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Review of Ultraviolette's New Electric Scooter: The Tesseract
Ultraviolette Automotive, a Bengaluru-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has unveiled its latest innovation—the Tesseract electric scooter. This launch signifies the company's commitment to revolutionizing urban mobility through advanced technology and sustainable design. The Tesseract is poised to set new benchmarks in the electric scooter segment, offering a blend of performance, safety, and convenience.
Performance and Specifications
The Tesseract is engineered to deliver impressive performance metrics:
Acceleration: It can accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in 2.9 seconds, positioning it among the quickest in its category.
Top Speed: The scooter achieves a top speed of 125 km/h, catering to both city commuting and occasional highway rides.
Range: Equipped with a high-capacity battery, the Tesseract offers a claimed Indian Driving Cycle (IDC) range of 261 kilometers on a single charge, addressing range anxiety concerns for urban riders.
Battery and Charging
While specific battery capacity details have not been disclosed, Ultraviolette emphasizes efficient charging solutions:
Fast Charging: The Tesseract supports rapid charging, enabling the battery to reach 80% state of charge (SOC) in less than one hour using compatible fast chargers.
Cost Efficiency: The company claims that with ₹100 worth of electricity, the Tesseract can cover up to 500 kilometers, highlighting its cost-effectiveness.
Design and Features
The Tesseract's design focuses on functionality and rider experience:
Wheels: It is one of the few electric scooters, alongside the River Indie, to feature 14-inch wheels, enhancing stability and ride comfort.
Safety Systems: The scooter is equipped with dual-channel ABS, traction control, and dynamic stability control, ensuring a secure riding experience.
Storage: A spacious 34-liter boot accommodates a full-face helmet, offering practical storage solutions for daily commuting.
Technological Advancements
Ultraviolette has integrated several cutting-edge technologies into the Tesseract:
Display: A 7-inch touchscreen TFT display provides intuitive access to vehicle information and controls.
Dashcams: Front and rear dashcams, assisted by radar technology—a first in the Indian electric scooter market—enhance safety and security.
Connectivity: Features like wireless smartphone charging and haptic-feedback-enabled handlebars enrich the rider's experience.
Pricing and Availability
Ultraviolette has strategically priced the Tesseract to attract a broad consumer base:
Introductory Offer: The first 10,000 units are available at an introductory price of ₹1.20 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
Standard Pricing: Post the initial 10,000 units, the scooter will be priced at ₹1.45 lakh.
Delivery Timeline: Deliveries are scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2026, allowing the company time to scale production and meet anticipated demand.
Founders of Ultraviolette Automotive
Ultraviolette was founded in 2016 by Narayan Subramaniam and Niraj Rajmohan:
Narayan Subramaniam (Co-founder and CEO): With a background in design and engineering, Subramaniam leads the company's vision for innovative and sustainable mobility solutions.
Niraj Rajmohan (Co-founder and CTO): Rajmohan oversees technological development, ensuring that Ultraviolette's products are at the forefront of EV technology.
Investments and Strategic Partnerships
Ultraviolette has attracted significant investments from prominent entities:
EXOR Capital: In August 2022, EXOR Capital, a subsidiary of EXOR N.V.—which holds controlling stakes in companies like Ferrari, Stellantis, and Juventus football club—invested approximately $10 million in Ultraviolette. This investment underscores the company's potential in the EV sector.
Qualcomm Ventures: In November 2022, Qualcomm Ventures invested $24 million in Ultraviolette, highlighting the technological innovations in the company's products.
TVS Motor Company: One of India's leading two-wheeler manufacturers, TVS has been a significant investor in Ultraviolette, providing both capital and industry expertise.
Relations with Mahindra and Ferrari
While Ultraviolette does not have a direct relationship with Mahindra, its connection to Ferrari comes through EXOR N.V. EXOR is the largest shareholder in Ferrari, and its investment in Ultraviolette through EXOR Capital establishes an indirect link between the two companies.
Company's Past and Future Aims
Past Milestones
Since its inception in 2016, Ultraviolette has achieved several key milestones:
2017: Secured initial investment from TVS Motor Company, acquiring a 14.78% stake.
2018: Increased TVS's stake to 25.76% with additional funding, bolstering product development efforts.
2022: Received significant investments from EXOR Capital and Qualcomm Ventures, strengthening financial and strategic positioning.
FAQs on Ultraviolette Tesseract
1. What is the top speed of the Ultraviolette Tesseract?
2. What is the expected range of the Tesseract on a single charge?
3. How long does it take to fully charge the Tesseract’s battery?
4. Does the Tesseract support fast charging?
5. What is the price of the Ultraviolette Tesseract?
6. When will the deliveries for the Tesseract begin?
7. What are the key features that make the Tesseract different from other electric scooters?
8. Does the Tesseract come with a removable battery?
9. What safety features are included in the Tesseract?
10. Does the Tesseract come with a touchscreen display?
11. What kind of storage capacity does the Tesseract offer?
12. How many riding modes does the Tesseract have?
13. Does the Tesseract support regenerative braking?
14. What are the color options available for the Tesseract?
15. Is there a dedicated mobile app for the Tesseract?
16. Can I use the Tesseract for long-distance travel?
17. What type of suspension system does the Tesseract have?
18. Is the Ultraviolette Tesseract waterproof?
19. How much does it cost to charge the Tesseract fully?
20. What is the warranty period for the Tesseract’s battery and motor?
21. Will the Tesseract be available for purchase outside India?
22. Where can I book the Ultraviolette Tesseract?
23. Does the Tesseract come with onboard navigation and Bluetooth connectivity?
24. What type of braking system does the Tesseract use?
25. How does the Tesseract compare with the F77 motorcycle in terms of performance?
26. Is the Tesseract suitable for off-road riding?
27. What is the maximum load capacity of the Tesseract?
28. Will Ultraviolette provide a home charging setup for the Tesseract?
29. How does Ultraviolette’s partnership with Ferrari’s investor, EXOR Capital, impact the Tesseract’s development?
30. How many units of the Tesseract will be produced in the first batch?
