Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler startup Oben Electric recently launched the new Sigma trim of its flagship motorcycle, the Rorr EZ EV. The company says this version emphasizes technological enhancements, safety, and customer-focused features. Speaking to TOI Auto, Madhumita Agrawal, founder and CEO of Oben Electric, said the new variant builds on the company’s R&D-led approach while keeping affordability in view.
“At the heart of our organisation, we are R&D-driven. Any large company with its own technology grows by continually learning from the market, gathering feedback, and bringing something better to the consumer. That is in our DNA,” she explained.
Talking about the product itself, the Sigma trim features a bigger battery pack, but that is only part of it. The most notable upgrade, Madhumita said, is the addition of a five-inch TFT colour display powered by Oben’s in-house operating system.
“This gives us control over the technology and the ability to introduce modern features like built-in navigation, real-time call and message alerts, music, and trip information. It’s not about gimmicks but about improving the rider’s real-time experience,” she noted.
Other updates include a reverse mode and ergonomic refinements. “We have developed a far better seat that is comfortable, suitable for long rides, and promotes good posture for the rider,” she said. On the styling side, Oben has also added a new red colour, which, she stressed, was selected deliberately after “a lot of R&D” into durability and customer appeal.
The Sigma is priced at Rs 1.27 lakh for the 3.4 kWh variant and Rs 1.37 lakh for the 4.4 kWh variant (introductory prices). After the introductory period ends, prices are expected to edge closer to Rs 1.5 lakh. In addition, buyers will receive a one-year complimentary subscription package.
A large part of the conversation focused on Oben’s battery strategy. While much of the industry still relies on NMC chemistry, Oben chose LFP back in 2020.
“The first reason was safety. LFP has about double the heat resistance compared with NMC, making it safer. Second, LFP offers roughly twice the lifecycle: 2,000 cycles versus 1,000 for NMC. Third, LFPs are cheaper since they don’t need sophisticated cooling systems. From a supply-chain perspective, it also reduces dependency, because cobalt mines — 90% of which are controlled by China — aren’t required. And environmentally, LFP is less hazardous and easier to recycle,” she explained.
She added that this suits the Indian EV commuter profile. “Sixty-six percent of customers are below Rs 1.6 lakh, and they travel 30–40 km per day. They are not heading to Ladakh; they are daily commuters. For them, range is not the primary factor. What matters is safety, reliability, cost savings, and a vehicle that also looks good.”
Policy and business strategy
Asked about regulatory challenges, she said policy is broadly supportive but pointed to the GST system as a bottleneck. “Every state has different procedures and timelines for GST registration. We are not earning from GST; it is government money. But delays in these processes slow down sales. It needs to be streamlined into a seamless central system.”
While battery-as-a-service (BaaS) is widely discussed in the EV sector, Madhumita said Oben Electric is in no rush to adopt it. “Battery-as-a-service is a model we will certainly watch. If people start making money and it proves sustainable, then we will consider it. For us, it’s not a pressing issue because we have everything in-house. We can switch anytime if it makes sense for consumers and for the business.”
So for now, the company is monitoring the market and is prepared to adapt to whatever benefits the business and customers over time. On the broader EV motorcycle market, she said, “The next wave is definitely motorcycles. They took time because the product is complex, and the consumer won’t compromise on experience. But now the market is opening up.”
Auto and lifestyle writer who loves simplifying complex topics into easy-to-understand insights.
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