Orxa Energies, a Bangalore-based startup, is poised to revolutionize the Indian electric motorcycle market with its high-performance offering, the Mantis. In a country where electric two-wheelers dominate the EV market and have emerged as a practical alternative to petrol-powered counterparts, Orxa Energies aims to cater to performance enthusiasts seeking a thrilling riding experience.
Founders Prajwal Sabnis and Ranjita Ravi have been diligently developing the Orxa Mantis, an electric street fighter designed to compete with 250 to 300 cc ICE motorcycles known for their balance between performance and practicality. Equipped with a 9kWh battery pack and a PMS electric motor, the Mantis promises impressive specifications. It boasts a peak power of 28kW (37.5 hp) and a staggering 105 Nm of torque, offering a top speed of 140 kmph and an acceleration time from 0 to 100 kmph in just 10 seconds. These figures put the Mantis on par with and even surpass many petrol-powered competitors in terms of performance.
Weighing in at just 175 kgs, the Mantis is set to challenge ICE motorcycles with its exceptional features. It will come equipped with a dual disc braking system from BYBRE, Ceat ZOOM tires, and a pre-load adjustable rear mono-shock, among other enhancements. While it doesn’t feature USD front forks, the founders assure riders that the telescopic forks in the Mantis provide excellent quality and handling. According to Sabnis and Ravi, the Mantis has been developed in collaboration with dependable vendors to ensure the highest standards of performance and reliability.
One aspect that sets Orxa Energies apart from its competitors is its focus on intellectual property (IP) ownership. With close to 90% of their IP owned, the founders believe they have a protective shield against changing government regulations in India’s evolving EV space. These regulations are still in their infancy, and having control over their IP allows Orxa Energies to effectively address and implement any required changes. While competitors may rely on cobbling together multiple systems due to a lack of IP ownership, Orxa Energies’ comprehensive development and control over their IP provide them with a strategic advantage.
Despite the potential challenges, Orxa Energies is betting on the performance-oriented motorcycle segment instead of the established electric scooter market. The founders point out that the electric motorcycle space requires products that match the performance of their ICE counterparts. As consumers increasingly seek premium build quality and performance in commuter-class motorcycles, the market for premium-commuter motorcycles is projected to reach USD 8 billion. Orxa Energies aims to tap into this growing demand by positioning the Mantis as a worthy competitor to the best-in-class 250 cc motorcycles.
Currently, the Mantis is being developed in a small-scale manufacturing facility in Bangalore, which is still in the pilot stage. The founders understand that EV adoption will only occur when electric vehicles can match the performance of existing vehicles. Until EVs can meet the benchmark for performance and practicality, adoption will likely remain limited to early adopters, accounting for only around 13% of the market.
Orxa Energies’ vision goes beyond delivering a powerful electric motorcycle. They aim to shape the future of India’s electric mobility landscape, offering innovative solutions that excite and inspire riders. With the Orxa Mantis, the company intends to redefine what is possible in the electric motorcycle market, providing a thrilling and practical option for riders seeking an exhilarating and eco-friendly experience on the road.
