The JV between Okinawa and Tacita is planning for electric scooter and motorcycles being launched in India in 2023.
A leading Indian electric two-wheeler manufacturer, Okinawa Autotech, and Italy’s Tacita, a maker of electric and performance motorcycles, have signed an agreement to form a joint venture in India.
Tacita manufactures competitive off-roads, and electric superbikes with in-house designed powertrain, controller, motor, and battery pack with BMS. Their T-Race Rally model was the first electric motorcycle to race in 2012 at the Merzouga Rally in Morocco, and has since taken part also in Dakar 2020 Qiddiya Grand Prix.
Okinawa Autotech is an Indian electric 2-wheeler manufacturing company, established in 2015 with a mission to create two wheelers “that can drive our present towards a sustainable future”. The company since launched several electric scooter models, as well as the Oki100 electric motorcycle.
According to the agreement, Okinawa will develop the product locally and build its production line, while Tacita will provide the powertrain – controller, motor, battery pack, and BMS. The JV will introduce two product lines – scooters and motorcycles – both for the domestic and international markets. Aiming to introduce a scooter and a high-end performance motorcycle by 2023.
It is estimated that the new company will start designing, developing, patenting and conducting on-road tests within the first half of 2023.
The powertrain, battery packs, and BMS will be developed in Italy at the Tacita headquarters, where Okinawa professionals and Italian technicians will work together. There will be road tests performed in all weather conditions in India and Italy, including an inaugural voyage from the Okinawa headquarters in India to the Tacita headquarters in Italy.
“We envisage the collaboration to create a synergy effect that will accelerate our commitment to electric mobility. There is a steady and conscious shift in consumer preferences and we have witnessed a growing demand for premium and performance electric motorcycles in India.
Tacita will help us in creating a marketplace that matches the demand for futuristic technology and products. Their advanced and futuristic technology will also further broaden and strengthen our existing product range.”
Jeetender Sharma, MD and founder, Okinawa Autotech
“We are happy to provide our expertise in the premium EV bike segment to launch a top-end line of bikes. Our team along with Okinawa Engineers is dedicated to R&D to introduce unique product propositions that define the future.”
Pierpaolo Rigo, MD, Tacita
Source: Financial express, Hindustan Times