TARUN MEHTA is a patient man. He and his IIT Madras mate and Co-founder Swapnil Jain developed their vehicle for five years till they were satisfied enough to put it on the road. Plus, they were clear that their focus was the premium end of the market. That explains why electric scooter maker Ather Energy has emerged as strong competition to legacy brands. Next on the list, says 33-year-old Mehta, is manufacturing lithium-ion cells. In an exclusive interview with Business Today's Rachna Dhanrajani, Mehta, also the CEO of Ather Energy that had a valuation of $739 million as of October 14, 2022, as per research firm Tracxn-talks about competition, how the company is pushing self-reliance in the country and the way forward. Edited excerpts:
There is a lack of trust in electric vehicle (EV) technology, especially when it comes to scooters, after some of them burst into flames. How does Ather work around this perception?
The thing about automotive technology is that it takes time. One has to be patient with technology. It cannot be a rush job... We at Ather have researched our battery and engine for almost a decade. Our scooters have now been on the road for more than four to five years and the batteries have been working beautifully. When you see a brand that has been sustaining on the streets for years now, then there shouldn't be any doubts... the product has spoken for itself.
What do you think of competition in the EV space?
Denne historien er fra August 06, 2023-utgaven av Business Today India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 06, 2023-utgaven av Business Today India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Pension Scheme - Safety Net
The move to introduce the UPS has evoked mixed reactions. Analysts believe its funding will have limited impact on the fiscal math
The Reit Choice?
Real Estate Investment Trusts (Reits) Are Gaining Traction As Interest Rates Stabilise. But Returns Could Be Affected By Adverse Economic Conditions And Market Volatility
CORPORATE - Calling to Account
The sudden exit of Byju's auditor BDO marks the latest in a long series of setbacks for the edtech firm
EMPLOYMENT: Skills Push
The skill development ministry plans to partner with the UGC to improve the employability of undergraduates
Building on a Vision
L&T'S CHAIRMAN EMERITUS A. M. NAIK HAS BUILT A MAMMOTH ENTERPRISE THAT IS BUILDING A NEW INDIA, FROM ITS METRO RAIL SYSTEMS TO THE RAM TEMPLE
"KYS more important than KYC"
Vijay Kedia is a renowned equity investor; the value of his listed portfolio stands at around ₹1,750 crore
ROXX STAR
THE THAR ROXX COMBINES LUXURY WITH PERFORMANCE TO MAKE A STRONG STATEMENT IN THE MID-SIZE SUV SEGMENT
HIT THE GROUND RUNNING
Smartwatches have become indispensable tools for runners, offering real-time insights into pace, distance, heart rate, and more. Here are a few you can consider
TURNING THE TABLES
INDIA'S FURNITURE MARKET IS POISED FOR A GLOBAL TAKE-OFF. ALREADY, A HOST OF GLOBAL BRANDS HAVE MADE THE COUNTRY THEIR HOME, BUT INDIAN COMPANIES ARE NOT TOO FAR BEHIND
THE EVOLUTION OF ATHERA
IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES IN ADVANCE HAS STOOD THIS BENGALURU-BASED VC FUND IN GOOD STEAD. NOW, WITH A HEIGHTENED FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY, IT WANTS TO SUSTAIN THE SUCCESS