Zapp EV to Appoint Contract Manufacturing Partner for Sales of i300 in India
Zapp Electric Vehicles Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bounce Electric 1 Private to appoint Bounce as its contract manufacturing partner for the i300 electric urban motorcycle in India. This partnership aims to accelerate the homologation and commercial rollout of the i300 in India, one of the largest two-wheeler markets globally. Bounce, backed by Accel, operates a domestic vehicle assembly facility and may assist with distribution. Zapp plans to scale production to a minimum of 5,000 units annually, leveraging an asset-light and capital-efficient model, which allows for rapid scaling without significant capital expenditures. The i300 features removable battery packs that can be charged from any wall socket, positioning it well for India’s market. Zapp aims for first customer deliveries of the i300 in Europe and Thailand by summer 2024.
- Signed memorandum of understanding with Bounce for manufacturing in India.
- Bounce has an existing certified vehicle assembly facility in India.
- Partnership expected to accelerate Zapp’s commercial rollout in India.
- India is one of the largest markets for two-wheelers globally.
- Zapp plans initial production capacity of 5,000 units per year in India.
- i300’s removable battery packs can be charged from any wall socket, eliminating dependency on dedicated charging infrastructure.
- Capital-efficient, asset-light business model allows rapid scaling without significant capital expenditure.
- Zapp aims to achieve positive free cash flow quicker than peers.
- Approval and homologation processes in India may present regulatory challenges.
- Dependence on Bounce for distribution and manufacturing could pose risks if the partnership encounters issues.
- Market penetration in India is highly competitive with established local players.
- Initial production capacity of 5,000 units may be insufficient to meet high demand if the product is successful.
Insights
India, with its burgeoning market for two-wheelers, represents a golden opportunity for Zapp EV to tap into.
Zapp's choice of Bounce as a contract manufacturing partner highlights a strategic move. Bounce's existing domestic vehicle assembly facility ensures a streamlined production process. What stands out is Zapp's approach to tackling India's lack of extensive charging infrastructure by promoting their i300's removable and portable battery packs. This feature is a game-changer, allowing customers to charge their bikes from any wall socket, which could significantly boost adoption rates in urban areas.
By leveraging Bounce's established distribution network, Zapp can potentially scale quickly, gaining a foothold in the Indian market much faster than if they tried to build infrastructure from scratch. This is especially important given India's massive market size and the increasing interest in premium models.
In the short term, this partnership could catalyze Zapp's market penetration and sales growth. Long-term, successfully establishing a presence in India could pave the way for further expansion into similar markets in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Rating: 1 (Positive)
Zapp EV's announcement sheds light on an asset-light, capital-efficient business model which is increasingly common in the tech and EV sectors. By avoiding substantial capital expenditures through contract manufacturing partnerships, Zapp is positioning itself for quicker scalability and positive cash flow.
This strategy is smart given the capital-intensive nature of vehicle production. By using Bounce's existing facilities, Zapp can mitigate risks associated with high upfront investment in manufacturing infrastructure. This will likely appeal to investors looking for companies that can grow without requiring significant capital injections.
Additionally, the targeted annual capacity of
Financially, this partnership could lead to a quicker path to profitability and positive free cash flow, key factors for sustaining investor interest and confidence in the longer term.
Rating: 1 (Positive)
Partnership expected to accelerate homologation and commercial rollout of Zapp’s i300 electric urban motorcycle in one of the largest markets for sales of two-wheelers
LONDON, June 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zapp Electric Vehicles Group Limited (Nasdaq: ZAPP) (“Zapp EV” or the “Company”), owner of “Zapp”, the British electric vehicle brand on a mission to revolutionise personal urban mobility, today announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding and intends to appoint Bounce Electric 1 Private Limited (“Bounce”) as its contract manufacturing partner for sales of the i300 in India. Accel-backed Bounce already operates a domestic vehicle assembly facility and may further assist with distribution of i300 in the country. The parties intend for Bounce to provide the necessary support for homologation in India while Zapp continues working toward commercial rollout and first customer deliveries of the i300 in Europe and Thailand in summer 2024.
Swin Chatsuwan, Founder and CEO of Zapp EV, said: “India is one of the largest markets in the world for sales of two-wheelers and the number of premium models sold there is estimated to be more than four times the number of all models sold in the US. Bounce already operates a certified vehicle assembly facility in India, so this partnership is expected to accelerate Zapp’s commercial rollout in that country. We think the design attributes of i300 make it an excellent solution for personal mobility with India’s growing purchasing power and urban densification. Our plan to scale the business in India from an initial minimum capacity of 5,000 units per year is not dependent on any dedicated charging infrastructure since the i300’s removable and portable battery packs can be charged from any wall socket, making this a huge market opportunity for both companies.”
Zapp utilises an asset-light and capital efficient business model, enabled by its contract manufacturing partnerships, which are expected to provide sufficient capacity to quickly scale production without incurring significant capital expenditures. This capital-efficient financing structure, together with its asset-light production requirements, positions Zapp to achieve positive free cash flow in a shorter time frame compared to other four- and two-wheel electric vehicle peers.
About Zapp EV
Zapp EV (Nasdaq: ZAPP) and its operating subsidiaries are run by a team of experts from the mobility industry, on a mission to redefine the electric two-wheeler segment. Zapp's debut product, the i300, is an urban electric high-performance two-wheeler capable of traditional motorcycle levels of performance in a step-through format, combining ease of use with exhilaration and fun. The i300 is the first in a suite of high-performance electric two-wheelers that Zapp plans to bring to market. Zapp will offer a high-quality direct-to-customer experience known as DSDTC (drop-ship-direct-to-customer). Customers ordering the i300 online will have their bikes conveniently delivered to their home by authorised “Zappers,” who will provide at-home inspection, service and support throughout the vehicle ownership lifecycle. Zapp is a registered trademark of Zapp Electric Vehicles Limited in the United Kingdom and other countries. For more information, visit www.zappev.com.
Zapp Investor Relations Contact:
Mark Kobal
Head of Investor Relations
ir@zappev.com
Zapp Media Relations Contact:
pr@zappev.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (or the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “budget,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but rather are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events and results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this document, including but not limited to various general and specific risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business and finances in general.
Readers should review and carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of Zapp EV's annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-41693), which is incorporated herein by reference, and other documents the Company files with or furnishes to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. These filings identify and address important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements herein. The forward-looking statements herein represent the Company’s views as of the date of this document. Subsequent events and developments may cause these views to change. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements herein, all of which are qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements. Except as required by applicable law, Zapp assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise the forward-looking statements herein, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Zapp does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. The inclusion of any statement in this document does not constitute an admission by Zapp or any other person that the events or circumstances described in any such statements are material.
FAQ
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