In a historic milestone for India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry, Bengaluru-based Ultraviolette Automotive has become the first ‘Make in India’ EV startup to officially launch its high-performance electric motorcycles in Europe. This bold move not only showcases India’s growing prowess in sustainable mobility but also positions Ultraviolette as a global contender in the premium EV market. With its flagship models, the F77 Mach 2 and F77 SuperStreet, now available in 10 European nations, Ultraviolette is redefining the narrative of Indian innovation on the world stage. This article delves into the company’s journey, its groundbreaking achievements, and the implications of its European expansion for India’s EV ecosystem.
The Genesis of Ultraviolette Automotive
Founded in 2016 by childhood friends Narayan Subramaniam (CEO) and Niraj Rajmohan (CTO), Ultraviolette Automotive was born from a vision to create high-performance electric vehicles that rival the best in the world. Both founders, with backgrounds in mechanical engineering and computer science, respectively, aimed to disrupt the global two-wheeler market by blending cutting-edge technology with aerospace-inspired design. Headquartered in Bengaluru, the hub of India’s tech innovation, Ultraviolette has spent nearly a decade perfecting its craft, focusing on performance, safety, and sustainability.
Unlike many EV startups that prioritize mass-market scooters, Ultraviolette chose the challenging path of developing premium electric motorcycles. Its flagship F77, launched in India in 2022, became the country’s fastest electric two-wheeler, boasting a 10.3 kWh battery pack—the largest in its segment at the time—and an impressive range of up to 323 km. The company’s commitment to in-house R&D, vertical integration, and a robust Indian supply chain has enabled it to deliver world-class products at competitive prices.
A Landmark Achievement: Europe Launch at EICMA 2024
Ultraviolette’s European debut is a testament to its ambition to compete in the world’s most demanding markets. The company officially announced its expansion at the prestigious Milan Motor Show (EICMA) 2024, unveiling the F77 Mach 2 and F77 SuperStreet to global acclaim. Priced at an introductory €9,999, these motorcycles are now available in 10 European countries: Germany, France, UK, Ireland, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg. The launch event in Paris, set against the iconic Eiffel Tower, symbolized India’s arrival as a leader in high-performance EV technology.
The F77 Mach 2, with its race-bred design and 40.2 horsepower, delivers a top speed of 155 kmph and a 0-60 kmph sprint in just 2.8 seconds, making it a favorite among performance enthusiasts. The F77 SuperStreet, with its upright ergonomics, offers a balance of comfort and thrill, appealing to urban riders. Both models feature advanced technologies like regenerative braking (recovering 25-30% of energy), three-level traction control, and an 8-lakh-kilometer battery warranty, setting new benchmarks in the EV motorcycle segment.
To ensure compliance with Europe’s stringent regulations, Ultraviolette secured the L3e global certification for its F77 Mach 2, allowing road use across 40 countries. The company conducted rigorous testing in Europe’s challenging environments, from alpine roads to urban circuits, proving the durability and performance of its bikes. This certification, combined with organic demand from 190 countries, underscores the global appeal of Ultraviolette’s ‘Make in India’ products.
The ‘Make in India’ Advantage
Ultraviolette’s success is deeply rooted in India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, which promotes indigenous manufacturing and innovation. Approximately 98% of the F77’s unique parts are sourced and manufactured in India, leveraging the country’s robust supply chain to achieve price parity with petrol-powered motorcycles in Europe. This cost advantage allows Ultraviolette to offer premium EVs at prices significantly lower than global competitors like Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire or Zero Motorcycles, which are often three to four times more expensive than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts.
The company’s Bengaluru manufacturing facility, with a current capacity of 30,000 units annually, is set to scale up to 3 lakh units by 2028 to meet growing domestic and international demand. Ultraviolette’s investment in R&D—over ₹50-55 crore to date—has resulted in proprietary technologies, including battery systems, motor control, and the UV Supernova fast-charging network, which supports inter-city travel for F77 users. Additionally, the UVLYNC Type 2 Interface, launched in January 2025, enables access to over 4,000 AC car charging stations across India, enhancing EV accessibility.
Strategic Global Expansion
Ultraviolette’s European launch is part of a broader strategy to establish a global footprint. The company began exporting its F77 Mach 2 to markets like Turkey, Germany, Spain, France, and Italy in early 2025, with retail sales kicking off in Istanbul and expanding to other cities. By 2027, Ultraviolette aims to generate 30% of its revenue from exports, targeting key markets in Europe and Southeast Asia. Plans are also underway to enter the US, Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil, though Europe remains the immediate priority due to its proximity and shared regulatory framework.
To support its international expansion, Ultraviolette has forged strategic partnerships with distributors and established brand-owned stores in key European markets. The company’s focus on service excellence, with robust spare parts support at all retail outlets, ensures a seamless ownership experience for customers. Backed by global investors like Exor Capital (a subsidiary of EXOR N.V., with stakes in Ferrari and Stellantis), TVS Motor, Qualcomm Ventures, and Zoho Corporation, Ultraviolette is well-capitalized to fuel its growth.
Expanding the Portfolio: Tesseract, Shockwave, and F99
Ultraviolette is not resting on its laurels. In March 2025, the company unveiled its first electric scooter, the Tesseract, and a lightweight off-road motorcycle, the Shockwave. Priced at ₹1.75 lakh, the Shockwave offers 501 Nm of torque, making it a game-changer in the affordable performance segment. The Tesseract, with a 167 km range and front/rear dashcams, targets urban commuters seeking style and tech. Both models are slated for retail in early 2026, with Ultraviolette planning to launch 10 new products over the next three years, including long-range cruiser bikes.
The F99 Factory Racing Platform, unveiled at EICMA 2023 and refined in 2024, represents Ultraviolette’s foray into motorsport. Piloted by national champion Abhishek Vasudev, the F99 set a record for the fastest quarter-mile time (10.712 seconds) by an Indian-made motorcycle and achieved a top speed of 258 kmph at NATRAX, verified by the India Book of Records. While not yet commercially available, the F99 showcases Ultraviolette’s engineering prowess and its ambition to lead in electric superbike racing.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its achievements, Ultraviolette faces challenges in scaling production and competing in Europe’s saturated EV market. The company’s current Bengaluru plant, with a capacity of 10,000 units per shift, is insufficient to meet projected demand, prompting plans for a new factory in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, or Maharashtra. Raising additional funds—up to $100 million over the next four years—will be critical to support manufacturing expansion and R&D.
In Europe, Ultraviolette must navigate a contracting electric scooter market and compete with established brands like BMW, KTM, and Kawasaki in the performance segment. However, its focus on the A1 and A2 license categories, which cater to younger and beginner riders, gives it a strategic edge. The company’s ability to offer high-performance EVs at accessible price points, combined with India’s cost-effective supply chain, positions it to disrupt the market.
In India, Ultraviolette operates in a niche premium segment, with the F77 priced above ₹3 lakh, excluding it from government subsidies like FAME-II. While this limits mass-market penetration, the company’s target audience—affluent riders and EV enthusiasts—values performance and innovation over cost. Ultraviolette’s plans to expand to 50 Indian cities by the end of FY25 and achieve 1 lakh annual sales within three years reflect its confidence in domestic growth.
Impact on India’s EV Ecosystem
Ultraviolette’s European launch is a landmark for India’s EV industry, which is poised to achieve 30% EV adoption by 2030, as per government targets. By demonstrating that Indian startups can compete in developed markets, Ultraviolette is paving the way for others to follow. Its success highlights the strength of India’s supply chain, engineering talent, and policy support, including export incentives and reduced import taxes for companies committing to local manufacturing.
The company’s focus on high-tech products aligns with calls for greater government support for premium EV makers. Unlike mass-market players like Ola Electric or Ather, which benefit from FAME-II subsidies, Ultraviolette relies on export incentives and private investment. Its achievements could spur policy changes to bolster India’s high-performance EV sector, enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.
Conclusion
Ultraviolette Automotive’s journey from a Bengaluru startup to a global EV pioneer is a story of vision, resilience, and innovation. By launching its F77 Mach 2 and SuperStreet in Europe, the company has not only put India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative on the world map but also redefined what Indian EVs can achieve. With ambitious plans for new products, expanded manufacturing, and a growing international presence, Ultraviolette is charging toward a future where Indian EVs lead the global electric revolution.
As CEO Narayan Subramaniam aptly stated, “This launch signifies Ultraviolette’s entry into Europe’s most influential two-wheeler markets and underlines our intent to be a global force in the electric mobility revolution.” For India, this milestone is a proud moment, signaling its ability to not just participate in the global EV transition but to lead it with technology that competes at the highest level.
Keywords: Ultraviolette Automotive, Make in India, electric motorcycles, F77 Mach 2, F77 SuperStreet, Europe launch, EV startup, high-performance EVs, Indian EV industry, sustainable mobility
Last Updated on: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 3:47 pm by R Sampath Kumar | Published by: R Sampath Kumar on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 3:47 pm | News Categories: Automobile
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