Why Local Sourcing is the EV Industry’s Secret Weapon

Greaves Electric Mobility

The engine of any modern manufacturer isn’t just on the assembly line; it’s in the complex web of its supply chain. For years, that web has been stretched globally, creating vulnerabilities to delays, price hikes, and geopolitical uncertainty. While many in the EV industry talk about ‘Make in India’ as a patriotic goal, Raft Cosmic EV has transformed it into a core business strategy—a hidden supercharger that’s quietly powering their competitive advantage.

The most immediate benefit is a staggering 30% reduction in costs, a direct result of sourcing locally. By moving from a dependence on imports to a robust network of Indian suppliers for 58% of its raw materials, Raft Cosmic EV has not only improved its bottom line but also drastically reduced its lead times. This strategic pivot, with a goal of achieving 100% localization in the future, insulates the company from the volatility of global supply chains and shipping disruptions.

Perhaps the most powerful, yet overlooked, advantage of localization is newfound agility. Need a different battery or charger design for a new scooter model? Local partners can accommodate smaller, customized orders in a timely manner. This allows Raft Cosmic EV to iterate on its products faster and respond to market demands without being shackled by prohibitive costs or excess inventory. In contrast, sourcing from overseas often requires massive Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs), making such nimble innovation financially impractical.

However, this strategic shift is also a story of mending broken bridges and rebuilding trust. Under previous management, relationships with key domestic suppliers had soured. Esteemed partners like VIYO EV, Nuteck, Excel, and Neuron had grown hesitant to work with the company due to its poor market reputation and unprofessional approach. The arrival of the Cosmic Birla Group marked a turning point. Their demonstrated seriousness, clear business vision, and commitment to building genuine partnerships convinced these crucial suppliers to re-engage, bringing their expertise and quality back into the fold.

For Raft Cosmic EV, local sourcing is not merely a line item on a balance sheet or a nod to a national campaign. It is a comprehensive business strategy that unlocks efficiency, fosters innovation, and strengthens the entire manufacturing ecosystem. It is a testament to how intelligent, localized strategy is becoming the true engine of India’s EV revolution—a hidden supercharger pushing the company ahead of the pack.

ELECTRIFYING INDIA’S LAST MILE