An iconic product from India’s two-wheeled past is set to roll out soon in an electric avatar – the electric Kinetic Luna – from the Pune-based Kinetic Engineering Ltd (KEL), which also had another category creator in the Kinetic Honda. Cognisant of the speedy growth of the electric two-wheeler market in India, KEL is targeting the last-mile delivery segment with the E-Luna, among other usage patterns.
Electric Kinetic Luna: details
Kinetic Engineering has commenced production of chassis and other assemblies for the E-Luna, which is to be launched soon by sister company Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions. KEL has developed all the major subassemblies for the E-Luna including the main chassis, main stand, side-stand and swingarm and has set up a dedicated production line with an initial capacity of 5,000 sets a month.
Kinetic Green, which is headed by Sulajja Firodia Motwani, launched two electric two-wheelers in 2021. In September this year, the company launched the Kinetic Zing High Speed Scooter, claimed to have a top speed of 60kph and range of 125km per charge. It is priced at Rs 85,000 (ex-showroom, India) inclusive of the FAME-II subsidy.
A brand-new line of over 30 welding machines has been set up for welding these critical and other parts at the company’s Ahmednagar plant, which will also undertake full finishing and painting operations. KEL states that it invested over Rs 3 crore in upgrading its paint shop, press and fabrication shops. The parts for the E-Luna are expected to add significantly – estimated at Rs 30 crore annually – to KEL’s topline, beginning first quarter 2023.
Kinetic Luna: a brief history
Fifty years ago, Kinetic Engineering had launched the Luna, priced at Rs 2,000. It soon became the most efficient, affordable and convenient transportation solution to India. At its peak, KEl saw sales of 2,000 Lunas a day and commanded a 95 percent market share in the moped category. It is estimated the Luna cumulative sold about 10 million units before it exited the Indian market.