In an interview with AutoEV Times, Gunjan Malhotra, Co-founder and Managing Director of Komaki Electric, shared insights into the company’s journey from traditional auto parts to sustainable electric mobility. She discussed the challenges of EV adoption in India, Komaki’s eco-friendly initiatives, smart tech innovations, and financial strategies that balance affordability with quality—highlighting their commitment to building accessible, intelligent, and clean transport solutions for every Indian.
Read the full interview here:
AutoEV Times: What inspired Komaki’s shift from manufacturing drive shafts and bearings to electric mobility, and what were the key challenges?
Gunjan: Komaki’s establishment in the auto industry has led us down the path of electric mobility. Our vision has always been intertwined with India’s aspirations for clean energy. In today’s world, environmentally conscious transport isn’t simply a popular idea; it’s a powerful wave of change we believe in.
While technology itself wasn’t a major hurdle, shifting public understanding proved to be a greater task. The need for a change in perspective and the initial lack of information on electric vehicles motivated us to champion this sustainable path. Cultivating customer trust in EVs and adapting our operational framework to this new direction demanded considerable perseverance. Thankfully, our powerful background in engineering has provided us with an upper hand when it comes to quality, research, development, and precision. It not only gives us an edge but also helps us navigate challenges.
AutoEV Times: How does Komaki ensure its EVs contribute to a cleaner India, and are there any eco-friendly initiatives beyond manufacturing?
Gunjan: Our unwavering commitment to sustainability is not limited to the production of zero emission vehicles. Komaki uses advanced LiFePO4 battery technology that has a longer lifecycle, greener chemistry, and is safer to use. We maintain the quality of our products through our in house manufacturing, which also reduces the environmental impact.
Beyond vehicles, we’re taking active steps towards installing solar panels in our plants, promoting battery recycling, and running awareness campaigns on clean mobility. Our mission to produce electric vehicles is an initiative to make India greener and cleaner.
AutoEV Times: With a diverse EV lineup, what sets Komaki apart in the competitive market?
Gunjan: We are determined to build products and experiences which are accessible to everyone. We’re different because of the diverse range in our products, attention to rider comfort, and integration of smart tech across price points. From daily customers, delivery fleets to women first riders, we have products that cater to the end-to-end needs of customers while ensuring good performance and affordability go hand-in-hand for them. We break the mold with our innovation and compassion. It is not about producing EVs, we’re focused on solving mobility issues with a variety of features. From large storage, comfortable seating, regenerative braking, and now even AI-enabled dashboards, our vehicles are designed for Indian roads, riders, and needs.
AutoEV Times: What key financial strategies helped Komaki scale its EV business while keeping affordability in focus?
Gunjan: Komaki incessantly focuses on maintaining cost control through vertical integration. We ensure that our dependency on external suppliers is minimal and we rely on our in-house battery and motor production, which has been a prominent factor in our financial strategy.
Apart from regulating our expenditures through cost effective measures, we have partnered with financiers and offered attractive EMIs that have helped widen accessibility. We’ve also reinvested profits into R&D enabling us to innovate without passing the cost onto the customer.
At Komaki, we not only optimise our operations but also ensure that our consistently affordable pricing benefits the customers while maintaining the remarkable quality and safety of our products.
AutoEV Times: What are the biggest roadblocks to EV adoption in India, and how is Komaki tackling them?
Gunjan: Limited range anxiety and charging infrastructure are major impediments to the growth of EVs in India. Individuals are aware of the lack of facilities and features that build this gap between them and eco-friendly transportation in the country. However, misinformation about electric mobility also persists in people when it comes to understanding the goal behind utilising it.
Our intent is to educate people, forge strong networks with partners and create products that go beyond the conventional ways of design to define their benefits and capabilities.
Our vehicles offer realistic ranges, fast charging options, and come with intelligent battery management systems. We are actively collaborating with charging infrastructure providers to create local solutions, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Moreover, our network of trained dealers plays a key role in spreading awareness and confidence in EV ownership.
AutoEV Times: What innovations or new launches can we expect from Komaki, especially in battery tech and smart features?
Gunjan: Komaki is at the heart of exciting developments. We see a future where solid-state batteries reinvent range and efficiency. We’re working on next-gen solid-state battery integration, smarter AI-connected dashboards, and enhanced rider assist systems.
Our forthcoming endeavors will feature everything we envision. From voice commands, improved regenerative braking, and modular battery swapping capabilities, specifically in our 3W segment, we are focused on developing everything that elevates an individual’s experience. Apart from this, we’re also investing in advanced telematics for fleet tracking, which aims to empower logistics and delivery networks across India with unprecedented insights and efficiency.
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