There’s something poetic about testing an electric motorcycle in Chennai, the city where RapteeHV’s journey began and where the future of India’s high-voltage motorcycling quietly hums to life. The RapteeHV T30, India’s first high-voltage architecture electric motorcycle and one that can be charged at car charging stations. It’s a declaration that electric bikes can be emotional, exciting, and unapologetically fast.
Visually, the T30 is an interesting mix of futuristic and familiar. The beefy tank shrouds, compact proportions, and split seats give it a streetfighter look, while the 240V badging along the sides proudly announces its high-voltage DNA. The build quality feels premium, and details like the flush-mounted LED turn indicators and neatly tucked wiring show that Raptee’s design team sweated the small stuff. It distinguishes itself by offering a built-in CCS2 fast-charger, meaning it can plug into the same network as electric cars. This is a practical advantage if you’re planning longer rides.
Our journey began in Chennai’s industrial sprawl, at RapteeHV’s HQ and assembly unit, the nerve centre of this young Indian startup. Rows of engineers buzzed with quiet pride as they unveiled their creation: the T30 and its slightly sportier sibling, the T30 Sport. Both share the same mechanical heart, a 22kW motor producing a healthy 70Nm of torque, capable of catapulting the bike from 0 to 60 km/h in just 3.5 seconds.
The first ride was a short one through city streets, the kind filled with potholes, honking rickshaws, and an occasional cow. The T30 handled it all with surprising composure. It feels well built; the kind of solidity you don’t usually associate with a startup-built motorcycle. The muscular body panels, the floating tail section, and the split seats give it a proper streetfighter stance. Up front, a sharp all-LED setup and a crisp 7-inch TFT touchscreen instrument console complete the look. But as nimble as it feels at speed, it’s not without quirks. The large turning radius makes tight U-turns a bit of a chore, especially in Chennai’s labyrinthine lanes. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s noticeable and mildly inconvenient in traffic-heavy conditions.
The real test came the next morning. The route? A breakfast run along the East Coast Road to Kovalam Beach, ending at Surf Turf Cafe, one of those places where time seems to move more slowly and the sea breeze feels like a reward for getting up early. This long, open stretch is where the RapteeHV T30 truly came alive. The bike’s high-voltage 340V architecture sets it apart from most electric motorcycles, which typically operate at lower voltages. What that means in real terms is consistency. Even when I pushed it hard, the power delivery didn’t fade. Most e-bikes tend to run out of puff once the battery dips or the motor heats up. Not this one. The T30 kept pulling cleanly, maintaining its composure and performance in a way that genuinely impressed.
Like most EVs today, the RapteeHV T30 comes with multiple riding modes, but here, they feel more thoughtfully tuned. Comfort Mode is the city dweller’s friend. It’s got a relaxed throttle response, smooth roll-on power, and a ride character that’s almost scooter-like. It’s practical, yes, but on a motorcycle that costs ₹2.39 lakh, it feels underwhelming. Power Mode is the sweet spot. It’s linear, predictable, and engaging. Perfect for urban commutes or relaxed weekend rides. And then there’s Sprint Mode, where the T30 flexes its muscles. The throttle sharpens, acceleration turns instant, and the bike feels alive. The trade-off? Range drops to about 75 km. But for pure fun, Sprint is the only way to go. Switching between modes is seamless via the intuitive buttons, and unlike some other EVs, the T30 doesn’t suffer from sudden jerks or lag when changing settings mid-ride.
Raptee’s choice of MRF Revz C1 radial tyres deserves applause. The grip they offer inspires confidence, especially during cornering. The rounded profile of the tyres makes the T30 feel planted through fast sweepers, and stability remains strong even at triple-digit speeds. The suspension setup is well-judged for Indian roads. It’s firm enough for sporty riding, yet comfortable enough for daily commutes. Combined with the bike’s low centre of gravity, it feels secure and predictable whether you’re slicing through traffic or carving coastal curves.
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After two days of living with the Raptee T30, it’s clear this isn’t just another attempt at an electric motorcycle. It’s an ambitious leap forward for India’s EV ecosystem. It’s not perfect: the turning radius could be tighter, and the throttle mapping could use minor refinement at low speeds. But what Raptee has achieved here is remarkable. The T30 feels purpose-built, not repurposed. It looks sharp, rides confidently, and performs consistently, all while carrying the badge of being India’s first high-voltage EV motorcycle. At ₹2.39 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s positioned as a serious alternative to the likes of the Ultraviolette F77, and it holds its ground with confidence.
