Raptee T30 First Ride Impressions: Impressive Specs, Mixed Feelings on the Road

The Raptee T30 aims to electrify India's thriving two-wheeler EV segment, but can it truly charge ahead of the pack? We explore this upstart by testing it amid Chennai's chaotic avenues.

In recent years,

India's electric vehicle market has accelerated remarkably, with electric two-wheelers driving the bulk of that momentum. Enter a new player: the Raptee brand unveiling its T30 electric motorcycle. This review uncovers everything from its styling to features, range, and performance. Let's dive into this first ride of the Raptee T30.

Raptee T30 First Ride Impressions: Styling and Specifications

Visually, the Raptee T30 channels a faired motorcycle vibe, courtesy of the battery pack nestled centrally within comprehensive fairing. The front end sports an all-LED headlamp array with DRLs and USD forks. Tyres are substantial: 17-inch with 110-section upfront and 150 at the back. Ditching the standard 'EV' label, it flaunts 'Raptee HV' for high voltage, operating at 240 volts, a fresh approach diverging from typical electric scooters' lower voltage setups for potentially superior power delivery.

At the tail, LED lamps and indicators round off the modern silhouette. Tipping the scales at 177 kg, it utilises an aluminium chassis to shave off excess weight, although the mass is palpable while handling. A unique highlight is the CCS2 fast-charging socket, used in four wheelers, supporting up to 7 kW. Thus, leveraging car charging stations could replenish around 100 km in about an hour, a feature unseen in other two-wheelers.

Ergonomics include left-hand controls for the vibrant 7-inch colour screen offering Comfort, Sprint, and Power modes, alongside forthcoming cruise control in production models. Right-side houses the kill switch, ignition, display navigation button, and hazard lights. Equipped with a 5.4 kWh battery, it promises approximately 150 km real-world range.

Raptee T30 First Ride Impressions: Dynamics and Handling

Specs-wise, the 5.4 kWh pack churns out 29 bhp and 70 Nm, hitting 0-60 km/h in 3.5 seconds and peaking at 135 km/h. Modes adapt to urban, highway, and balanced use, providing brisk performance across scenarios. That said, the battery and motor's weight looms at sluggish paces, yet the bike steadies admirably as speeds climb.

One test bike showed slight instability, perhaps from underinflated tyres. Ergonomics offer a harmonious stance, neither overly sporty for town nor too much aggressive for long hauls, sparing wrists and shoulders undue fatigue. Suspension and ride impress in diverse settings, albeit firmness prioritises speed over urban suppleness.

One issue that I faced when the motorcycle stopped mid-traffic, the machine powered down abruptly with screen glitches, rebooting soon after. Raptee pinpointed a depleted auxiliary battery, similar to ICE counterparts, an isolated concern, but this is what I experienced.

Things I didn't fancy include a persistent noise between 20-50 km/h, likely from the belt drive, which disrupts the typical EV serenity and can grate during city rides. The stiff suspension, while great for revving, lacks plushness in town, despite decent seat cushioning. Braking performs adequately at low and city speeds, but at highways, it falls short on reassurance, denting confidence for sustained high-speed runs.

On the flip side, performance across modes is commendable, with no complaints in traffic, city, or highway scenarios. The 7-inch instrument cluster is crisp and visible even in bright sunlight, though navigation (Raptee's proprietary system) showed minor lag. Lastly, the posture blends worlds effectively for versatile riding.

Raptee T30 First Ride Impressions: Final Verdict

Priced at Rs 2.40 lakh (ex-showroom), the Raptee T30 enters as a compelling package in India's electric two-wheeler arena. Its features, especially CCS2 compatibility, are noteworthy, build quality feels robust, and performance holds strong despite minor niggles like noise and stiffness. Comfort takes a slight hit, but overall, it presents a solid option. If you're eyeing an electric bike in this segment and price bracket, the Raptee T30 merits consideration amid the evolving EV landscape.