What: Musashi India has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Kinetic Green to supply integrated electric powertrain systems for upcoming electric two-wheelers in India. The agreement centers around a side-mounted e-Axle system integrating the motor, gearbox, and controller into a single unit.
The Number: The system uses a 4.7kW IPM motor, with pilot supplies scheduled for December 2026 before mass production begins at Musashi Delta e-Axle India’s Bengaluru facility.
The Impact: The Musashi India Kinetic Green EV powertrain partnership signals a broader shift in India’s electric two-wheeler market toward integrated, OEM-ready drivetrain solutions focused on efficiency, packaging, and reduced maintenance.
The Core News
The Musashi India Kinetic Green EV powertrain partnership reflects the increasing importance of integrated drivetrain architectures in India’s rapidly evolving electric two-wheeler segment. Under the agreement, Musashi India will supply a side-mounted e-Axle solution that combines the motor, gearbox, and vehicle control systems into a compact assembly for Kinetic Green’s upcoming EV platforms.
Unlike conventional hub-motor setups widely used in entry-level electric scooters, the side-mounted e-Axle architecture is aimed at improving durability, thermal efficiency, riding dynamics, and long-term reliability. Musashi claims the integrated layout can also help optimize battery sizing by improving drivetrain efficiency, while simultaneously lowering maintenance requirements compared to hub-mounted or center-drive systems.
The development is also strategically important because it highlights how traditional automotive component manufacturers are repositioning themselves for the EV transition. Musashi, historically known for transmission and precision drivetrain components, has been expanding its EV-focused manufacturing and engineering operations in India through its e-Axle programs. The Kinetic Green partnership gives the company a direct production-linked opportunity in India’s competitive electric two-wheeler market, where OEMs are increasingly prioritizing platform efficiency, range optimization, and scalable localization.
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Breaking Down the Update
• Musashi India will supply integrated side-mounted e-Axle systems for Kinetic Green EVs
• The powertrain combines motor, gearbox, MCU, and VCU into one compact system
• Pilot production is expected to begin in December 2026
• Manufacturing will take place at Musashi Delta e-Axle India’s Bengaluru facility
• The system uses a 4.7kW IPM motor configuration
• Musashi says the setup can improve efficiency and reduce maintenance costs
• Side-mounted packaging may also improve vehicle storage space versus center-mounted systems
• The agreement indicates deeper localization of EV drivetrain manufacturing in India
How Musashi India Kinetic Green EV powertrain partnership will help Indian EV Market
The Musashi India Kinetic Green EV powertrain partnership could strengthen India’s electric two-wheeler ecosystem by accelerating the adoption of integrated drivetrain platforms. India’s EV market has largely relied on hub-motor configurations due to lower upfront costs and simplified architecture. However, as customer expectations shift toward better range, durability, and performance, OEMs are increasingly exploring more advanced drivetrain solutions.
Musashi’s side-mounted e-Axle architecture directly addresses several operational challenges faced by electric two-wheelers in India, including thermal management, reliability under varying road conditions, and long-term maintenance. By integrating the motor, gearbox, and control systems into a single assembly, manufacturers can potentially reduce system complexity while improving energy efficiency.
The partnership also supports localization of advanced EV component manufacturing. With production planned in Bengaluru, the agreement could strengthen India’s domestic EV supply chain and reduce dependence on imported powertrain technologies. This becomes particularly important as Indian OEMs face growing pressure to improve cost competitiveness while complying with evolving localization requirements.
For Kinetic Green, the collaboration provides access to a more scalable and technically advanced powertrain platform, especially important as competition intensifies in the premium electric scooter and motorcycle segments.
Way Forward …
The Musashi India Kinetic Green EV powertrain partnership highlights the next phase of India’s electric two-wheeler market, where drivetrain integration and engineering efficiency are becoming key differentiators beyond just battery size and pricing. The bigger challenge now will be execution, localization scale, and whether integrated e-Axle systems can deliver meaningful cost-performance advantages in India’s highly price-sensitive EV market.
Read More: Catch up on All India EV’s related coverage on India’s evolving commercial EV subsidies and battery swapping policies at All India EV
