“By focusing on localization, energy-efficient engineering, indigenous innovation, and scalable manufacturing, India can create technologies relevant not only for domestic demand but also for emerging global markets facing similar mobility challenges.” Abhilash Maurya, CEO & Co-founder, Naxatra Labs
India’s electric two-wheeler transition is at a decisive turning point. The initial surge driven primarily by early adopters in metropolitan centres is maturing into widespread mainstream demand where real-world reliability, total cost of ownership and engineering robustness take center stage. For manufacturers navigating this landscape, simply increasing battery pack sizes to compensate for range anxiety is no longer a viable long-term strategy. Instead, the competitive edge is moving toward holistically optimized powertrains, advanced motor efficiency, intelligent thermal management and intelligent software integration.
In this conversation with Niranjan Mudholkar, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of The Manufacturing Frontier (TMF), Abhilash Maurya, CEO & Co-founder at Naxatra Labs, breaks down the core structural shifts underway in the electric mobility ecosystem. Mr. Maurya highlights why the true growth engine of the coming decade lies across Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, where cost-conscious consumers demand durable, efficient and accessible commuting solutions. He also delves into how software-driven platforms, predictive maintenance, and local supply chain resilience can establish India not just as a high-volume consumer base, but as a premier global innovation hub for affordable, high-efficiency EV engineering.
How do you see India’s electric two-wheeler market evolving over the next few years?
India’s electric two-wheeler market is expected to witness strong mainstream adoption over the next few years as affordability, infrastructure, and consumer awareness continue to improve. While metro cities have led the initial adoption phase, the next wave of growth will increasingly come from Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets where consumers are seeking cost-efficient and practical mobility solutions. Going forward, the industry will move beyond basic electrification toward performance optimization, efficiency, reliability, and smarter mobility experiences.
Why is motor efficiency becoming increasingly important in EV development?
Motor efficiency plays a critical role in determining range, thermal performance, operating costs, and overall vehicle reliability. As the EV market matures, manufacturers are realizing that improving energy efficiency can deliver better real-world performance without necessarily increasing battery size. Efficient motors help reduce energy losses, improve battery utilization, lower running costs, and enhance long-term durability, making them a key competitive differentiator for future EV platforms.
How can manufacturers improve range without significantly increasing battery size?
The focus is gradually shifting from simply increasing battery capacity to improving overall system efficiency. Manufacturers can improve range through advanced motor technologies, lightweight vehicle design, intelligent controllers, regenerative braking systems, better aerodynamics, and software-driven energy optimization. Smart integration between hardware and software can significantly improve energy management and maximize performance from existing battery systems.
How important will software and AI-driven optimization become in future EVs?
Software and AI-driven optimization will become central to the future of electric mobility. Modern EVs are increasingly evolving into intelligent, connected systems capable of dynamically optimizing power delivery, thermal management, battery performance, and driving efficiency in real time. AI-driven diagnostics, predictive maintenance, adaptive energy management, and connected vehicle ecosystems will significantly improve user experience, vehicle efficiency, and operational reliability in the coming years.
What role will Tier 2 and Tier 3 India play in EV adoption?
Tier 2 and Tier 3 India are expected to become major contributors to the next phase of EV growth. Consumers in these regions are highly value-conscious and closely evaluate running costs, durability, and long-term savings. Electric two-wheelers can become highly attractive in these markets due to lower operating costs and increasing fuel price sensitivity. As charging infrastructure expands and awareness improves, adoption across smaller cities and semi-urban regions is likely to accelerate significantly.
How can India position itself as a global hub for affordable electric mobility innovation?
India has a strong opportunity to become a global leader in affordable and efficient electric mobility solutions designed for high-volume and cost-sensitive markets. By focusing on localization, energy-efficient engineering, indigenous innovation, and scalable manufacturing, India can create technologies relevant not only for domestic demand but also for emerging global markets facing similar mobility challenges. Building capabilities across motors, electronics, software systems, and EV supply chains will be critical in achieving this vision.
What does the future of smart and connected mobility look like in India?
The future of mobility in India will increasingly be software-led, connected, intelligent, and energy-efficient. Vehicles will evolve beyond transportation devices into integrated digital mobility platforms capable of real-time diagnostics, predictive maintenance, over-the-air updates, AI-driven optimization, and connected ecosystem experiences. Consumers will increasingly expect seamless connectivity, smart interfaces, personalized mobility experiences, and higher efficiency alongside affordability and reliability.
