Here is good news for those who are convinced with the benefits of electric vehicles but the hefty price tag of new EVs often holds them back. Such commuters can now ditch fossil fuel for a greener and pocket-friendly option. Yes! They can now convert their old petrol-driven two-wheeler into an eco-friendly electric vehicle at less than 50 per cent cost of a new electric vehicle. A Bengaluru-based startup, that has recently started operations here in the city, offers an innovative solution that can convert a customer’s existing two-wheeler into an electric vehicle at a cost of just Rs 65,000. Interestingly, the new electric two-wheelers come in a price range of Rs 1.2 to 1.5 lakh. Starya Mobility Pvt. Ltd, manufacturing retro fitment / electric propulsion kit (EPK), has recently appointed its dealer here in the city. The company offers next-gen mobility solutions that are suitable, sensible, and smart aimed to update the long distance commute for its customer.

 

Elaborating on the concept, Aswad Sagdeo, Partner in the firm, told The Hitavada that the company offers RTO approved conversion of petrol driven two-wheeler into electric vehicles. As of now the company converts all variants of Honda Activa, Suzuki Access, TVS Jupiter and Honda Dio into EV vehicles. “We are also planning to start conversion of petrol driven bikes into EVs from May this year,” he said. “Customers can now install permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) in place of vehicles’ petrol engines. This type of AC synchronous motor uses permanent magnets on the rotor to create its magnetic field, offering high efficiency, compact size, and high power density, making it suitable for applications like electric vehicles,” he said, adding that the converted vehicle runs 85 km in one recharge. Highlighting other benefits, Sagdeo said that the motors are installed in place of the engine that do change the centre of gravity of the vehicle.

 

The motor drives the wheels with the help of a belt. In most EVs, the motor is in the rear wheel which makes it difficult to repair the puncture. “But in our system, we do not make changes in the wheels and thus customers can easily repair the puncture,” Sagdeo added. One of the main reasons behind the sluggish sales of EVs in India is the cost. The upfront cost to own an electric vehicle is much higher than that of conventional vehicles. The second primary reason for the hesitancy of EV adoption is the lack of charging infrastructure.