In the evolving landscape of electric vehicles (EVs) in India, Hema Annamalai has emerged as a name synonymous with vision, resilience, and innovation. As the founder of Ampere Electric, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the nascent EV industry, creating a niche with her unique approach to technology and sustainability.
Genesis of an Idea
The seeds of Ampere Electric were sown during a conference in Japan that Hema attended with her husband. A speaker boldly declared, “Gone is the era of the internal combustion engine,” painting a compelling vision of an electric future. This inspired Hema to explore the potential of electric vehicles, culminating in the founding of Ampere Electric in 2007.
Coming from a background in computer science and engineering, with an MBA from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Hema was no stranger to challenges. However, venturing into the manufacturing sector without prior experience was an uphill battle. “Our team had the passion which fueled our quest for learning the tricks of the trade,” she recalls.
Overcoming Challenges
Starting an EV company in India, where infrastructure and awareness were still in their infancy, required a determined mindset. Hemalatha faced challenges in talent acquisition, team building, and market penetration. “Each mistake cemented our foundation,” she says, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
Ampere Electric set itself apart by focusing on locally manufactured, affordable, and practical EVs tailored to India’s unique conditions. The product range included e-cycles, e-scooters, e-trolleys, and special-purpose vehicles for waste management and differently-abled individuals.
R&D at the Core
Research and development have been the cornerstone of Ampere’s success. The company was the first in India to develop indigenous chargers (36V and 48V) suited to local conditions, overcoming challenges such as erratic power supply and road conditions. Ampere also introduced intelligent battery chips to prolong battery life and designed motors and controllers in-house.
“Around 20% of our workforce is dedicated to R&D,” Hema notes, underlining the startup’s commitment to innovation. Ampere also prioritized sourcing materials locally, except for components like lead and magnets, which are not yet mined in India.
Capital Boost and Expansion
Ampere’s potential caught the attention of industry stalwarts, including Ratan Tata, who invested an undisclosed amount in the company in 2015. The funds were channeled into indigenizing key EV components—battery, motor, charger, and controller. This allowed Ampere to position itself as a reliable alternative supplier in India’s EV ecosystem.
Ampere’s production capacity now stands at 30,000 vehicles annually, with a strategy to expand distribution from four states to ten within the next three years.
Social Transformation and Women Empowerment
Ampere’s vision extends beyond commerce, focusing on social transformation and women’s empowerment. The company was the first to design EVs for differently-abled individuals in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It also introduced innovative products like Trisul, targeting women workers in textile mills who cover long distances daily.
Hema has ensured that 30% of Ampere’s workforce comprises women, a figure set to double soon. She plans to build an e-cycle factory entirely operated by women, further demonstrating her commitment to inclusive growth.
A Vision for India’s EV Future
Hemalatha believes that the Indian government’s push for electric mobility is a game-changer, but more needs to be done. “Quick implementation of common tax structures, better road conditions, and dedicated cycle lanes can accelerate EV adoption,” she suggests.
Ampere’s pricing strategy reflects its mission to make EVs accessible, with e-cycles priced between ₹20,000–30,000 and e-scooters between ₹20,000–45,000. By producing 100% locally manufactured vehicles, Ampere aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, aiming to contribute 15–20% of the government’s target of seven million EVs annually.
Looking Ahead
Today, Ampere Electric is a beacon of hope for India’s EV industry. With a robust R&D focus, innovative products, and a commitment to sustainability, the company is well-positioned to lead the charge towards a cleaner, greener future.
Hema Annamalai’s innovative spirit doesn’t stop at electric vehicles. With her latest venture, Green Collar Agritech Solutions, she’s transforming the way farmers and traders assess crop quality. Launched in 2022, the company’s cutting-edge TARAM® devices make it easy to test agricultural produce right in the field—quickly, accurately, and on the go. This game-changing technology helps farmers, FPOs, and traders ensure better quality and fair pricing. Once again, Hemalatha is proving that technology can empower communities and drive sustainable progress, one industry at a time.
Hema Annamalai’s journey underscores the transformative power of perseverance and vision, proving that with the right mindset, the impossible becomes achievable. As she aptly puts it, “Where there is a will, there is a way.”
