The technology-led OEM will be introducing the ‘HyB’ brand of hybrid electric retrofit cars and aftermarket retrofitment solutions that converts a conventional ICE car into a series-parallel hybrid (xEV) to offer reduction in running costs and pure-electric driving mode, along with fast internal battery charging and optional plug-in charging. The company will also be establishing independent authorised dealerships for retail sales and car care services for the buyers.
Delhi NCR-based Folks Motor, claimed as India’s first hybrid electric retrofit car company, is innovating the Indian EV space with its unique green mobility solutions through the retrofitment of xEV systems in regular petrol/ diesel cars. It is planning to enter the market in FY 2020-21 with ‘HyB’ Cars and ‘HyB’ retrofitment kits for 5 car models in premium hatchback, entry-level sedan and SUV segments, popular among used car buyers and cab fleets to start with. The xEV solutions will be expanded to cover 20 leading car models in various segments in the next 3 years, along with dealer network with an investment of around INR 100-500 Crores raised in the form of equity and debt.
Folks Motor’s product portfolio includes ‘Hyb’ Cars – hybrid electric retrofitted cars (certified new or pre-owned cars with in-house retrofitment); ‘HyB’ Kits – xEV retrofit kits; and ‘HyB’ Care green car care services. Initially the services will be promoted in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Mumbai, and Bangalore regions, promoted under its brand name. The company’s investments will go into technology development and retail marketing, with its proprietary technology platform ‘Hybrid ReGeN Drive’ regenerative braking technology. Key components are sourced from credible tier-1 supplier partners, and independent dealership network are being set-up to establish customer touch points.
The idea of hybrid electric retrofit cars came when we identified an increase in demand for hybrid cars post the pollution scare in cities like Delhi, specifically in pre-owned or used car Space with less supply of such hybrid car models, says Nikhil Khurana, the founder and CEO of Folks Motor. “We thought of mating regular pre-owned cars with retrofit xEV systems that can give both low running costs and automatic driving mode within an existing manual transmission. Thus, making a unique marketing model in the domestic market and redefining green car vehicle solutions”, he adds.
The innovations has been brought around xEV powertrain strategies addressing Indian customer’s value expectations, notes Khurana. The hybrid retrofitment system combines the benefits of both hybrid and EV drive modes, with pure-electric driving enabled on neutral gear within the manual transmission of the car. When driving on default hybrid mode, the batteries get self-charged internally and can be used to drive the car on electric mode for up to 50 Kms depending on the battery size. “So, if a car runs around 12 kmpl on fuel, then it will give 15 kmpl mileage on hybrid, and can be run for minimum 6 km more on the electric mode, giving an overall mileage of 21 kmpl and improving the total mileage by 40-60 per cent”, he claims.
After driving 70-100 kms on default hybrid mode, the batteries would be fullly charged to support 50 kms with zero-emissions. The on-board charger allows plug-in charging as wel in 3-4 hours. “Our authorised dealerships will have significant parking space of 15-20 cars available for our customers to avail fast charging up to 80 percent in less than one hour from DC fast chargers. We are also partnering up with multi-brand service operators, roadside assistance and service providers to setup fast charging solutions at customers doorstep”, says the company’s founder and CEO.
“The Indian EV ecosystem offers humongous opportunities in all vehicle segments but the challenge is to build and offer indigenous technology solutions addressing the customer expectations from a desirable vehicle. vehicle. The narrative needs to be shift from BEV’s to electrified vehicle or electrification, particular in passenger cars segment. Our xEV platforms can play a crucial role by providing both hybrid and electric driving through a generic xEV solution”
Nikhil Khurana, the founder and CEO of Folks Motor.
Folks Motor assures a standard warranty of 2 years or 50,000 kms whichever is earlier for its cars and kits, along with free electric drivetrain maintenance and allied services for its customers. The ‘HyB’ retrofit cars and kit customers will also avail the necessary engine and electric drivetrain servicing under its ‘Green Car Care’ program from its authorised dealership network after every 10,000 kms. The entire program is structured to deliver green car care & servicing solutions which includes lubricants for transmission oils, connector checks, thermal management check for batteries, protection coatings, and non-water based car washing.
