Electric two-wheeler manufacturing company Okinawa Autotech and Tacita, an Italian manufacturer of electric and performance motorcycles signed a joint venture on 18 May 2022 for manufacturing electric two-wheelers and powertrains. The new company, born from the joint venture, will be based in India and will begin production in India in 2023.
Leveraging Tacita’s capabilities, the bikes would go into production early next year at the second facility of Okinawa in Rajasthan, a company statement said.
In this venture, Okinawa will provide the local development of the future product & its production line while Tacita will provide the powertrain – controller, motor, battery packs and BMS. The main purpose of the new Joint Venture is to pursue, for both companies, the goal of lowering the use of fossil fuels, as well as striving to be a top player globally in the electric two-wheelers segment, stated a media release.
Jeetender Sharma, MD & Founder, Okinawa Autotech, said, “Tacita’s mission is aligned with ours towards creating a sustainable future. We envisage the collaboration to create a synergy effect that will accelerate our commitment to electric mobility. There is a steady and conscious shift in consumer preferences and we have witnessed a growing demand for premium and performance electric motorcycles in India. Tacita will help us in creating a marketplace that matches the demand for futuristic technology and products. Their advanced & futuristic technology will also further broaden and strengthen our existing product range.”
The JV will consist of two product lines: scooters and motorcycles, however, both the lines are for the domestic and international markets. Equipped with Okinawa technology, the 2023 range will include a scooter and a high-end performance motorcycle, the release added.
Speaking on the partnership, Pierpaolo Rigo, Managing Director, Tacita, mentioned, “The leadership team of Okinawa Autotech has a rich on-ground experience and knowledge about the market, competition, and customer behaviour. We are happy to provide our expertise in the premium EV bike segment to launch a top-end line of bikes. Our team along with Okinawa Engineers is dedicated to R&D to introduce unique product propositions that define the future.”
During 2022 and going up to the first half of 2023, the JV will focus on design, development, patenting and finally the tests on the road. The design will be developed in Italy at the Tactia headquarters with Okinawa’s technicians and the Italian team for the development of the powertrain, battery packs and BMS.
Road tests will be carried out both in India & Italy in all weather conditions. Part of the tests should include an inaugural voyage from Okinawa headquarters in India to the Tacita headquarters in Italy, the company said.
