EVs

Indian EV manufacturer gets $40M from Yamaha Motors

February 8, 2024
Image from River

Say hey to River! This Indian electric vehicle (EV) maker manufactures electric two-wheelers. Now, they just raised $40M in an all-equity Series B round. 

  • Founded in 2021, they’ve delivered nearly 200 units since launching sales in October last year!

Investor check. Yamaha Motors led the round while existing investors like Al-Futtaim Automotive, Lowercarbon Capital, Toyota Ventures, Trucks VC, and Maniv Mobility also joined in.

  • River will leverage the partnership with Yamaha Motors to advance its design and technology capabilities. 

🚦 All about Indie

River describes its flagship scooter product, Indie, as the “SUV of scooters”. 

  • Why? For one, their EV is roomier than their competitors, like Ola Electric and Ather Energy.
  • While both competitors’ EVs have a 12-inch wheelbase and storage with capacity for single helmets, River’s EV has a 14-inch wheelbase and 43-liter storage that can hold two helmets.

Some other features. The scooter’s front foot peg allows riders to put their feet up during rides for comfort!

  • You can also attach a floor cage in case you need to store and transport goods or clip pannier boxes on your EV for extra storage. 

🛵 The growth plan

They’re going to double down on R&D and expand the market presence of their EV two-wheelers in India.

The company also plans to increase sales to 3K units a month by the end of the year.

  • To do this, they’re looking to establish a distributor network that will eventually handle 90% of its sales. 

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