The O100 (pronounced O-Hundred) is not just another EV announcement—it’s a strategic leap. Designed and built entirely in-house at Oben’s Bengaluru R&D center, the O100 platform targets the 100cc motorcycle equivalent segment—an area that forms nearly 30% of India’s massive two-wheeler market.
Unlike most electric startups focusing on premium niches, Oben is setting its sights on India’s backbone of mobility—the daily commuter. Priced under ₹1 lakh, motorcycles built on the O100 will compete directly with petrol-powered commuter bikes that currently dominate small towns, urban corridors, and last-mile delivery segments.
But affordability doesn’t come at the cost of innovation.
Engineering That Reflects Real-World Needs
Founder & CEO Madhumita Agrawal sums up the ethos behind O100 best:
“We design and build with intent—to solve real-world mobility challenges.”
That intent is visible in every detail of the O100. It’s a modular, scalable, and future-ready platform:
- Built on Oben’s proprietary LFP battery technology, known for its longer lifecycle, superior thermal safety, and affordability.
- Core components like motor, Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), and chargers are all developed and manufactured in-house—a rare feat in India’s EV space, enabling complete vertical integration.
- Supports multiple variants and battery sizes, allowing Oben to cater to different commuter profiles and price points.
- Future-proof design enables easy upgrades with upcoming tech or infrastructure developments (like swappable batteries or V2G).
In short, the O100 is built not just for 2025, but for the decade ahead.
Scaling for Bharat: From Urban Hubs to Rural Roads
Oben’s strategy is clear: expand reach and reduce entry barriers. With the O100-based motorcycles, the brand is moving aggressively into Tier 1 Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where the real volume and growth lie.
Oben already plans to cross 100+ dealerships by the end of 2025, and this platform could multiply dealership sales potential, thanks to the demand for affordable daily-use motorcycles. The focus is on creating a highly optimized, profitable retail network with strong return on investment (ROI) for dealers.
Where premium EVs are still finding their footing in rural India, Oben wants to normalize electric motorcycles as a default choice for utility-first users—farmers, delivery executives, college students, and working professionals alike.
From ARX to O100: Building on Proven DNA
Oben’s first platform, ARX, powered the Oben Rorr and Rorr EZ—performance-centric electric motorcycles that carved a niche in the premium commuter space. With high performance, bold design, and Oben’s advanced LFP battery tech, the Rorr series set a strong engineering benchmark.
Now, O100 takes that legacy and applies it to a new mission: affordability, scale, and reliability.
It’s not a watered-down version of the ARX—it’s purpose-built from the ground up for the high-volume, high-utility needs of India’s largest customer base.
The Road Ahead: Launch in Late 2025
Motorcycles based on the O100 platform are set to launch in the latter half of 2025. They’re expected to offer:
- Competitive pricing under ₹1 lakh
- Practical range and performance for city and semi-urban use
- Built-in compatibility for future tech upgrades
- Rugged build quality for Indian roads and riding habits
In many ways, O100 could do for electric motorcycles what 100cc bikes did for petrol motorcycles in the early 2000s—make personal mobility accessible, reliable, and aspirational.
Conclusion: A Gamechanger for India’s EV Journey
The launch of the O100 platform signals a pivotal moment in India’s EV transition. While many players talk about future readiness, Oben is executing it—with technology built in India, for India.
With the right mix of price, performance, and platform flexibility, Oben Electric could unlock the next phase of EV adoption—not just in smart cities, but across small towns, highways, and villages.
If the Rorr showed us what Oben is capable of, O100 will show us what the future of Indian commuting looks like. And this time, it’s electric, scalable, and 100% local.