When Hyderabad-based electric two-wheeler start-up, DAO EV, showcased its first product line-up in 2019, little did they know what was in store for them! COVID-19 hit the world the following year, and the company was forced to stop operations.
Come 2021 and DAO EV is back in action. And to compete in the market, they have now taken a completely different approach. Where other manufacturers have taken a consumer-focused approach, selling vehicles directly to consumers, DAO EV has teamed up with major e-commerce players like Big Basket to focus on the commercial use of their vehicles.
DAO EV’s ZOR series is specifically designed for the last mile delivery process. The ZOR series possesses a unique design with a big basket upfront, an empty space between the seat and the handle to load stuff on the floorboard, and another big basket at the back. These vehicles are specifically designed keeping the Indian delivery market in mind.
The Model 703 is the high range model for DAO EV's consumer-facing line of products.
Speaking to Mobility Outlook, Maneesh Singh, VP – Strategic Development, DAO EVTECH said, “Our vehicle has been designed with a front loading capacity of 45 kg versus 150-250 kg standard weight in the back. And then there's a footboard that can have some more loads on it. It has been designed with a lower centre of gravity to maintain the balance. That helps maintain a stagnant weight of around 60 kg and above while riding.”
DAO EV has decided to opt for Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery over Lithium-Ion batteries, keeping the Indian conditions in mind. LFP batteries have a tendency to keep working in an optimum manner even in higher temperatures, Singh said. The company has partnered with an ex-Tesla director to come up with a unique cooling system, which allows the batteries to work perfectly fine even in temperatures as high as 54° C.
Currently, DAO EV has four products in its line-up. The first company flagship showroom is coming up in Charlotte City Mall in Kondapur, Telangana.
DAO EV is currently based in Hyderabad and plans to set-up showrooms in Mumbai, Chennai, and other cities. Within the next 18 months, the company plans to open their regional headquarters in Delhi, and cater to the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat.