The EV space is getting rapidly boomed-up, not just in India, but globally too. The Global Automotive Industries now primarily focus on the electrified version of their existing products as people believe EVs are the future of mobility. While we do have an array of electric cars to choose from, the electric two-wheeler segment is still in its nascent stage. For example, in India, we have some marvellous electric cars like the Hyundai Kona Electric, MG ZS EV, and Tata Nexon Electric. But we have only one electric motorcycle and its the Revolt RV 400. Keeping those options aside, in this article, we will be talking about an exclusive, one of a kind E-bike, and it is the Royal Enfield Photon Electric Motorcycle.
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An Electric Royal Enfield, err what? Yes, it is an electric Royal Enfield motorcycle. The Royal Enfield Photon is essentially a Royal Enfield Bullet that has been stripped-off its petrol engine as well as drivetrain, and instead, it now gets a huge Lithium-ion battery and a hub-mounted electric motor. This Royal Enfield Photon electric motorcycle is a one-off machine that has been developed by Newtown-based Electric Classic Cars, which is famous for converting typical iconic cars to electric power, everything from Porsche 911s to Maseratis to Minis.
Well, looks are subjective and opinions vary according to people's taste, but in general, Royal Enfield Photon is a good looking electric motorcycle. The uber-retro electric motorcycle is finished in a beautiful shade of British Racing Green with neat-looking contrasting gold pinstripes that adorn the fuel-tank and the fenders. The quilted leather seat further enhances its appeal and is finished in tan (brown colour).
The electrified Royal Enfield Photon is powered by a water-cooled, 12kW electric hub motor coupled with a 10kWh air-cooled Lithium-ion battery pack (sourced from LG Chem) and the powertrain churns out 15.6 bhp of power. The power on-paper doesn't seem much but remember in an electric vehicle its the instant surge of torque which really comes handy and the Royal Enfield Photon is said to produce a mind-numbing 300 Nm of torque.
The Royal Enfield Photon is a fast electric motorcycle which maxes out at a top speed of 112 kmph, about the same figure as a regular Bullet 350. It comes with a 7kW charger with a claimed charging time of 90 minutes and a real-world riding range of 130 kilometres in a single charge. The chassis and suspension components of the motorcycle have been carried over from the regular petrol version but the engineers at Electric Classic Cars had to make significant changes to the stock downtube frame to incorporate the electric powertrain.
The Royal Enfield Photon comes across as a thought-provoking proportion for those who love classic motorcycles and want to contribute their bit to make the environment a cleaner and greener place to live in. But the greener Royal Enfield does come at a very hefty price tag. While a regular Royal Enfield in the UK costs about #4,699 (Rs. 4.45 lakhs approx), the Royal Enfield Photon electric motorcycle is priced #20,000, that is around Rs. 19 lakhs, Ex-showroom.
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So, will you pick a whining (sound) electrified Royal Enfield over the regular thump of petrol-powered Classics? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
