The Tork T6X, India’s first all-electric motorcycle, has been revealed in all its production ready glory at the Tech Sparks 2016 event in Bengaluru. You can pre-book one right away, at an introductory price of INR 1,24,999. The T6X comes from the house of Tork Motorcycles, a Pune-based startup partly funded by angel investors Ankit Bhati and Bhavesh Agrawal of Ola Cabs. The rest of the funding comes from entrepreneur, mechanical engineer and company founder Kapil Shelke and his father.
The Tork T6X is the production version of the company’s fifth prototype, and comes after seven years of research and development. It will be manufactured at the company’s manufacturing facilitates in Chakan, which is nearing completion. Tork Motorcycles is looking to sell close to 5,000-10,000 units each year for the first three years. As for the T6X, it’s headlining figures are a top-speed of 100 kmph (at which its engineered to cruise) and a range of 100 km on a full charge.
The T6X’s drive train is good for 27NM of torque, and with the motorcycle tipping the scales at less than 130 kgs, performance should be pretty brisk. A 0-60 kmph time isn’t out yet, but expect the T6X to smoke your regular 150-cc commuter from the lights. The all-electric motorcycle’s brain is the brand’s TIROS artificial intelligence system which allows the rider to switch between customization ride modes adjusting power delivery. TIROS is also responsible for analyzing and compiling real time consumption, range forecasts and power management for every ride, as well as updating and incorporating new features automatically via cloud connectivity.
Other noteworthy highlights of the new Tork T6X include a 4.3″ TFT display with app connectivity and navigation, an IP67 certified, Lithium Ion battery pack that’s water and dust resistant, a quick charging function where the T6X’s batteries charge up to 80% in one hour, 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tires, a DRL, ABS with CBS, anti-theft, geo-sensing, along with front and rear disc brakes. Tork Motorcycles has already set up six public charging stations in Pune and Lonavala, but aims to have as many as 100 charging stations ready by December 2016 in the three cities where it will be sold initially – Pune, Bangalore, and Delhi – in its first phase of operations. The second phase of operations will see the company venture into Hyderabad and Mumbai.
Sharing his thoughts on their first offering for the Indian market, Mr. Kapil Shelke, Founder & Director, Tork Motors Pvt Ltd said: “Investments in smart technology, our racing pedigree and experience with electric vehicles has enabled us to refine and enhance our overall value proposition with the T6X. T6X drive train has been designed to perfection that will feature 27NM of torque, weighs less than 130 kgs coupled with tailor made components to appeal to the urban design sensibilities while delivering the sheer thrill of driving. Powering the T6X is our signature TIROS intelligence system which will enable the rider to easily switch between customisable ride modes adjusting power delivery. The motorcycle can be tuned anywhere from sporty maverick to comfortable eco-cruiser at the touch of a button. TIROS also updates and incorporates new features automatically via the cloud, making the Tork T6X truly the smartest motorcycle on the road.”
Commenting on the overall market scenario and conducive government policy framework, Mr. Shelke further added, “Government of India’s National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 aims to put seven million electric and hybrid vehicles on Indian roads by 2020. This mission was further complemented by the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme announced in April last year, which will provide Rs.795 crore assistance to electronic vehicle makers till 2020. By 2030, the government is aiming to make India a 100% EV nation. As a result of these policy frameworks, the sales of electric vehicles (EV) grew by nearly 38% in the last financial year. Total EV sales for the fiscal 2015-16 stood at 22,000 units (20,000 two wheelers and 2,000 four-wheelers) as compared to 16,000 EVs sold during 2014-15, according to Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles. In addition to the conducive policy framework firing up growth in the segment, declining lithium ion battery prices that have gone down by approximately 50% over the last 3 years, has enabled us to work upon a competitive price point for T6X. We are looking at selling close to 5,000-10,000 units each year for the first three years.”
Technical Specifications:TorkT6X
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Motor and performance | |
| Motor type | Brushless DC 6kW (peak) |
| Mileage | 100 k.m. per charge |
| Maximum torque | 27 Nm |
| Maximum speed | Engineered for 100 kmph |
| Transmission | Single speed |
| Regerative braking | Yes |
| Battery | |
| Type | Lithium Ion |
| Estimated charging time (80%) | 60 min |
| Battery box | Cast aluminium IP 67 |
| Safety | Advanced battery management system |
| Brake | |
| Front Brake | Disc 267 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc 220 mm |
| Tyre size | |
| Tyre size front | 100/80 -17 |
| Tyre size rear | 120/80 – 17 |
| Tyre type | Tubeless |
| Wheel | |
| Wheel type | Alloy |
| Chassis and suspension | |
| Front suspension | Telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | Spring loaded hydraulic |
| Frame | Custom Trellis |
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Electrical | |
| Battery life | 1,000 cycles |
| Battery capacity | 72 Ah |
| Tail lamp | LED |
| Turn signal lamp | LED |
| Head lamp | 12 V – 35 / 35 W |
| Voltage | 48 V |
| Dimension | |
| Wheel Base | 1,336 mm |
| Length | 1,960 mm |
| Width | 784 mm |
| Height | 1,085 mm |
| Seat height | 785 mm |
| Ground clearance | 160 mm |
| Weight | 130 k.g. |
| Features | |
| Console | Fully digital touch TFT |
| Helmet storage | Yes |
| Mobile charging | Yes |
| GPS and navigation | Yes |
| Mobile app support | Yes |
| Anti-theft | Yes |
| Geo fencing | Yes |
| Daytime running light (DRL) | Yes |