Welcome to the full Episode 5 of Sustainability Karma, India’s first and only talk show on sustainability on All India Radio.

In this episode of Sustainability Karma, Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Vice-Chairperson, Kinetic Engineering, and CEO, Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions, talks about how Kinetic Green is leading India’s charge in the EV space both in sustainability practices and advocacy for government support and policy consistency.

She says that Kinetic transitioned its focus to green mobility by recognising the global shift towards sustainability and the increasing demand for eco-friendly transportation solutions.  This transition was driven by several factors, including the worldwide emphasis on energy transition, the growing preference among the younger generation for environmentally conscious choices, and the focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sulajja Firodia Motwani adds that the company, known for its pioneering spirit and innovation, identified the emerging trend of electric mobility early on and decided to redirect its attention to technology development and product creation in the green mobility sector.  Kinetic began its journey into electric vehicles (EVs) in 2015, despite scepticism in the market at that time, catering to the segment where electric vehicles could offer significant cost savings for daily operations. The company differentiated itself from competitors by offering a comprehensive range of electric vehicles, focusing on indigenous research and development (R&D) and prioritising affordability without compromising on quality and reliability.  In terms of leadership in the green mobility space, she emphasises on changing mindsets, technology development, and expanding the reach of electric vehicles to non-urban areas.

Apart from leading Kinetic Green, Sulajja Firodia Motwani is also playing an important leadership role as a sector leader. She is Chairperson of National Electric Vehicle Task Force at FICCI, heads the Electric Three-Wheeler mobility of SMEV (Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles) as well as chairs IFGE’s (Indian Federation of Green Energy) Electric Vehicle committee. She constantly champions the need for consistent policy support from the government to maintain momentum in EV adoption and address challenges such as charging infrastructure and affordability.

Regarding global trends in the EV sector, Sulajja Firodia Motwani says that many countries have set ambitious goals for EV adoption, aligning with SDGs and net-zero targets, but the global EV market still faces challenges such as policy alignment and market readiness, especially in export markets like South Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Saying that battery technology has emerged as a critical factor in EV adoption despite decreasing cost of lithium-ion batteries due to mass production and innovation, she adds that emerging technologies like sodium-ion batteries, which could further reduce costs and reliance on imported materials. However, challenges remain for larger vehicles like four-wheelers and trucks due to range requirements and technological complexities.

But she is optimistic that such challenges will get resolved in due course and is upbeat about the transformative potential of EVs in making transportation greener and more affordable. Sulajja Firodia Motwani sees EVs not only as a solution for greener transport but also as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, and gender diversity in the automotive industry.