In addition to creating an economic boost, it was always expected that this astoundingly revolutionary approach to transportation electric mobility would provide a significant amount of employment, which would be necessary to overhaul the conventional auto industry, which is still dependent on the unsustainable burning of petrol and diesel. EVs have the potential to build a sustainable transportation system for both India and the rest of the world, which faces a massive danger from pollution (due to pollution and toxic gasses emitted from the burning of fossil fuels), climate change, and global warming. Additionally, the rising cost of fossil fuels has forced countries to search for alternative transportation options, and EVs may turn out to be a real green ally for a greener planet. In this regard we spoke to Sushant Kumar, founder and managing director of AMO Mobility Solutions about what EVs are bringing to the table for India and globally in the future, by 2030, where do we see the growth of EVs in India compared to China, Europe, and the US, and the company's unique plans to boost the growth of the sector.
Q. What EV is bringing to the table for India and globally in the future? By 2030, where do you see the growth of EVs in India compared to China, Europe, and the US?
Due to significant R&D investment, China's two- and three-wheeled electric vehicle (EV) technology is already at a very advanced stage and actively meeting its domestic demand. However, the same cannot be said for the four-wheeler EV product category, which includes both private and public transportation such as buses and trucks, due to inadequate demand, infrastructure, and technology. Due to topographical challenges (Europe's hilly terrain and the US's enormous landscape), as well as lower population density, there is little demand for two- and three-wheeled EVs in either Europe or the US. However, both regions are strong economies hence the four-wheeled EVs are immensely popular there. Due to the same issue as China, EV public transportation is still uncommon in Europe and the US.
Both two and three-wheeled EVs, such as electric scooters and electric rickshaws, have achieved remarkable growth in India but not personal electric cars and vans. While the four-wheeler EVs for public transportation has seen a good start in some major cities of India with more savings-oriented consumers, the industry is anticipated to be highly lucrative because of the huge population density in the cities although an extensive grid network for EV charging is still lacking. R&D spending is still a worry, though. The nation recently made significant financial investments to implement EV charging infrastructure and battery swapping solutions that resolve the range problem. With the FAME-II plan, the federal government hopes to draw foreign investments that will improve domestic production of crucial EV technology, which is essential to turning India into a major exporter of EV products. Thanks to government subsidies, AMO Electric Bikes has established a strong focus on affordable e-mobility with maximum range and optimum speed. Saving INR 3000 to 5000 a month is always welcome in the Indian market, and this is where the AMO electric bike delivers to customers. By 2030, experts predict that India's EV market will be quite massive and dominated by commercial EVs on the road.
Q. One of the major worries among buyers is having a sufficient battery or a charging station. So, what are your views on it? Do consumers still worry about charging stations?
On the matter of battery safety, the entire ecosystem has concerns. Government, regulators, OEMs, and suppliers are working in coordination towards providing safer and smarter options that are driven through renewable sources of energy. EV battery technology is crucial and it is an area where cost reduction is urgently required to reduce the overall cost of electric vehicles. Though charging infrastructure will never be the base for the proliferation of electric 2-wheelers and 3- wheelers, it will be a key factor for the adoption of electric 4-wheelers. On one hand, 4-Wheeler manufacturers are concerned about the restricted number of charging stations in the nation which is further slowing down the growth of the segment, on the other hand, customers have range anxiety due to the absence of a widespread network of charging infrastructure providing the convenience of charging which in turn is jeopardize the process of adoption of the Electric 4-wheelers. Considering all these concerns, the Government is pushing hard and working on various policies like Battery swapping with the intervention of public-private collaborations.
Source: AMO Website
Q. Now, along with the fear of batteries, there is another fear of EVs catching fire and riders dying, including two-wheelers and a recent four-wheeler as well. So, in this context where would you like to paint this picture and pull out the fear among consumers?
Many EV manufacturers, including AMO, have had development slowdowns due to consumer concerns caused by fire events, but specialists are working arduously to find high-quality parts and create high-quality batteries that would provide increased mileage at an optimal speed. In the AMO Electric Bikes R&D facility, research and innovation are constant activities that nurture quality and cost-effectiveness. It is quite evident that for India to compete in the global economy, particularly with China, it must have rapid growth, which won't last for very long without backing from the government. Therefore, the Indian government is working tirelessly to meet its climate change objectives and assisting local EV manufacturers with high-quality worldwide sourcing that would nourish international quality and eliminate threats of fire. AMO Mobility Solutions, driven by a robust and smart battery management system (BMS), is confident that the concern among consumers would diminish as the Indian government works on strict regulations for acquiring EV components, scrutinizing the product development through various agencies, and ensuring quality by applying stringent norms at the mass production level.
Q. What are your views on implementing AI and IoT in electric vehicles?
With futuristic EVs, AI and IoT will be common practices for improved safety, smart navigation, and entertainment. These cutting-edge technologies readily provide an exceptional riding experience to consumers in the information realm driven by digital innovations. Imagine being able to link effortlessly to India's native GAGAN navigation system or operating your EV with just a few voice commands. So, futuristic EVs will certainly be able to integrate these smart and cool features. AMO Electric Bikes intends to concentrate on these technologies in the future, even though AI and IoT elements are not currently included in their present product lines. However, the company's advanced and intuitive BMS will undoubtedly let you ride miles without any hassles.
Q. Can you please elucidate the formation of AMO Mobility Solutions? What are your current business strategies post-pandemic?
I had a ten years stint at Tata Motors, six of which I spent in China and I was extremely fascinated by electric vehicles. I have an engineering background from NIT Jamshedpur, felt compelled to take action about this cutting-edge mobility solution during that time since he was able to predict the future of electric mobility when I was in China. To pursue my entrepreneurial dream, I had no choice but to bid adieu to Tata Motors. I left Tata Motors in 2014 to found Aadya Consultancy Services, a reputed automotive consulting company, which later gave birth to the brand AMO Electric Bikes as Mr. Kumar was too keen on EV technology and allied innovation in the sector.
I set a vision to make e-mobility into mass mobility and had to work incredibly hard to align with the vision of the Government of India. During the initial period of AMO’s foundation to provide a learning atmosphere for AMO's fellow partners and employees on EV technology. Our motto is, "We will work relentlessly to alter India's mobility paradigm from conventional to electric." This audacious remark was in light of the fact that I have decided to fight against pollution and climate change. That's the reason AMO Electric Bikes’ goal is to develop reliable, sustainable, and affordable EV products and services. Today, AMO’s values are devoted to providing Indian customers with the finest possible after-sales service and a shopping experience that includes easy financing alternatives.
Source: AMO Website
Q. What are the unique future plans for AMO Mobility Solutions? What are some of the unique services you want to bring to your customers?
AMO’s vision of converting e-mobility into mass mobility has a resounding effect in developing robust future plans for the company. The emerging EV business with 160+ dealerships across the country seeks to improve the overall EV ecosystem in the country, which unites suppliers, manufacturers, regulators, and consumers. The organization is focused on expanding the network all across the country and even beyond the national boundaries. With various campaigns and promotional initiatives, the organization is working towards demand creation which in turn will create a community and slowly a country of EV lovers. AMO is already ahead in the competition of after-sales with continuous efforts in achieving zero downtime beyond 48 hours, and the organization is constantly looking for new ways to innovate.
The organization is already working towards implementing a Smart Battery Management System(BMS) which not only helps in tracking the vehicle records but also helps in controlling the short circuits in case of any fire situation, regulating the performance of the vehicle, etc. When it comes to innovation in any field, we all know the sky's the limit. In collaboration with the supplier, AMO is working on marrying the IoT technology to BMS technology. We are also planning to introduce an e-commerce solution for its products, enabling customers to purchase AMO electric bikes online without any hassles.
Q. What are some of the cutting-edge products, services, and solutions you are now offering to your customers? Is anything special in your pipeline in the coming financial year?
As a result of consistent innovation, AMO Mobility Solutions has built a business model with reliable revenue streams and top-notch products. This has helped AMO Electric Bikes go multipurpose, popular, and reach farther between charges at optimized speed. The organization has implemented an effective battery management system that aids in high performance and efficiency when it comes to battery quality. This means that a rider can optimize the utilization of his or her batteries when using an AMO Electric Bike, extending the life of the vehicle as well. Furthermore, the organization is working on establishing an eCommerce platform, robust retail financing, and best-in-class after-sales services for its consumers.
AMO Electric Bikes as an organization believes that a well-researched technology can make top-notch products in the industry, hence ensuring that the research and development division remains the core of the organization. AMO Electric Bikes is prepared to add new product lines to its inventory to compete with the other players in the market. The company plans to periodically release new products that have the newest technology and, as part of future plans, will also dabble in hybrid models. At AMO Mobility Solutions everyone believes that electric mobility will bring a revolution to empower sustainable living and will uplift the economy of the nation.
