Udaan EV is counted among the foremost players in the EV industry which has heralded the electric mobility revolution in the country. E-Rickshaw and E-Autos from the house of Udaan offer a perfect combination of accessibility, affordability, and last-mile connectivity. Further, the distinctive aspects of its product line include low maintenance cost, longer service life, high reliability, and value-for-money prices among others. Working under the able guidance of Mitull, Udaan is establishing new milestones of growth, success, and profitability in the both consumer and commercial market segments of the EV market.
In a recent interview, Abdullah interacted with Mitull Batraa, co-founder of Udaan E Vehicles, in which he discussed about strategies or innovations have driven Udaan E Vehicles to consistently achieve 80-90% year-over-year growth post-COVID, government policies and the growing demand for EVs contributed to Udaan’s rapid growth in the electric vehicle sector, new Mega Factory for Electric 3 Wheelers, upcoming Electric Three-Wheeler Auto Rickshaw, expansion of your manufacturing unit from 90,000 to 275,000 square feet.
1. What specific strategies or innovations have driven Udaan E Vehicles to consistently achieve 80-90% year-over-year growth post-COVID?
Our growth is largely driven by a few key strategies. First, we have heavily invested in R&D to ensure our vehicles are more efficient, reliable, and affordable. By producing most of our critical components in-house, such as the drivetrain, motors, and chassis, we have reduced reliance on imports, which has also helped us maintain quality control and cost-efficiency. Expanding into tier 2 and tier 3 cities has been another game-changer, as we have been able to cater to a growing demand for sustainable last-mile transport solutions, particularly post-COVID. By staying focused on customer needs and market trends, we have consistently achieved strong growth.
2. How have government policies and the growing demand for EVs contributed to Udaan’s rapid growth in the electric vehicle sector?
Government policies have been a huge help in driving our success. The various subsidies and incentives for electric vehicles have lowered the cost of ownership, making it easier for consumers to transition from traditional fuel-powered vehicles. The growing awareness around environmental sustainability, coupled with rising fuel prices, has also contributed to the increasing demand for electric vehicles. We have been able to capitalize on this demand by offering affordable, reliable solutions, which has significantly boosted our growth in the EV sector.
3. Tell us about the new Mega Factory for Electric 3 Wheelers. How will this facility strengthen Udaan’s market positioning in the EV industry?
Our new Mega Factory is a major step forward for Udaan. With this facility, we will be able to scale up production significantly, which will help us meet the increasing market demand for electric 3-wheelers. The factory is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, allowing us to produce more vehicles while maintaining the high-quality standards we are known for. This increased production capacity will not only strengthen our market position but also allow us to offer more competitive pricing, making our products even more accessible to a broader audience.
4. With the influx of new players in both the organized and unorganized sectors, how do you maintain a competitive edge in the electric vehicle market?
We maintain our competitive edge by focusing on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. While the market is becoming crowded, many competitors, especially in the unorganized sector, cut corners on safety and quality. We do not do that. We follow all regulatory guidelines and invest heavily in R&D to continuously improve our vehicles. Our in-house manufacturing of key components allows us to ensure the reliability and durability of our products, which sets us apart from many competitors. Plus, our focus on after-sales service and customer education through features like our Smart Connect system gives us a distinct advantage.
5. Can you provide more details about your upcoming Electric Three-Wheeler Auto Rickshaw and any other future product launches?
We are really excited about the upcoming launch of our Electric Three-Wheeler Auto Rickshaw. It is designed to be more energy-efficient, offering longer range and better performance with reduced operational costs. We have incorporated features like a self-diagnosis tool, which will notify the driver of any issues directly on the dashboard, making it easier to maintain the vehicle. In terms of future product launches, we are working on expanding our electric cargo lineup and exploring battery-swapping solutions to further enhance the convenience for our customers.
6. How will the expansion of your manufacturing unit from 90,000 to 275,000 square feet impact your production capacity and market reach?
The expansion of our manufacturing facility is a significant milestone for us. With this increase in space, we are gearing up to scale our production from 100 units per day to a much larger capacity, which will allow us to meet the growing demand across various regions. This expansion will not only boost our production but also help us optimize our supply chain, reduce lead times, and improve overall efficiency. As we increase our output, we will be able to penetrate new markets and strengthen our presence in existing ones, ensuring we stay ahead in this competitive industry.
7. What strategies are you implementing to help Udaan E Vehicles surpass the ₹300 crore revenue milestone this year?
To surpass the ₹300 crore revenue mark, we are focusing on scaling our production, expanding into new markets, and introducing innovative products. We have already made significant investments in increasing our manufacturing capacity, and we are strengthening our distribution network to reach more tier 2 and tier 3 cities. In addition, we are enhancing our marketing efforts and building stronger partnerships with local dealers. We are also working on improving operational efficiency, which will allow us to offer more competitive pricing and increase sales volume.
8. What are your plans to climb from 9th to 5th in the rankings for on-road vehicles, and what initiatives are in place to achieve this goal?
Our goal to move from 9th to 5th in the rankings is ambitious, but we are confident in our ability to achieve it. We are planning to introduce a new range of electric vehicles with improved features and enhanced performance. Additionally, we are expanding our dealer network and strengthening after-sales support to ensure customer satisfaction. We are also looking at increasing our brand visibility through strategic marketing campaigns and participating in key industry events to showcase our innovations. All of these initiatives will help us gain market share and climb the rankings.
9. Looking ahead, what innovations and market expansion plans does Udaan E Vehicles have in the pipeline?
Looking ahead, we are focusing on several exciting innovations. We are working on battery-swapping technology, which will significantly reduce downtime for our commercial users. We are also exploring the use of lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries to offer even more efficient and safer vehicles. On the market expansion front, we plan to strengthen our presence in tier 2 and tier 3 cities and expand internationally in the near future. By continuing to innovate and expand, we aim to solidify Udaan’s position as a leader in the electric vehicle market.