Innovation begins with simple ideas. Curious how a basic bicycle can become an electric vehicle? Dhruv Vidyut’s retrofit kit is quietly leading this transformation.
The startup, based in Nazafgarh, Delhi, has developed a conversion kit that targets rural areas. Established in 2022 by its founder Gursaurabh Singh, Dhruv Vidyut Pvt Ltd is envisioned as a new direction or guiding light for electric vehicles. The company has developed DVECK, a retrofit kit that can convert any pedal-driven vehicle, such as a bicycle, into an electric-powered one without requiring modifications. Additionally, the company has two co-founders, Ritu Raj Singh and Simranjeet Singh.
The startup claims to manufacture everything in-house. “Our goal is to ensure our product is made in India, so we handle all design and manufacturing internally. This gives us control over quality, design, and pricing. Managing our design process also allows us to consider manufacturing methods, making our product more cost-effective and scalable,” explains Gursaurabh.
The kit features waterproof, fireproof, and rustproof components, along with USB charging capability. It supports up to 170kg and includes location tracking and battery monitoring. In essence, it boosts a bicycle’s functionality, acting as a generator when pedalled.
After 26 design iterations, DVECK has significantly evolved, with each change aligning with practical needs. “Our guiding principle was ‘form over function,’ and the front design draws inspiration from vintage radios, evoking a sense of nostalgia,” says Gursaurabh.
Their New Delhi manufacturing facility is equipped with machinery like VMCs, CNC machines, laser cutters, manual lathes, and welding setups, operated by a team of 10-15 employees.
They have partnered with logistics companies for deliveries. The kits come in two variants, priced at ₹10,000 and ₹13,999, differing only in battery capacity and range. The 6AH battery covers 18 to 20km, while the 12AH battery offers 36 to 40km. The startup also provides after-sales services and claims to have invested approximately ₹17.2 million in research and development so far.
Most of their orders come from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, with a current monthly sales figure of over 1500 units. The company aims to increase this to 8500 units by year-end. The team consists of 20 members, both permanent and contractual staff.
Gursaurabh mentions that finding mechanical engineers and R&D resources has been challenging. Despite initial struggles in marketing, the startup has capitalised on its global popularity across social media platforms to overcome these hurdles.
The startup plans to expand its manufacturing operations and scale up to sell millions of units monthly.
