November 20th 2024
Chetan Maini, often referred to as the “God of Indian EV,” is a trailblazer who transformed India’s automotive DNA. His journey from racing solar cars in the 1990s to creating cutting-edge electric vehicles has inspired a clean, green transportation future for India.
A Solar-Powered Beginning
In the 1990s, Chetan Maini joined the University of Michigan’s solar car team, participating in races across the US and Australia, including a remarkable 3,000-kilometer journey powered entirely by solar energy. This experience became the bedrock of his vision for eco-friendly transportation.
Maini foresaw a paradigm shift driven by rising oil prices, climate change, progressive government policies, consumer preferences, and technological advancements. These factors catalyzed the birth of India’s EV industry, with Maini leading the charge.
Maini’s 5Cs of Future Mobility
Chetan Maini believes that the future of mobility revolves around 5Cs: Clean, Convenient, Connected, Clever, and Cost-efficient.
- Clean:
Under his leadership, Mahindra Reva established India’s first IGBC-Platinum-rated EV manufacturing unit, capable of producing 30,000 electric cars annually. - Convenient:
The Mahindra Reva e2o came equipped with advanced features like Quick2Charge, Sun2Car, and Car2Home systems. Its slogan, “Goodbye Fuel, Hello Electric,” reinforced Maini’s commitment to making EVs accessible to the masses. - Connected:
The e2o became India’s first fully connected car. Partnering with Vodafone’s M2M communication technology, it allowed users to control features remotely via smartphone apps or web interfaces. The car could even alert owners about unlocked doors or the parking brake status. - Clever:
Maini co-founded Lithium Urban Technologies in 2015, providing EV fleets for employee commutes and logistics. This e-mobility company not only reduces carbon emissions but also offers smart EV infrastructure and fleet management services. - Cost-efficient:
Maini’s Reva was India’s first zero-polluting, battery-powered car with a running cost of just ₹0.40/km, four times cheaper than similar gasoline-powered vehicles. Through SUN Mobility, Maini’s innovations in solar-electric charging have further reduced EV operating costs by up to 60%. Additionally, Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology holds promise for future cost reductions.
Genesis of India’s EV Industry
Chetan Maini’s vision has laid the foundation for sustainable transportation in India. From pioneering the first Indian EV to creating infrastructure that promotes e-mobility, his work has been transformative. His legacy reflects not just innovation but also a commitment to a cleaner and greener future for generations to come.
