Ace Motors launches new e-bike in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, July 10: Pune-based Ace Motors today unveiled its latest e-bike, 'e-Status', here.

Addressing mediapersons here today, Ace Motors chief promoter Kumar Raval said the 'e-Status' is only one of its kind introduced in India so far.

''We have decided to launch here first because of the overwhelming response to our earlier models like 'e-Tredny' and 'e-Coupe' in Gujarat. Secondly, I am a Gujarati and am from Ahmedabad,'' he said.

He said 'e-Status' would run close to 100 km when the battery is fully charged. The charging time would be in the range of 4-6 hours with an input voltage of 220 volts, which works out to Rs 4.50 for the cost of travelling 100 km, Mr Raval said.

The bike has a motor that is fully waterproof, which will function smoothly even in the monsoon, he said.

The cost of the bike is Rs 32,000 and it has a maximum speed of 25 km/hour. It also has a MCB (miniature circuit breaker), which protects the electronics parts of the bike from over voltage and overflow of current, Mr Raval said.

The bike has been tested and approved by ARAI, Pune and it does not require a number plate or driving licence or a RTO registration, he said, adding, GE Countrywide provides the finance and ICICI Lombard offers the insurance.

Ace Motors manufactures these bikes at Pimpri near Pune and its monthly output ranges from 4000 to 5000 bikes. It has invested Rs 6 crore and another Rs 6 crore will be invested in the next two to three years, Mr Raval said.

Currently, the bike is not wholly indigenised. While 40 per cent is developed here, 60 per cent, including the motor, is being imported from China. However, in a year's time, they will attain 100 per cent indigenisation, he added.

UNI