Narayan Subramaniam and Niraj Rajmohan: Pioneering High-Performance Electric Motorcycles at Ultraviolette Automotive

The world of electric vehicles (EVs) has predominantly focused on mass-market segments in India, such as scooters and three-wheelers. However, a dynamic duo in Bengaluru, Narayan Subramaniam and Niraj Rajmohan, are embarking on a journey to electrify the thrill of high-performance motorcycles. Their start-up, Ultraviolette Automotive, is set to redefine the concept of electric motorcycles in India with the imminent commercial launch of their all-electric performance bike, the F77.

Narayan Subramaniam and Niraj Rajmohan share a history that dates back to their school days. Over the years, their collaborative spirit led them to work on various projects, and a common passion for cross-functional innovation and technology-driven solutions became evident. Their commitment to adding value through creative implementation of technology for diverse applications laid the foundation for Ultraviolette.

The journey of Ultraviolette began in 2015 when the founders established the company in 2016. The rise of Tesla and the growing prominence of electric vehicles hinted at the transformative power of EVs. Although they are venturing into the domain of high-performance motorcycles, Subramaniam and Rajmohan consider themselves a hi-tech company operating within the mobility space. They recognize that many aspects of EV technology are evolving and becoming increasingly standardized.

Subramaniam’s expertise in automotive engineering and design, gained through experiences with industry giants, complements Rajmohan’s knowledge of computer science and electronics. Together, their diverse backgrounds create a formidable team capable of tackling the unique challenges of the electric motorcycle sector. Ultraviolette’s vision extends beyond performance. They plan to offer various differentiated features and services made possible by EVs. These innovations encompass sophisticated diagnostics and after-sales services, which the founders view as potential disruptors in the industry.

The F77, Ultraviolette’s flagship product, was unveiled shortly before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its introduction, the motorcycle has undergone several iterations of improvement. The pandemic inadvertently provided an opportunity for the team to focus on further refining the F77 as they navigated the challenges posed by the global health crisis. Currently, all 70-plus members of the Ultraviolette team and their families have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Subramaniam acknowledges that Ultraviolette has made significant strides in battery performance and on-board electronics during the pandemic-induced slowdown. He believes that they have leapfrogged an entire generation of updates, positioning the production version of the F77 as an industry leader. This cutting-edge motorcycle is scheduled to launch early next year, with an expected price point of approximately ₹3 lakh.

Ultraviolette’s F77 is not just an electric motorcycle; it is a statement that electric vehicles can not only match but surpass the performance of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles in the 300-500 cc category. The founders are committed to ensuring that the F77 excels in acceleration, top speed, and all the criteria typically used to evaluate sports motorcycles. As Narayan Subramaniam and Niraj Rajmohan propel Ultraviolette Automotive into the electric high-performance motorcycle segment, their goal is not merely to introduce an innovative product but to change the perception of what EVs can achieve. With their shared passion for innovation and complementary expertise, they are poised to make a significant impact in India’s electric vehicle landscape.