E-MOBILITY START-UP VAAN MOTO DEBUTS IN MUMBAI WITH ITS FIRST EXCLUSIVE SHOWROOM AT ATRIA MALL
Launches Two e-Bike Models – UrbanSport and UrbanSport Pro in Partnership with Benelli of Italy and Kiska of KTM from Austria.
by Prashant Kapadia/NHN
Mumbai, October , 2022: VAAN Moto, India’s premium lifestyle e-mobility start-up has opened its first exclusive e-bike (bicycle) lounge plus showroom at Atria Mall, Worli, Mumbai. The company was globally launched at the famed EICMA motorcycle show in Italy held in November, last year. VAAN Moto focuses on implementing scientifically developed and environmentally sustainable products besides ensuring sustainable energy and recycling of products.
This exclusive e-bike lounge plus showroom is part of the company’s expansion plans for the major markets in the country. Speaking at the launch, Mr. Jithu Sukumaran Nair, CEO, and Founder of VAAN Electric Moto Pvt. Ltd. said, “VAAN aims to be a premium lifestyle e-mobility brand from India going global and Mumbai is our first step towards that. In the next three months, we are planning to launch in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune. Our plant at Ernakulam in Kochi has a capacity to assemble 2,000 e-bikes a month, and are initially targeting sales of 8,000 to 10,000 e-bikes a year.”
VAAN Moto has partnered with leading players in this segment, including Benelli of Italy and Kiska of KTM from Austria. While VAAN Moto designs these electric bicycles, Benelli supplies components, and Kiska helps with the branding. VAAN Moto today launched two e-bike models – UrbanSport and UrbanSport Pro (limited edition) that feature a unisex compact frame, 20-inch wheels, detachable batteries, indicator lighting, etc. These bikes can operate in three modes — normal pedalling, pedal-assist mode, and throttle mode.
VAAN has dealers in Portugal, Spain, and the Czech Republic. The compact and powerful e-bike specifically designed for the young crowd, also has all the comfort and advantages to attract middle age groups including those who need not be cycling enthusiasts. “We are catering to the discerning young Indian population who is looking for a trendy, sustainable, and environmentally friendly solution to their everyday lifestyle needs. The majority of us today are health conscious and the global pandemic saw people going back to bicycling as a healthy option. But for some cycling may be tedious, and that’s where our e-bikes help overcome the challenge.” Mr. Kapil Garg, Chairman, and MD, Oilmax Energy Pvt. Ltd. said during the launch.
As part of the company’s efforts to make its presence stronger, VAAN has signed a dealership pact with Cosmos Sports for setting up nine showrooms and service centres across Kerala and made arrangements to deploy e-bikes in five-star hotels and resorts in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Puducherry, and Andaman. VAAN has tied up with Casino Group Hotels, Mahindra Holidays, Le Leela, and Zuri Resorts and talk is in progress with Niraamaya Group.
VAAN, the first-ever Indian e-mobility start-up launched globally, raised its seed funding from NSE and BSE listed Asian Energy Services Ltd. and now raising USD 7 Million Pre-A Series round for further expansion. Asian energy with its parent company OilMax is participating in VAAN’s Pre-A Series 7 Million fund raise for the expansion and battery swapping infrastructure.
E-bike specifications
The VAAN UrbanSport and UrbanSport Pro come with a removable 48V 7.5Ah Li-ion battery pack with a 60 KM maximum range. The 2.5 kg weighing battery can be fully charged in four hours. The e-bike has a power-assisted mode with five level electric gears and a full-throttle mode with a speed of up to 25 km per hour. Smart LCD serves all necessary information and safety precautions for the rider. Compact unisex aluminium alloy frame, Benelli lightweight alloy rims, LCD controlled front/rear led lights and Promax front/rear disc brake are some of the other features.
About VAAN Electric Moto Private Limited: VAAN Electric Moto Private Limited is the first ever Indian lifestyle e-mobility start-up producing Indian e-bikes for the global market. The company was founded by Jithu Sukumaran Nair, a marine engineer and shipbuilder by profession who lived in Hongkong and Singapore for more than 10 years, ex-GM of Oil and Gas Subsea service company, also presently Chief Advisor to Hindustan Shipyard, Ministry of Defence. Vaan is a start-up registered in Mumbai. The e-bike is the first of the multiple products to be launched by VAAN and plans to roll out e-mopeds and e-scooters in near future. VAAN has tie-ups with Austria-based KISKA, which owns the motorcycle brand KTM, and Italian motorcycle major Benelli for designs and components supply.
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