we would like to improve the user experience from the overall powertrain perspective” and efforts are underway to refine the balance between battery technology, powertrain efficiency, and overall vehicle performance without compromising speed or reliability, he added.
The company has also prioritised service excellence by equipping dealerships with advanced engineering knowledge to handle not only mechanical components but also powertrain electronics. Reduced turnaround times and improved spare part availability have been crucial to enhancing the ownership experience, he said.
Predictive AI
Dongari said predictive AI has become a cornerstone of the company's strategy, enabling real-time adjustments to battery and powertrain performance based on user behavior and environmental conditions. This dynamic approach ensures optimised power delivery and extends the lifecycle of critical components. By integrating cloud-based AI, the company can now communicate directly with users, providing timely alerts and insights. Plans are underway to incorporate generative AI features, including vernacular language support, further enhancing accessibility and customer engagement, he added.
Battery technology remains at the heart of the E2W revolution. The company has emphasised thermal management, employing nano-phase change materials to dissipate heat efficiently. This innovation ensures optimal battery performance in compact spaces without the need for bulky cooling systems.
While the industry currently relies on lithium-ion batteries, the company is also exploring solid-state technology to improve energy density, thermal stability, and charging speeds. Collaborations with research institutions and global partners aim to accelerate the transition from liquid to gel electrolytes, promising faster charging times and improved mileage within the same compact footprint. These advancements align with government initiatives to boost domestic cell manufacturing and promote industry-academia collaboration, he pointed out.
Solid-state Batteries
Solid-state batteries represent the next frontier in E2W electrification. With prototypes already developed in India, he estimated that the shift from liquid to gel electrolytes is expected to gain momentum over the next five to ten years. This transition will enable vehicles to achieve 200–250 km ranges and sub-one-hour charging times, addressing key customer demands.
The journey ahead for E2W manufacturers involves a delicate balance between meeting market demands and driving technological innovation. While long-term transitions to advanced chemistries and solid-state solutions are on the horizon, the immediate focus remains on enhancing user experience and achieving operational excellence, he concluded.
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