Internationally, we have seen high-voltage electric motorcycles, but they are priced at a premium. Raptee.HV is a Chennai-based startup company that has incorporated this technology into its first electric motorcycle. We got to spend a day with the T30, covering around 60 kilometres to bring you our first impressions.
Raptee HV T30 review: Advantages of High Voltage architecture
Unlike the low-voltage scooters and motorcycles currently on sale in India, the T30 operates on a high-voltage system.
There are a number of advantages to this technology, but it also has its challenges, one of them being the cost. Priced at Rs 2.40 lakh (ex-showroom), this makes it one of the most accessible high-voltage electric motorcycles. Dinesh Arjun, the CEO of Raptee, explained that the high-voltage system allows the powertrain to generate much less heat, around 25 times less than a typical low-voltage system with the same output. This means that the motor, cables, and controller can be smaller, lighter, and more efficient.
Another major benefit is charging compatibility. The T30 can use CCS2 connectors, meaning the same cable that charges an electric car can be used here. The company claims that motorcycles can charge from 20 to 80 percent in just 36 minutes at a DC fast charger, while a home charge using the onboard charger takes just over an hour.
Safety is a big concern with high-voltage systems, and Raptee says that this system is designed so that the high-voltage battery remains isolated when the bike is not in use, and in case of any leakage detection, the bike immediately shuts off power.
The T30 also uses a belt-drive system instead of a chain, reducing maintenance significantly. Raptee claims the special rubber compound used here lasts around 40,000 km and requires minimal adjustment, adding to the ownership convenience.
Raptee HV T30 review: Design & Build Quality – 6/10
The T30 has a sharp, urban roadster-like appearance — a mix between a modern naked streetfighter and an urban roadster.
The front end features an LED headlamp with distinctive DRLs, while the tail section looks sporty with split seats and practical grab rails.
The overall design feels youthful yet balanced enough to appeal to mature riders. The build quality has room for improvement and is what you would expect from a start-up that has just made its first motorcycle. There are a few visible panel gaps and finish inconsistencies, particularly near the charging port and rear grab rails, and this is something that will hopefully improve with time.
The T30 comes in two variants: the T30 and the T30 Sport. Both share the same mechanical setup but differ slightly in design. The Sport variant features a cleaner tail section with the number plate and indicators mounted on the tyre hugger. Both variants are available in black and white, with the standard T30 getting a grey option, and the Sport offered in red.
Raptee HV T30 review: Ergonomics – 9/10
Comfortable enough for daily commutes.
At 5’7”, I could comfortably flat-foot the bike (790mm seat height) with a slight forward lean to the handlebars. Taller riders will find a more upright riding position. The seat cushioning is good and remained comfortable even after a 55-60 km ride.
However, after extended riding, I did feel a slight strain in the upper back due to the slightly sporty reach. The foot pegs are rear-set in a sporty manner. Overall, the ergonomics will be good for daily commuting.
Raptee HV T30 review: Performance – 8/10
Powering the T30 is a 5.4 kWh battery pack, paired with a motor producing 29.5hp, and the torque is rated at 70 Nm.
The bike has three riding modes, including Comfort, Power, and Sprint. Comfort mode acts like an Eco mode, limited to about 65 km/h, but the acceleration feels excessively dull and is best reserved for situations without fast-moving traffic. Power mode and Sprint mode, on the other hand, unleash the T30’s true performance.
In Power mode, the bike reaches around 100kph, while Sprint mode claims a top speed of 135 km/h. During our test, we achieved an indicated 133 km/h, which is good for an electric motorcycle in this price range. Acceleration in the higher modes is strong and smooth, and the accelerator response is well calibrated.
Raptee HV T30 review: Range – 5/10
Usable real world range could have been higher.
The claimed riding range is 150 km in Comfort, 100 km in Power, and 80 km in Sprint. However, in real-world conditions, using a mix of Power and Sprint most of the time, I managed about 55-60 km before the charge dropped to 25 percent. Once the battery reaches the 25 percent mark, the bike automatically switches to Comfort mode, significantly reducing performance until you find a charging station. This means for typical city usage of around 30 km a day, you’ll likely need to charge it every two days.
Raptee HV T30 review: Charging – 10/10
The only Indian electric motorcycle to get CCS2 car charging compatibility.
Charging is one of the T30’s standout highlights. Thanks to its CCS2 compatibility, you can plug it into any car charging station. A 20–80 percent charge takes just 36 minutes using DC fast charging. The onboard charger, on the other hand can charge the bike from 20–80 percent in about an hour using a standard socket.
Raptee HV T30 review: Handling, Ride Quality, & Braking – 6/10
Good straight line stability, but cornering abilities can be improved.
The T30 weighs 177 kg, which isn’t heavy for an EV, but the weight is very noticeable when you’re maneuvering it at low speeds. The steel trellis frame provides great stability in a straight line, but cornering requires effort. The steering feels a bit heavy, and the bike does not feel natural while tipping it into a corner.
The bike rides on MRF tyres, which offer adequate grip for the performance levels. A USD front fork and a monoshock at the rear handle suspension duties. The setup feels slightly firm, and like it is trying to cope with a heavy bike. It glides over small bumps and undulations, but larger potholes and speedbreakers transmit a jolt that the thin seat doesn’t do much to absorb, so you’ll want to slow down on rough roads.
Braking is handled by discs at both ends, operated via levers on the handlebars. The braking performance is decent, though the initial bite is missing, and then the power comes in sharply, which may feel abrupt until you get used to it. The ABS calibration can also be improved as there’s noticeable intrusion under hard/emergency braking.
Raptee HV T30 review: Features – 8/10
Ample features and more to come in the future with OTA updates.
The Raptee T30 comes with a 7-inch TFT touchscreen that displays key ride information clearly. While the font size could have been slightly larger for better readability, the UI is fluid and responsive. It also includes turn-by-turn navigation powered by open-source maps integrated with Raptee’s custom interface.
The motorcycle also features keyless ignition, part of the standard package, and the switchgear even includes a cruise control button, though this feature is still under development. Considering it has been left on the bike, it will likely receive the feature as an OTA update in the future.
Raptee HV T30 review: Verdict – 6/10
The Raptee T30 brings high-voltage architecture, car-level charging compatibility, and good performance into a segment dominated by low-voltage EVs.
Priced at ₹2.39 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s significantly more affordable than any international electric motorcycle offering similar tech. The CCS2-compatible fast charging tech has genuine appeal, but with the limited real-world range means that the T30 faces an uphill challenge, especially at this price. Additionally, build quality and handling can be worked on. Nevertheless, for Raptee’s first-ever product, the T30 is a promising glimpse at what to expect from the company in the future. Bookings are currently open in Chennai and Bangalore, with plans to expand to Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi soon.
