The Challenge: Product Falling Short of International Standards

VoltRide, an emerging leader in India’s electric two-wheeler market, sought to expand into European and Southeast Asian markets. While successful domestically, its scooters and charging infrastructure faced critical hurdles abroad:

1. Regulatory Gaps

   • European Union safety certifications (UNECE R136 for batteries, R100 for EV safety) were unmet.

   • Vehicles lacked CE marking and homologation approval for entry into EU roads.

2. Battery Safety Concerns

   • Thermal management systems were adequate for Indian climates but underperformed in colder European conditions.

   • Battery range degraded by 22% in testing at sub-zero temperatures.

3. Performance Benchmarking

   • Competitors in Europe offered higher torque and faster charging times.

   • VoltRide scooters lagged in acceleration and charging infrastructure compatibility.

4. Customer Experience Shortcomings

   • User interface was only in English, without localization for multi-language markets.

   • Mobile app connectivity was limited, offering basic metrics without predictive diagnostics.

5. Brand Perception Risks

   • Concerns that entering advanced markets with an unrefined product could damage brand credibility.

The Solution: Prime PI’s Product Evaluation & Improvement Engagement

VoltRide partnered with Prime PI’s Product Evaluation and Improvement team for a 14-month engagement to re-engineer its products for global standards and consumer appeal.

The 5-Step Product Evaluation & Improvement Strategy by Prime PI

1. Comprehensive Product Audit

• Benchmarked VoltRide’s models against top 5 European EV competitors.

• Conducted gap analysis on safety, performance, UX, and compliance.

• Identified 37 areas of improvement across engineering, design, and digital layers.

2. Battery System Redesign

• Introduced advanced thermal management for cold-weather performance.

• Enhanced BMS (Battery Management System) for predictive analytics and safety.

• Improved charging compatibility to support both CCS2 and Type 2 connectors.

3. Safety & Compliance Alignment

• Partnered with European testing labs to secure UNECE certifications.

• Conducted crash and vibration tests to meet EU homologation.

• Integrated fire-resistant casing and thermal cut-off systems.

4. User-Centric Improvements

• Localized dashboards and apps into six European languages.

• Introduced AI-powered mobile app for predictive maintenance, range optimization, and charging station mapping.

• Improved ergonomics based on feedback from test rides in Germany and the Netherlands.

5. Pilot Testing & Iterative Refinement

• Conducted pilot deployments in Finland and Singapore.

• Collected feedback from 1,200 riders, refining suspension, seat design, and infotainment.

• Established a continuous R&D feedback loop integrating user data into product updates.

The Impact: Product Transformed for Global Competitiveness

Key Achievements

• Secured UNECE R100 & R136 certifications within 9 months.

• Improved battery performance by 28% in cold-weather conditions.

• Reduced charging time from 4.5 hours to 2.8 hours.

• Introduced multi-language, AI-enabled rider app with 94% positive feedback.

• Pilot users reported 31% better ride experience compared to earlier models.

Revenue & Business Impact

• Signed distribution agreements in Germany, Finland, and Singapore, worth €65M in the first year.

• Expanded customer base by 42% internationally.

• Brand perception improved: VoltRide was featured in leading European EV expos as an innovative, safety-first EV brand.

• Projected revenues on track to double by FY 2026.

Conclusion: Product Refinement as the Key to Global Expansion

Through Prime PI’s Product Evaluation and Improvement services, VoltRide successfully transformed its scooters from a domestic success to a globally competitive product.

Three critical lessons for EV and mobility companies:

1. Regulatory compliance must be embedded early—not retrofitted during market entry.

2. Product adaptation to climate and user behavior is crucial for credibility abroad.

3. Customer experience goes beyond performance—digital layers and localization drive adoption.

By rigorously evaluating and refining its product, VoltRide is now positioned as a serious contender in the global electric mobility market.