In the rapidly evolving landscape of the automotive industry, EKA Mobility has emerged as a pioneering force committed to sustainability and innovation. Led by Dr. Sudhir Mehta, the company has embarked on an ambitious journey to redefine commercial transportation with cutting-edge electric vehicles. With a mission to accelerate sustainability and a vision to lead the world into a greener future, EKA Mobility has rapidly established itself as a key player in the electric vehicle sector. In this exclusive interview with Raghul Sivaguru, Dr. Mehta shares valuable insights into EKA Mobility’s purpose, the strategic partnerships driving their growth, the technological advancements in their electric vehicles, and how EKA Mobility is making significant strides towards a sustainable transportation ecosystem.
How has EKA Mobility’s short journey in the industry been? What is the purpose and vision of your company?
EKA Mobility has embarked on an impressive journey within the industry, driven by a clear mission, vision, and purpose. Our mission is to build new mobility solutions that accelerate sustainability, while our vision is to lead the world into a greener future by establishing a sustainable ecosystem of Environment Conscious Mobility (ECM).
At the heart of our purpose lies the ambition to make the world a better place by creating a green ecosystem of mobility that not only benefits the environment but also supports businesses. As an electric automobile maker, EKA is committed to offering sustainable new-energy vehicles designed specifically for commercial transportation.
We take pride in our ability to manufacture high-quality electric vehicles with the lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), catering to the evolving needs of our customers. Moreover, our approach involves democratizing our know-how and resources, establishing an efficient infrastructure that delivers technology, manufacturing, and processes across various regions. This strategic move not only reduces costs but also enhances the viability of our products, ensuring accessibility and affordability for all.
In summary, EKA Mobility’s journey in the industry is marked by a steadfast commitment to sustainability, innovation, and accessibility, driving us towards our vision of a greener future for all.
Please tell us about your cooperation with Mitsui Corp and VDL Group – how important is it for all parties involved and what do you intend to deliver to customers in India and around the world?
The collaboration between EKA Mobility, Mitsui & Co., Ltd., and VDL Groep represents a significant step forward for the Indian automotive industry and global sustainability. Through joint investments and technology exchange, we aim to bolster manufacturing capabilities, diversify product offerings, and advance sustainability initiatives. Mitsui’s financial support will enable growth, and with Mitsui’s presence in more than 60 countries, we look at huge market expansion. Meanwhile, VDL Groep’s expertise in electric vehicle technology will enhance our engineering and production capabilities. They will also add world-class products in low-floor buses that will be Made in India. Together, we align with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and are committed to reducing carbon footprints, paving the way for a greener future.
Disc brakes on all four wheels, advanced EBS, ADAS suite, air suspension, monocoque chassis, climate control AC… it looks like safety and comfort were prime focus areas while building the EKA 9 E-Bus. Please tell us more in this regard. Who are your main target customers for the product?
At EKA, we understand the diverse needs of our customers, whether they are city commuters or businesses seeking efficient employee transportation solutions. Through relentless innovation and customer-centric design, we aim to exceed expectations and set new standards in the industry.
Comfort Redefined: We believe that every journey should be a comfortable one. That’s why our buses feature meticulously designed interiors with spacious and ergonomic seating arrangements, ensuring passengers enjoy a relaxed and pleasant commute. Our climate control systems provide optimal temperature control, while being electric keeps cabin noise to a minimum, ensuring a serene environment for all on board. To further enhance the passenger experience, our buses come equipped with onboard Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and much more.
Safety First: Safety is our top priority. Our buses are built on a monocoque chassis with the most advanced safety features and technologies to protect both passengers and drivers. We leave no stone unturned in ensuring the well-being of our passengers, with additional features such as EBS, CCTVs, panic switches, and GPS tracking systems for enhanced security and peace of mind.
Sustainability in Motion: As stewards of the environment, we are committed to sustainable mobility solutions. Our electric powertrain option gives zero emissions and reduces carbon footprint, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier planet. By incorporating regenerative braking technology and lightweight materials, we maximize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact without compromising any performance or comfort.
Tailored Solutions for Businesses: We understand the unique challenges faced by businesses in the transportation industry. That’s why we offer customizable solutions tailored to the specific needs of our B2B clients. Whether it’s shuttle services, corporate transportation, or school bus operations, our flexible seating configurations and customizable interior layouts ensure maximum adaptability and efficiency. With integrated telematics and fleet management solutions, we empower businesses to optimize operations, reduce costs, and enhance overall productivity.
As an EV manufacturer, what are the initiatives by EKA Mobility to provide the required charging infrastructure to your fleet and retail customers?
Charging infrastructure is the most important need today for electric vehicles for fleet owners and retail customers, and ensuring a seamless charging experience while also reducing charging costs is what we are helping them with. Our initiatives include:
Partnership with Charger OEMs and CPOs:
- We collaborate with charger Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Charge Point Operators (CPOs) to thoroughly test their chargers with our vehicles.
- Chargers that meet our compatibility and performance standards are recommended to all our customers, ensuring they have access to reliable charging solutions.
Testing and Validation:
- Before recommending chargers to our customers, we rigorously test and validate them with our electric vehicles to ensure compatibility, safety, and reliability.
- This testing process helps us identify and endorse charging solutions that align with the charging capabilities of our vehicles.
Providing Charging Infrastructure Information:
- We compile and share a comprehensive list of available charging infrastructure with our customers, facilitating easy access to charging stations.
- This information empowers our customers to locate and utilize charging stations conveniently, promoting accessibility for EV owners.
Cost Reduction Initiatives:
- We explore and implement strategies to reduce charging costs for our end customers, such as negotiating favorable charging rates with charging station operators or offering discounted charging packages for bulk charging.
Through these initiatives, we aim to not only provide reliable and accessible charging infrastructure but also minimize the financial burden associated with charging, ultimately encouraging the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
What are the salient features of the Smart & Lean Factories by EKA Mobility? What are the localization levels at the E-LCV and E-Bus made by EKA Mobility?
EKA has brought a revolutionary uplift in the automobile manufacturing industry with its Smart Lean Factory (SLF) System. SLF is a flexible and economical approach to manufacturing. Here the investment required for land is very less, and the output generated is high. Where initially any factory setup used to take 3-4 years for setup before initial manufacturing output, with the smart lean factory system, the same can be done in mere six months, and the production starts from the same year of manufacturing capability investment. This gives the manufacturer a much higher level of confidence and growth benefits faster.
We believe in Bharat ki EKA to be localized, and more than 60% of parts today are locally made. The imports are majorly cells for the battery and electrical child parts, which in the near future will also be localized, and more than 90% of the vehicle will be indigenous.
Any exclusive insights on the upcoming 9H? There are many challenges in the transportation and handling process of hydrogen. How geared up are you in this regard? What would be the timeline for the availability of H2 bunks pan India?
EKA has embraced the forefront of technological evolution, particularly in the realm of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Pioneering this innovation, we proudly introduce the EKA 9H, our groundbreaking hydrogen fuel cell-powered variant of the esteemed EKA 9.
The EKA 9H stands as a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable transportation. Leveraging our expertise in monocoque chassis construction, we have seamlessly integrated cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell technology into the design. Three high-capacity cylinders, each boasting 318 liters of hydrogen storage, are ingeniously positioned atop the vehicle, ensuring optimal utilization of space and weight distribution. Its revolutionary fuel cell unit converter is strategically located at the bottom rear of the vehicle. This innovative configuration not only maximizes efficiency but also ensures seamless power delivery, setting new standards for hydrogen fuel cell vehicle performance.
Currently undergoing rigorous testing in the pristine environs of Kaziranga forest, the EKA 9H serves as a testament to our dedication to vehicle safety and sustainability. By subjecting our innovation to real-world conditions, we are not only ensuring the reliability and resilience of our technology but also reaffirming our commitment to environmental stewardship.
In essence, the EKA 9H represents a bold leap forward in the pursuit of sustainable mobility, embodying the ethos of innovation, reliability, and environmental responsibility that defines EKA as a trailblazer in the automotive industry.
With a new range of zero-emission vehicles in the pipeline, what are the future plans of EKA Mobility in terms of production capacity, domestic sales, and export targets?
EKA Mobility is poised for an exciting future with our new range of zero-emission vehicles set to revolutionize the electric commercial vehicle landscape. Our vision is to emerge as a global volume leader in this space, driving sustainable mobility solutions that transcend borders and shape the future of transportation.
In line with our ambitious growth trajectory, we are committed to achieving a year-on-year production capacity increase of 100%. This aggressive expansion plan reflects our confidence in the burgeoning demand for electric commercial vehicles and underscores our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our customers worldwide.
Our sales strategy is equally ambitious, with a focus on targeted geographies that offer significant growth potential for electric mobility. These include India, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Australia. Each of these markets presents unique opportunities for market penetration and expansion, and we are committed to leveraging our expertise and resources to capitalize on them.
