Goa-based Powerland ATV aims to take its electric ATV global

Goa-based Powerland Agro Tractor Vehicles has developed electric ATVs for the off-road sector and is hoping to make a name for itself in a segment where big players wouldn’t venture into. Tej Naik, Co-Founder of Powerland Agro Tractor Vehicles talked about the e-ATV, new products and the company’s plans in interaction with Autocarpro.in.

Powerland’s new electric ATV is powered by Lithium-Ion batteries and driven by four in-wheel motors, the first of its kind in India. The motors together develop a massive torque of 900 Nm and the e-ATV can go from 0 to 60 km/h in 4.5 seconds when put in to boost mode. The zero-emission all-terrain-vehicle offers a range of 160 km and can be charged in two to three hours with a 7.5 kWh power pack.

Talking about the USPs and challenges for electric ATVs in India, Mr Tej Naik is of the opinion that ATVs have always been a promising product because of the high demand in the global market; being not big as a 4×4 SUV or too slow like a tractor, the ATV has the perfect balance and an electric motor just makes it more appealing. The main challenge for electric ATVs in India is that there’s no demand for it. This is the reason why Powerland is eyeing the European and US markets for the product.

While FAME II policy does not have anything related to electric ATVs, it’s the homologation process that is a bigger barrier. Tej feels that the homologation cost, which comes around to Rs 15 to Rs 17 lakh including the electromagnetic test and tests for the motor and other components, is very steep for small companies, especially for ATVs whose market size is only about 400 units. Certification processes like these are much simpler abroad with individual vehicle approvals in place but in India, there are only two places to take these tests – ARAI in Pune and iCAT in Gurugram.

Powerland has had its focus on the farming and off-road sector but the company has diversified into other sectors including defence, police, oil exploration, etc. To target the low-speed vehicle market, Powerland has developed Tata Ace-size electric vehicle for both logistics and passenger segment. The passenger version is developed in 2-seater, 4-seater and even a 6-seater option.

 [Source: Autocarpro.in]