Nikhil Anand Khurana, MD & Founder of Folks Motor, is pioneering India’s hybrid-electric retrofit revolution. In an exclusive chat with Aditi Singh from AutoEV Times, he shares how Folks Motor is making EV adoption more accessible through its patented Hybrid ReGeN Drive system. With a strong “Made-in-India” approach, the company is transforming the country’s automotive ecosystem, ensuring a sustainable future with cost-effective, scalable retrofit solutions.
Read the full interview here:
AutoEV Times: Could you share the story behind founding Folks Motor and how your college research on hybrid electric powertrains led to the creation of India’s first hybrid electric retrofit car company?
Nikhil: The story behind Folks Motor began with a passion for sustainable mobility and a curiosity about electric powertrains, which I explored during my college years. My research on hybrid electric powertrains focused on their potential for efficiency in manual transmission vehicles, and I realized that retrofitting existing vehicles with electric technology could offer a practical, eco-friendly solution for India’s massive automotive fleet. This realization led to the creation of Folks Motor, India’s first company specializing in hybrid-electric retrofit solutions. We wanted to make EVs more accessible by integrating hybrid technologies into existing vehicles, reducing both emissions and the need for consumers to buy entirely new vehicles. Through years of innovation and perseverance, we patented the Hybrid ReGeN Drive system, which has transformed the retrofitting landscape in India and set the foundation for Folks Motor’s mission to drive the shift toward cleaner, greener mobility solutions. Headquartered in Delhi-NCR, Folks Motor holds the distinction of being India’s first company to retrofit cars with xEV technology, while also playing a pivotal role as a comprehensive OEM.
AutoEV Times: How has the “Made-in-India” approach influenced Folks Motor’s journey and contributed to transforming the automotive ecosystem in India?
Nikhil: The “Made-in-India” approach has been central to Folks Motor’s journey. We believe that India has the potential to lead the global electric vehicle (EV) revolution, and we are committed to sourcing components locally, ensuring that our solutions contribute to the country’s economic growth. By prioritizing domestic sourcing and working with Indian manufacturers, we’ve helped build a robust value chain for the green mobility ecosystem. This approach not only reduces costs but also strengthens the local automotive industry by fostering innovation and creating job opportunities. Additionally, Folks Motor’s focus on manufacturing hybrid-electric retrofit kits locally makes the transition to green mobility affordable and scalable, especially for consumers who cannot afford new EVs. As a result, we’re not only contributing to India’s EV adoption but also actively supporting the Make in India initiative, which is essential for sustainable automotive growth in the country.
AutoEV Times: Folks Motor is at the forefront of Hybrid-Electric-Connected car technologies. Could you elaborate on the key innovations your company has introduced and their impact on sustainable mobility in India?
Nikhil: At Folks Motor, we have pioneered several key innovations that have positioned us at the forefront of hybrid-electric-connected car technologies. The cornerstone of our innovation is the patented Hybrid ReGeN Drive system, which allows existing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to seamlessly transition to hybrid or pure-electric modes. This system empowers consumers to adopt green mobility without the need for costly vehicle replacements. Another key innovation is the xEV platform, a universal electrification solution that can be adapted to a wide range of vehicle types. Our work has had a profound impact on sustainable mobility in India, making eco-friendly vehicles more accessible to a broader audience and supporting the nation’s efforts to reduce emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
AutoEV Times: What challenges did you face while developing hybrid retrofit kits, and how did you ensure their compatibility and accessibility for diverse car models in the Indian market?
Nikhil: Developing hybrid retrofit kits came with several challenges, especially ensuring compatibility with the wide variety of car models in India. One of the major hurdles was designing a solution that could work across different engine types, sizes, and manual transmission systems without compromising performance or safety. To address this, we invested significant time in research and development to create a flexible, scalable retrofit platform. We also collaborated with various car manufacturers and suppliers to ensure that our kits met the necessary automotive standards. Additionally, affordability and accessibility were key considerations; we wanted our retrofit kits to be viable for the average Indian consumer. By focusing on local manufacturing, we were able to keep costs low, and through strategic partnerships with financial institutions, we’ve made the retrofit process accessible via leasing and financing options. This holistic approach has helped ensure that our retrofit solutions can cater to the diverse automotive landscape in India.
AutoEV Times: How do you envision the future of hybrid and electric vehicles in India, and what role will retrofit technologies play in achieving sustainable transportation goals?
Nikhil: The future of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) in India is incredibly promising. As the government continues to support the adoption of clean energy solutions through schemes like FAME and advances in charging infrastructure, the transition to EVs will accelerate. However, India’s large fleet of older internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles presents a challenge. Retrofit technologies, like the ones we offer at Folks Motor, will play a crucial role in facilitating this transition without requiring consumers to purchase new vehicles. By enabling the conversion of existing ICE vehicles into hybrid or electric models, we can significantly reduce emissions and lower the costs associated with adopting green mobility. I believe that retrofit technologies will complement new EVs, offering a cost-effective, scalable solution for mass adoption. This holistic approach is essential for achieving India’s sustainable transportation goals and ensuring that the shift to EVs is both inclusive and impactful.
AutoEV Times: What steps can India take to position itself as a global leader in green mobility, and how is Folks Motor contributing to this mission?
Nikhil: To position itself as a global leader in green mobility, India must continue investing in infrastructure, innovation, and policy reforms. The government’s commitment to clean energy is already driving the transition to electric vehicles, but further steps are needed. Expanding the EV charging infrastructure and ensuring reliable access to green energy will help accelerate EV adoption. Additionally, incentivizing the retrofitting industry and encouraging collaborations between OEMs, startups, and policymakers will create a comprehensive ecosystem for sustainable mobility. Folks Motor is contributing to this mission by leading the charge in hybrid-electric retrofit technology. Our patented xEV platform and retrofit kits offer a cost-effective solution for India’s large vehicle fleet, enabling a faster transition to sustainable transportation. By focusing on domestic sourcing, innovation, and scalability, we are not only helping reduce emissions but also empowering Indian manufacturers to be a part of the global green mobility movement.
