Open Letter to Piyush Goyal: India’s EV2W Boom Outshined China—Let’s Rule Deep-Tech Now

Dear Hon’ble Minister Goyal,

I had the privilege of being in the hall yesterday at the Startup Mahakumbh event when you shared your thoughts about Indian startups focusing too heavily on consumer services and not enough on deep-tech innovation. Your vision for India to lead in technological advancement struck a chord with me. As the founder of EVINDIA, a platform dedicated to advancing India’s electric two-wheeler (EV2W) ecosystem, I felt compelled to write to you. I deeply respect your perspective, and I’m proud to share how the EV2W industry already embodies the deep-tech leadership you envision while outlining how we can build on this success together.

Indian EV2W: A Deep-Tech Success Story

India’s EV2W industry has rapidly evolved into a global frontrunner, driven by pioneering innovations in battery technology, powertrain design, and intelligent mobility solutions. Companies like Ola Electric, Ather Energy, and Ultraviolette are not just keeping pace with international competitors but setting new standards for performance, safety, and sustainability, showcasing India’s deep-tech capabilities on the world stage. Here’s how these Indian startups are delivering best-in-world advancements:

• Ola Electric:

• Their 4680 lithium Bharat cells and magnetless motors enable scooters with ranges exceeding 200 km, a global benchmark for efficiency.

• Ola’s work on solid-state batteries offers 30% higher energy density, heralding the future of battery technology worldwide.

• The world’s largest gigafactory (10 GWh capacity) is transforming India into a hub for advanced battery manufacturing.

• The MoveOS platform delivers over-the-air updates and predictive analytics, creating one of the smartest scooter ecosystems globally.

• Ather Energy:

• Ather’s AI-powered battery management system optimises real-time performance, while its 18° gradient capability makes its scooters top-tier globally.

• Their pioneering Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology—a world first for two-wheelers—positions India at the forefront of innovative energy solutions.

• The Ather Grid fast-charging network, offering an 80% charge in 30 minutes, sets a global standard for urban charging infrastructure.

• Ultraviolette:

• The F77 electric motorcycle boasts a 323 km range and radar-based safety features, redefining high-performance EVs worldwide.

• Their AR helmets integrate augmented reality for rider safety, a cutting-edge fusion of technology and design.

• A modular battery design paves the way for future battery swapping, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

• Raptee:

• Raptee’s 240V architecture and CCS2 charging compatibility align two-wheelers with advanced EV infrastructure, a trailblazing global solution.

These innovations—from Ola’s gigafactory and solid-state batteries to Ather’s V2G technology and Ultraviolette’s high-performance motorcycles—demonstrate India’s leadership in efficiency, intelligence, safety, and eco-friendliness.

A Rare Manufacturing Triumph Against China

The Indian two-wheeler industry is one of the few manufacturing sectors that successfully challenge China’s dominance in global markets such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. A decade ago, China’s early leap in EV technology threatened India’s position. However, Indian startups like Ola, Ather, Ultraviolette, and Raptee responded resiliently, doubling down on research and development to out-innovate their competitors. Today, as electric vehicles disrupt the global market, India’s ecosystem is ready and also armed with a formidable arsenal to lead. This triumph over China is a testament to Indian ingenuity and strategic vision, reversing the tide and establishing India as a formidable player in high-tech manufacturing.

Economic Impact and Global Reach

The EV2W sector is not just a powerful driver of India’s economic growth and international stature, but also a beacon of hope for a sustainable future. With 1.2 million units sold in 2024 and exports to 40 countries, it exemplifies India’s strength in high-tech manufacturing, creates high-skill jobs, and reduces our dependence on imported fossil fuels. Indian innovation is making waves worldwide, enhancing our economic independence and elevating our global standing.

Acknowledging Government Support

Your government’s forward-thinking policies, such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME II) initiative and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, have been instrumental in nurturing this success. Your leadership and vision have fostered an ecosystem where startups can innovate, scale, and compete globally. We are deeply grateful for this unwavering support.

Despite these remarkable gains, challenges persist. China’s low-cost production continues to threaten our domestic market and global competitiveness. Sustained and strategic policy support remains critical to safeguarding our hard-won lead and expanding our international footprint.

To build on this momentum and ensure India remains the global leader in deep-tech mobility, I respectfully propose the following actionable steps:

• Enhanced R&D Funding: Increased investment in research and development to drive breakthroughs in battery technology, powertrains, and mobility solutions.

• Export Incentives: Targeted incentives to boost exports, amplifying India’s presence in international markets and strengthening our trade position.

• Expanded Charging Infrastructure: A nationwide push to expand fast-charging networks, accelerating EV adoption and sparking innovation in related fields like electronics and renewable energy.

These measures can solidify India’s position at the forefront of the global EV revolution, ensuring long-term economic and environmental benefits.

Inspired by your remarks at Startup Mahakumbh, I would gladly write a white paper exploring how the success of the EV2W sector can be replicated in other deep-tech industries—such as semiconductors, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence—and present it to you in person. This white paper would distill key lessons from the EV2W industry’s journey, offering actionable strategies to accelerate India’s leadership in these critical fields. I believe this could serve as a practical roadmap to advance your vision of a technologically self-reliant India, and I’d be honored to contribute to this effort.