Most of our recent advisory work with financial institutions has focused on profitability. Many E2W startups worldwide are struggling with that, even though sales numbers are improving and customers are embracing electric mobility. The future looks good if we can survive the present.
The last few weeks/months have been an emotional affair for the industry. Some of the most promising startups in the global E2W industry that were battling bankruptcy have been rescued. Their new lease of life comes with new business plans and a new perspective on things.
The Honda Grom has an enviable market position. It sells a lot in the USA - more than 10,000 units in some years, and at the same time is a cult motorcycle. There are riders' clubs for the Grom, something you would associate with a Harley-Davidson, not a 125cc runabout.
China, the world's factory, has a convoluted outlook on IPs. You can buy similar-looking products from different factories, at different quality grades, and at different price points. Now, some factories, notably Yadea, the sales leader, want to be brands. That's worrying for everyone else.
We are in good times. After years of promises and numerous vaporware, this is now an era where multiple startups are ready with competent electric street-sports motorcycles. Soon, every dominant two-wheeler geography would have multiple options to choose from.
With E2W tech getting commoditised and a funding winter across the globe for manufacturers, we are in tough times where new entrants need to find an edge, fast.
Electric mobility for the masses would be driven by two-wheelers. The real success of the E2W revolution would be if it managed to create a Tesla-scale global success story in two-wheelers. Unfortunately, even the most significant players are regional and small. Would that change?
When electric vehicle start-ups write their business plans, they inadvertently run into two questions. First, what should I make in-house (and what should I outsource)? Second, what level of vertical integration would make one profitable faster and provide an unassailable edge?
India-based Bajaj Auto, the world's most profitable two-wheeler manufacturer and KTM's long-term partner, has pitched in with EUR 800m to save KTM. We look at the what, why, and what now of the deal.
Even with 1.9m two-wheeler sales in 2024 and a grid that is 90% green, Brazil has shied away from electric. Till now, that is. Things may be changing as major funds chase decarbonisation and startups sprout. We catch the green shoots and explore the country in a two-part series.
Continuing from last week: Innovation and technology were strong drivers of success in the ICE industry. However, the EV industry would be driven by distribution, reach, and scale in the future. As a result, investment focus would move from vehicles to deployment, and core technology development.
Why do some E2W/L-category vehicle startups get massive funding, while many die without support? What do investors look for? Does everything make sense? What makes startups attractive? We dug through 15+ years of funding data to identify trends. Then, the question: What is the RoI for investors?
