In the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles, a groundbreaking contender has emerged that promises to redefine urban transportation. The Robin electric car, developed by innovative startup Wings EV, is making waves in the industry with its unique design, advanced technology, and affordable price point.
This compact electric vehicle ingeniously combines the agility of a motorcycle with the comfort and safety of a car, offering a novel solution to the transportation challenges faced by city dwellers. Let’s explore what makes the Robin electric car a potential game-changer in the realm of micro-mobility.
The Birth of the Robin Electric Car
Wings EV, a VC-funded electric vehicle startup based in Indore and Bengaluru, has been diligently working since 2018 to bring their vision of the ideal city vehicle to fruition. Their efforts culminated in the unveiling of the Robin electric car at the prestigious Micromobility Europe conference in Amsterdam on June 8th and 9th, 2023. The Robin didn’t merely make an appearance; it captivated the audience and emerged victorious, winning the best-in-category award for “NEVs, Mopeds and Bikes.”
This esteemed recognition, bestowed by Micromobility Industries, a global platform championing small vehicles, has thrust the Robin electric car into the spotlight as a serious contender in the urban mobility space. The award serves as a testament to the innovative design and potential impact of the Robin on city transportation.
The Team Behind the Robin Electric Car
The success of the Robin electric car is a testament to the vision and hard work of the Wings EV team. With a shared commitment to revolutionizing personal mobility, their experts are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of microcars.
Pranav Dandekar – CEO and Co-founder
Pranav is an engineer and entrepreneur with a rich background in innovation. He spent 17 years in Silicon Valley before returning to India to build the future of personal mobility. His experience in the tech industry has been instrumental in shaping the vision and strategy of Wings EV.
Prakash W. Dandekar – CTO and Co-founder
Prakash is an electrical engineer and an embedded systems expert. With a deep background spanning four decades, he has built IoT systems in industrial, agritech, and automotive domains. His extensive experience is crucial in developing the cutting-edge technology that powers the Robin electric car.
Robin Electric Car: Design and Features
Compact Yet Comfortable
The Robin electric car is an engineering marvel, meticulously designed to address the specific challenges of urban transportation. Here are some key features that set it apart:
- Size: With dimensions of 2217 x 917 x 1560 mm, the Robin can effortlessly navigate through congested city streets.
- Seating: Despite its compact size, the Robin comfortably accommodates two people – one in front and one in the rear.
- Doors: The vehicle features four doors for easy access.
- Fully Enclosed: Unlike a motorcycle, the Robin offers complete protection from the elements.
- Ground Clearance: With 160mm of ground clearance, it can handle typical urban road conditions.
Performance Specs of the Robin Electric Car
The Robin electric car isn’t just about compact design; it delivers impressive performance as well:
- Top Speed: 60 kmph, ideal for city driving
- Gradeability: Can handle inclines up to 10 degrees
- Acceleration: 0-40 kmph in 5 seconds
- Range: 90 kilometers on a single charge under regular city driving conditions (for s and x variants)
- Weight Distribution: 47/53 (Front Axle Weight/Rear Axle Weight) for optimal stability
The Technology Behind the Robin Electric Car
Advanced Battery Technology
The Robin electric car utilizes a patented 5.6 KWh LFP (Lithium Ferrous Phosphate) battery pack, which is a technological marvel:
- It’s the world’s thinnest automotive battery pack
- The LFP chemistry offers superior thermal stability, making it ideal for hot Indian conditions
- Charging time is approximately 5 hours using a 1.8 KW onboard charger and a standard 15A power socket
Innovative Drive System
The Robin electric car employs cutting-edge drive-by-wire technology:
- Two BLDC hub motors with a combined rated power of 6 KW
- Maximum torque of 362 Nm
- This technology, similar to that used in modern aircraft, enables better stability, reliability, and responsiveness
- Single-speed automatic transmission
- Regenerative braking for improved energy efficiency
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority in the Robin electric car:
- High-strength steel rollcage
- Passed frontal crash tests
- Seat belts for both driver and passenger
- 16 temperature sensors around the vehicle for thermal monitoring
- Audio alerts to notify the driver of safety violations (available in the x variant)
Robin Electric Car: A Solution to Urban Congestion
Combining the Best of Two Worlds
The Robin electric car is designed to offer the perfect balance between a motorcycle’s agility and a car’s comfort. This unique combination makes it an ideal solution for urban environments where traffic congestion is a significant issue.
Ease of Use
With its fully automatic operation and compact size, the Robin electric car is incredibly user-friendly. It’s perfect for:
- Daily commutes
- Running errands in the city
- Short trips where a full-sized car might be cumbersome
The Market Impact of the Robin Electric Car
Affordability and Variants
One of the most striking aspects of the Robin electric car is its competitive pricing strategy. The vehicle is available in three variants, catering to different needs and budgets:
- e Variant:
- Introductory Price: ₹1,99,000 (Ex-Showroom)
- Kerb Weight: 486 kg
- Range: 65 km per charge
- No air conditioning
- s Variant:
- Introductory Price: ₹2,49,000 (Ex-Showroom)
- Kerb Weight: 501 kg
- Range: 90 km per charge
- Equipped with a blower
- x Variant:
- Introductory Price: ₹2,99,000 (Ex-Showroom)
- Kerb Weight: 501 kg
- Range: 90 km per charge
- Full air conditioning
- Includes Safety Alerts™ feature
| Features | e Variant | s Variant | x Variant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kerb weight (kg) | 486 | 501 | 501 |
| Actual range (km per charge) | 65 | 90 | 90 |
| Charging time (hours) | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Air conditioning | None | Blower only | AC |
| Safety alerts™ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Introductory Price (Ex-Showroom) | ₹1,99,000 | ₹2,49,000 | ₹2,99,000 |
All variants share the same charging time of 5 hours. The pricing strategy puts the Robin in direct competition with high-end motorcycles and scooters, offering a compelling alternative for those seeking more comfort and safety.
The Future of Urban Mobility: Robin Electric Car Leading the Way
Addressing City-Specific Challenges
The development of the Robin electric car wasn’t just about creating another electric vehicle. Wings EV conducted extensive market research across six Indian cities to understand the specific mobility needs and challenges faced by urban dwellers. The result is a vehicle that addresses:
- Safety concerns associated with two-wheelers
- Difficulties in driving and parking full-sized cars in congested cities
- The need for an eco-friendly and cost-effective transportation solution
Regulatory Compliance
The Robin electric car is classified as a quadricycle (L7), which means:
- It requires registration and a car driving license to operate
- It has passed all necessary L7 homologation tests, including safety assessments like the full-frontal crash test
This classification ensures that the Robin meets all necessary safety and regulatory standards while still maintaining its unique position in the market.
Manufacturing and Availability
Wings EV is gearing up for production and is in the process of setting up a manufacturing facility in Indore. The company has already launched its website to accept pre-orders, with deliveries expected to commence in the near future.
Robin Electric Car: Impact on Urban Mobility
The introduction of the Robin electric car could have far-reaching implications for urban mobility:
- Reduced Traffic Congestion: Its small size allows for easier navigation through busy streets.
- Improved Parking Situation: The ability to park in smaller spaces could alleviate parking scarcity in cities.
- Increased Electric Vehicle Adoption: The affordable price point could encourage more people to switch to electric vehicles.
- Enhanced Urban Air Quality: As a zero-emission vehicle, widespread adoption of the Robin could contribute to cleaner city air.
- Improved Safety: The enclosed design offers more protection than two-wheelers, potentially reducing accident rates.
Technical Specifications
For those interested in the detailed technical aspects of the Robin electric car, here’s a comprehensive breakdown:
Vehicle Specifications
- Vehicle Category: L7
- Registration and Driver License: Required
- Wheels: 4
- Seating Capacity: 2 (one in front, one in the rear)
- Doors: 4
- Dimensions: 2217 x 917 x 1560 mm
- Kerb Weight: 480 kg (e variant), 501 kg (s and x variants)
- Ground Clearance: 160 mm
- Weight Distribution (FAW/RAW): 47/53
- Tires: 120/80-R12
Safety Features
- Rollcage Material: High strength steel
- Frontal Crash Test: Passed
- Seat Belts: Both driver & passenger
- Thermal Monitoring: 16 temperature sensors around the vehicle
- Audio Alerts: Alert driver to safety violations (x variant only)
Powertrain
- Rated Power: 6 KW
- Max Torque: 362 Nm
- Motor Type: BLDC hub motors
- Regenerative Braking: Yes
- Transmission Type: Single speed automatic
Performance
- Top Speed: 60 kmph
- Gradeability: 10 degrees
- Acceleration: 0-40 kmph in 5 seconds
- Range: 65 km per charge (e variant), 90 km per charge (s and x variants)
Battery and Charging
- Capacity: 5.6 KWh
- Cell Type: LFP (Lithium Ferrous Phosphate)
- Charger: 1.8 KW, onboard
- Charging Time: 4.5 hours
- Charging Point: 15A power socket
Challenges and Future Prospects
While the Robin electric car presents an innovative solution to urban mobility, it may face some challenges:
- Consumer Acceptance: The unique form factor might take time for consumers to embrace.
- Regulatory Environment: As a new category of vehicle, it may face regulatory hurdles in some regions.
- Charging Infrastructure: While it can charge from a standard socket, the availability of public charging points could affect adoption.
- Competition: As the market for small electric vehicles grows, the Robin may face increased competition.
Despite these challenges, the future looks promising for the Robin electric car. Its innovative design, affordability, and focus on solving real urban mobility issues position it well to make a significant impact on how people move around in cities.
The Vision of Wings EV
Pranav Dandekar, CEO and Co-founder of Wings EV, expressed his excitement about the company’s mission:
“At Wings EV, we are committed to solving the traffic congestion problem in our cities through deep, user-centered design and innovation. It is a great honour to receive this prestigious award for our first product, Robin. Winning the best-in-category award at Micromobility Europe gives us a great impetus to work on more groundbreaking mobility products for the Indian market.”
This statement underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and their focus on addressing real-world urban mobility challenges. The team at Wings EV envisions a future where urban transportation is not only efficient and eco-friendly but also accessible to a wider segment of the population.
What is the price range of the Robin electric car?
The Robin electric car is available in three variants, priced between ₹1,99,000 and ₹2,99,000 (Ex-Showroom).
What are the key differences between the Robin electric car variants?
The main differences are in range, air conditioning, and safety features. The ‘e’ variant has no AC and shorter range, the ‘s’ has a blower, and the ‘x’ has full AC and Safety alerts.
How long does it take to charge the Robin electric car?
All variants of the Robin electric car take about 5 hours to fully charge using a standard 15A power socket.
Do I need a special license to drive the Robin electric car?
Yes, you need a car driving license to operate the Robin electric car, as it’s classified as a quadricycle (L7 category).
How far can the Robin electric car travel on a single charge?
The Robin electric car offers a range of 65 km per charge for the ‘e’ variant and 90 km per charge for the ‘s’ and ‘x’ variants.
Conclusion
The Robin electric car represents a bold step forward in the world of urban transportation. By ingeniously combining the best aspects of motorcycles and cars, Wings EV has created a vehicle that’s perfectly suited to the challenges of modern city life. Its compact size, affordable price point, and innovative features make it a compelling option for urban dwellers looking for an efficient, eco-friendly mode of transport.
As cities around the world grapple with issues of congestion and pollution, solutions like the Robin electric car offer a glimpse into a more sustainable future. The vehicle’s unique design, coupled with its advanced technology and safety features, positions it as a potential game-changer in the urban mobility landscape.
We’re excited to see how this unique vehicle will shape the future of transportation in cities across India and potentially beyond. The Robin electric car is not just a new product; it’s a vision of what urban mobility could look like – efficient, environmentally friendly, and accessible to all.
What are your thoughts on the Robin electric car? Do you think it could be the solution to your city’s transportation woes? We’d love to hear your opinions in the comments below!
