Adelaide-based e-bike company TAV Systems is set to expand its distribution throughout India, thanks to a deal struck with GoFree Cycles at a launch event at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi last week.
TAV Systems was founded in 2020 by Indian-Australians Nithesh Pushparaj, Velmurugan Selvaraju and Manimaran Ganesan at Flinders University’s New Venture Institute (NVI), where they designed the innovative powertrain technology that powers the startup’s e-bikes.
Following initial seed funding from the South Australian Government, in 2022 TAV Systems also became incorporated in India where it set up its first production facility. That year it secured an additional $1 million in funding from India’s Savaliya Group, and it delivered the first order to a customer in March 2023.
Despite TAV Systems’ focus on India, the company maintains its headquarters in the Adelaide suburb of Clarence Gardens and plans to establish a state-of-the-art, automated, and Industry 4.0-compliant frame manufacturing facility in South Australia, potentially creating more than 50 local jobs.
TAV’s latest ‘Scrambike’ will be available for retail purchases in India from 15 February, and it plans to bring the new product to Australia during the second quarter of this year.
With a top speed of 25km/h and a range of 80km on a single charge, the Scrambike is expected to make a dent in India, which is the largest bike market in the world, driven by strong demand for affordable, sustainable and practical transportation.
With rising pollution levels in urban cities including New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, electric bikes can help reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and promote green mobility.
“The South Australian Government has been a great supporter of TAV’s initiatives, which aim to connect with both local and international partners, including the Indian Government,” says co-founder and CEO, Nithesh Pushparaj.
“We’re excited to have signed this distributorship agreement, which will allow us to expand our operations and get a better foothold in the Indian market.
“With McKinsey projecting the global micromobility industry to reach $340 billion by 2030, and the future of transportation in metro cities being shaped by this sector, TAV is well-positioned to leverage our Australian and Indian partnership to disrupt and capitalise on this opportunity.”
Pushparaj adds that in addition to the Scrambike project, TAV is actively engaged in collaborative research with Australian universities.
“The expertise and technology developed through these initiatives have the potential to extend beyond the e-bike sector, with possible applications in high-efficiency motors for diverse fields such as aviation, industrial, defence, robotics, and medical devices within the Australian market,” he says.
The signing is the second in India for the local company, forming an agreement in September 2024 facilitated by the South Australian Government’s trade and investment teams at home and in-country.
SA Trade and Investment Minister Joe Szakacs, leading a South Australian trade mission to the UAE and India, was present for the unveiling and signing.
“TAV Systems’ expansion in India further solidifies South Australia’s reputation as a leader in green technology and innovation,” says Minister Szakacs.
“The company’s expansion in this exciting, growing market opens significant opportunities for South Australia, allowing us to harness local expertise and green technology capabilities to meet India’s booming two-wheeler delivery market.
“TAV Systems’ new agreement with GoFree Cycles highlights the growing economic and trade ties between South Australia and India, creating new dialogue for technology exchange, joint ventures and skill development.”