As India accelerates its push toward sustainable mobility, homegrown innovators like Udaan E Vehicles are paving the way with practical, inclusive, and eco-friendly solutions. Founded in 2015, Udaan E Vehicles identified a critical gap in the market for affordable, efficient electric transport, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities. The company has since emerged as a leading player in the electric three-wheeler segment, addressing both passenger and cargo needs through in-house manufacturing and indigenous R&D. With a strong focus on empowering micro-entrepreneurs and contributing to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, Udaan’s commitment goes beyond just clean transport—it’s a mission to create economic upliftment and reduce India’s carbon footprint.
Udaan’s growing portfolio of battery-powered rickshaws and upcoming electric auto-rickshaws reflect its dual commitment to sustainability and innovation. The vehicles boast low operational costs, smart features, and robust performance, catering to both commercial and personal transport users.
In this exclusive interaction, Rashmi interviews Mitull Batraa, Co-founder & CEO Udaan E-Vehicles to understand their vision for India’s electric mobility landscape, their commitment to green innovation, and how they are enabling cleaner cities and empowered communities through EV adoption. The conversation also delves into their technological advancements, contribution to the EV30@30 campaign, and how they’re helping shape the future of last-mile mobility in India.
1. What inspired the founding of Udaan E-Vehicles and what gap were you aiming to fill in India’s mobility space?
Our company, Udaan E-Vehicles was founded in 2015 to address the growing need for cost-effective, eco-friendly last-mile mobility solutions in India. Recognizing the gap in reliable electric transportation for urban and semi-urban markets, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, the company aimed to offer efficient, low-maintenance vehicles that were affordable for commercial and personal use. The objective was to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional fuel-powered vehicles while empowering micro-entrepreneurs and local transport operators.
2. Can you elaborate on Udaan’s vision for promoting greener and more sustainable transportation in India?
Our company envisions a future where electric vehicles form the backbone of India’s transportation ecosystem. Through in-house manufacturing and continuous R&D, the company is committed to reducing emissions, lowering operational costs, and promoting cleaner cities. Our focus is on developing energy-efficient vehicles, and investing in battery technologies aligns with India’s broader sustainability goals, including reduced dependency on fossil fuels and improved air quality in urban areas.
3. What does the name ‘Udaan’ signify, and how does it reflect your brand’s mission?
‘Udaan’ means ‘flight’ in Hindi, symbolizing aspiration, progress, and freedom. The name reflects the brand’s mission to elevate India’s mobility standards by providing eco-conscious solutions that offer economic empowerment and social upliftment. It also signifies our aim to help individuals and small businesses rise economically through dependable electric transport.
4. Could you walk us through the range of electric vehicles Udaan offers and their key applications?
We at Udaan offer a comprehensive range of electric three-wheelers, including Battery E-Rickshaws for passenger transport and E-Rickshaw Loaders for cargo applications. These vehicles are particularly well-suited for last-mile connectivity, intra-city goods movement, and sustainable transport in both urban and rural areas. The upcoming Electric Three-Wheeler Auto Rickshaw adds to this lineup with enhanced features like energy efficiency, self-diagnosis tools, and improved range.
5. How does Udaan tailor its EV solutions for both commercial and personal use cases?
We at Udaan design our vehicles based on specific user needs. For commercial use, the focus is on durability, high load capacity, and low operating costs, which are crucial for logistics and public transport. For personal use, the company emphasizes ease of use, low maintenance, and safety. Customization options and robust after-sales support further help in meeting diverse customer requirements across sectors.
6. How is Udaan contributing to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, especially through indigenous R&D?
At Udaan we are a proud contributor to the ‘Make in India’ initiative by manufacturing most of our key components like motors, chassis, and drivetrains in-house. This not only ensures quality control and affordability but also reduces dependency on imports. We have significantly invested in indigenous R&D to innovate better-performing vehicles suited to Indian road and climate conditions, which further strengthens local employment and manufacturing ecosystems.
7. What are some standout features of Udaan EVs in terms of performance, durability, and cost-efficiency?
Our EVs are built for longevity and reliability. The vehicles feature sturdy construction, low maintenance requirements, and efficient powertrains. Key highlights include long battery life, advanced drivetrain systems, and robust chassis designs, all contributing to reduced total cost of ownership. These features make our vehicles ideal for high-usage scenarios while keeping operational expenses minimal.
8. Are there any upcoming plans to introduce smart or connected features in your vehicle lineup?
Yes, we at Udaan are integrating smart technologies in our upcoming models. Features like the Smart Connect system are being rolled out to enhance user experience and after-sales service. The new Electric Three-Wheeler Auto Rickshaw, for instance, will feature a self-diagnosis tool that alerts drivers to potential issues via the dashboard. Further, we are exploring smart battery management systems and connectivity solutions to improve efficiency and fleet management.
9. How is Udaan supporting clean city drives, rural job creation, and last-mile connectivity?
The company plays an important role in clean city initiatives by providing zero-emission electric vehicles for urban transport. In rural areas, the company creates job opportunities through vehicle ownership models that empower individuals to operate their own transport businesses. By expanding into underserved regions and offering cost-effective solutions, Udaan enhances last-mile connectivity and contributes to regional economic development.
10. How is Udaan E-Vehicles aligned with India’s EV30@30 campaign, and what role do you see it playing in achieving those targets?
We at Udaan are closely aligned with the EV30@30 campaign, which aims for 30% of all vehicle sales to be electric by 2030. By scaling our manufacturing capacity from 90,000 to 275,000 sq. ft., launching innovative EV models, and expanding into tier 2 and 3 cities, we are actively contributing to increased EV adoption. With a strong focus on affordability, accessibility, and sustainability, the company is set for a strong role in India’s electric mobility transformation.