In the bustling tech hub of Bangalore, two aerospace engineers made a bold decision in 2016 that would challenge global perceptions of Indian innovation. Narayan Subramaniam and Niraj Rajmohan founded Ultraviolette Automotive with a clear vision: they refused to build yet another basic commuter electric scooter dominating India’s streets. Instead, they set out to create a high-performance electric sportbike that could stand toe-to-toe with the world’s best gasoline-powered machines.
The result was the Ultraviolette F77, first launched in India in 2022. This wasn’t a modest entry-level EV—it was a sleek, aggressive superbike-inspired machine designed for thrill-seekers. With a permanent magnet AC motor delivering peak power equivalent to around 40 horsepower and a massive 100 Nm of instant torque, the F77 could sprint from 0-60 km/h in under three seconds and reach a top speed exceeding 150 km/h. Its 10.3 kWh battery pack offered a real-world range of over 300 km in city conditions, bolstered by advanced features like regenerative braking, multiple ride modes, and a full-color TFT dashboard with connectivity.
What truly set the F77 apart was its engineering pedigree. Drawing from aerospace principles, the bike featured a lightweight steel trellis frame, upside-down forks, and a monoshock rear suspension tuned for sharp handling. It incorporated smart tech such as traction control, ABS, and even over-the-air updates—features rare in the electric two-wheeler space at the time.
By 2024-2025, Ultraviolette turned its sights overseas, beginning with Europe—a market long dominated by established players like Italy’s Energica and America’s Zero Motorcycles. The updated F77 Mach 2 and SuperStreet variants entered countries including the Netherlands, Germany, France, the UK, Spain, and Portugal. Priced around €8,000-€9,000 (significantly higher than in India due to import duties), these bikes were exported as completely built units from the Bangalore factory.
The reception? European reviewers and riders were stunned. Publications praised its explosive acceleration, precise handling, and premium build quality, often comparing it favorably to entry-level gasoline sportbikes from brands like Ducati or Yamaha. One Dutch reviewer called it surprisingly “light” and agile, while others highlighted how it shattered stereotypes about emerging-market EVs being underpowered or cheaply made. In a continent skeptical of non-European electric motorcycles, the F77 proved that India could deliver cutting-edge performance without compromise.
This success underscores a broader shift: India’s growing expertise in electric vehicle technology. Ultraviolette’s achievement isn’t just about one motorcycle—it’s a statement that Indian startups can disrupt global markets traditionally ruled by Europe and the US. As the company plans further expansions and new models, the F77 has already etched its name as the electric bike that forced Europe to take notice of India’s rising prowess in high-performance mobility.
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