A Pune e-mobility startup utilizes Dassault Systemes’ 3DX platform for rapid design and development of an innovative electric two-wheeler, catering to India’s growing last-mile logistics market. They aim to sell a million Qargo F9s in five years.
Pune-based startup Qargos, specializing in e-mobility, introduced its innovative cargo-carrying electric two-wheeler, the F9, at the Dassault Systemes 3DExperience World 2024 exposition in Dallas, Texas, USA, on February 12. The company has identified a significant gap in India’s emerging last-mile logistics sector. According to Qargos, about a quarter of two-wheelers in India used for last-mile delivery face challenges due to a lack of adequate cargo space.
Alok Das, co-founder of Qargos, explained that they recognized this market gap and aimed to offer a customized solution for delivering light cargo safely, conveniently, and swiftly. Das, who has a background in IPR law, started this venture to address the common issue in Indian cities where riders often carry cargo loads on their shoulders while riding two-wheelers to deliver goods or services. The Qargos F9 was developed to solve this problem, with the entire design process completed in less than 24 months.
Utilizing Dassault Systemes’ 3DExperience suite, including Solidworks for design and Simulia for virtual simulation, Qargos developed the F9. The company is currently testing the vehicle with a leading global logistics firm in India and the defence sector. Additionally, Qargos sees potential for the F9 to be used as an ambulance on two wheels, serving as a first-responder vehicle in congested Indian cities.
The F9 features an indigenously designed steel chassis with a closed 120kg-payload capacity cargo compartment in front of the rider’s seat, providing a comfortable riding position. The low centre of gravity from the 6.1kWh fixed Li-ion battery and the 200Nm of torque from the rear-hub-mounted electric motor ensure agility and performance on congested city roads.
Qargos aims to sell a million units of the F9 in less than five years, targeting not only the e-commerce delivery segment but also milk vendors, courier delivery companies, MSMEs, defence, and e-commerce players. The company has received a pre-order for 500 units and is seeking a site in Chakan, near Pune, to set up a 50,000-unit annual capacity assembly plant.
With an estimated price of around Rs 150,000, ex-showroom, Qargos is open to collaborations with players like Zypp Electric, an EV delivery services provider. The company is also exploring overseas markets in Europe, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia for its electric cargo-transporting two-wheeler.
