Revolt RV 400 test drive: It's an AI electric wonder

Its makers claim that the Revolt RV 400 is the country's first electric motorcycle with artificial intelligence. The bike, which can be controlled by a mobile app including start/stop and battery check, is expected to do wonders in the Indian market.

Electric bikes are not common in Indian market. Lack of charging stations are among the major challenges that face that the sector. The Revolt, however, has been made taking into consideration all these factors. The bike is developed by Gurugram-based Revolt Intellicorp, founded by Rahul Sharma, former co-founder of Micromax Informatics. Sharma, who once ruled the smartphone market in India through Micromax, is sure to have done his homework well before venturing into this field.

Design

The company seems to have made the RV 400 for long drives. The design of the bike and its engine performance underscore this factor. The compactness and the muscular stance are sure to attract youths. The hexagon-shaped LED headlamp with Revolt branding at the top and LED DRL, and the fully-digital display are catchy.

While the low beam gets 7-watt LED blub, the high beam gets LED projectors. The taillights and indicators are all LED. A removable battery pack takes the place of the fuel tank in standard bikes.

Ride

The RV 400 is easily at par with standard bikes in rideability. The bike is equipped with a 3.0-kW motor that produces 4.08 hp and runs on a lithium-ion battery with a voltage of 72 V and a capacity of 3.24 kWh. The ride modes include normal, eco and sports, which can be controlled by a switch. The maximum speed has been limited to 85 kmph. Though the range of the bike on a single charge is 156 km, this may not be possible at the maximum speed. The bike weighs just 108 kg, making it easy to handle twists and turns. The 220 mm ground clearance and the seat height that is a bit on the higher side make riding effortless.

Choose the exhaust note

Whenever you see a bike, the first thing you notice about its character is the exhaust note. At a time with motorcycle enthusiasts go out of their way to get exhaust notes of their choice, electric bikes come with no exhaust note at all. The Revolt has found a solution to this issue. Using the mobile application, riders will be able to select their preferred exhaust note. While riding, press the switch on the handlebar in case you want to stop it.

The battery is another attraction of the Revolt. Like all other electric vehicles, it too has a charging socket and other facilities. But in the Revolt, the battery pack is portable, so owners can simply pull it out and take it with them to their house or office to charge. Revolt is also working on battery swapping stations where you can exchange your empty battery with a fully charged one. Home delivery of battery is also available.

The bike will be available in Delhi and Pune initially. The ex-showroom price is Rs 1,29,463. The sales will be extended to Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Begaluru soon. It looks like Kerala will have to wait for the bike.

Specifications

Brake (CBS) - Front disc (240 mm)/ rear disc (240 mm)

Tyre - Front 90/80-17, rear - 120/80-17

Front fork - Upside down fork

Rear suspension - Adjustable monoshock

Battery - Lithium ion

Voltage 72V, 3.24 kW

Charging time - 0-75% in 3 hours, 100% in 4.5 hours

Motor - 3 kW Mid Drive

Weight - 108 kg

Wheelbase - 1350 mm

Seat height - 814 mm

Load capacity - two persons, maximum 150 kg

Ground clearance - 220 mm

Range - 156 km (ARAI certified)