In a recent interview, Rashmi Verma spoke with Mr. Ayush Lohia, CEO, Zuperia Auto Pvt. Ltd., and discussed the company’s ambitious plans for electric three-wheelers, its bold revenue targets, and the strategy behind the newly launched Youdha EPOD. With over 45 days since launch, the EPOD has already garnered strong market interest, especially in the L5 segment where Zuperia aims to differentiate itself through design, technology, and aggressive pricing.
Mr. Lohia highlighted that while the L3 segment remains important, the L5 category is the real growth driver, offering both differentiation and scale. He emphasized Zuperia’s phased expansion strategy, beginning with Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Bihar, before scaling nationwide. The Youdha EPOD stands out with its spacious design, premium digital controls, extended range of 227 km, and competitive pricing at ₹2.79 lakh. With a strong manufacturing base in Kashipur, the company is strengthening its supply chain and exploring collaborations in fast-charging infrastructure, advanced battery packs, and fleet partnerships.
Zuperia Auto’s clear focus, early shift to 100% electric mobility in 2020, and disciplined approach to segment leadership showcase its determination to become a key force in India’s clean mobility transition.
The Youdha EPOD has completed 45 days since its launch. How has the market responded so far and what early feedback have you received?
Ans. The response to the Youdha EPOD has been extremely positive. We’ve received great feedback from both customers and market players. Companies in the L3 segment have shown strong interest, and it’s worth noting that apart from Bajaj, TVS, and Mahindra, no other major player currently holds a dominant position in this space. There’s a huge market gap between the top two brands and the rest of the competition, which presents a tremendous opportunity for us.
Compared to the L3 category—where there are over 600 so-called manufacturers—the L5 category provides a chance for us to truly differentiate ourselves. We anticipate being among the top 10 in this segment very soon.
What kind of growth trajectory and market size are you aiming to capture in the coming years?
Ans. We are taking a controlled, phased approach. Initially, we will focus on select markets in the East and North—particularly Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Bihar—for the first 5–6 months. After establishing a strong presence there, we’ll expand into other markets, ensuring deep penetration in these key regions first.
How many new products are you planning to introduce, and which segments hold the most potential?
Ans. We will continue strengthening our position in the L3 segment, but the L5 category is our primary growth area. The L3 category currently has a market size of about 38,000–40,000 vehicles per month, while the L5 category has already reached 22,000 units per month. The gap is narrowing rapidly.
Overall, the electric three-wheeler industry has grown significantly—from around 6 lakh vehicles annually to about 10 lakhs today—thanks to the rise of e-rickshaws. This is a booming segment, and I am confident that electric three-wheelers will become the first category in India to achieve 100% electrification, having already crossed 60% market penetration.
Zuperia Auto has set a bold target of achieving ₹1,000 crore in revenue by 2030. What key strategies will help you achieve this?
Ans. Our focus on the L5 category will play a major role in achieving this target. We will also expand our product offerings within this category and plan a strong re-entry into the electric two-wheeler market in the future. These three areas—L5 growth, product diversification, and two-wheeler expansion—are central to our strategy.
In such a competitive EV market, what makes the Youdha EPOD unique in terms of design, performance, and technology?
Ans. Several differentiating factors set us apart:
- Spacious Design: We’ve completely redesigned the L5 structure to provide the most legroom in the segment.
- Premium Digital Controls: A 7-inch digital speedometer, usually seen in premium two-wheelers or entry-level cars, comes standard.
- Extended Range: Our 11.8 kWh battery pack offers a range of up to 227 km on a single charge.
- Aggressive Pricing: We’re targeting an ex-showroom price of ₹2.79 lakh, which is highly competitive for this segment.
How is Zuperia Auto scaling its manufacturing capacity and supply chain?
Ans. We manufacture at our Kashipur facility, which currently has an annual capacity of one lakh units—sufficient for our immediate needs. We’re also strengthening our L5 supply chain to ensure efficiency and consistency. For L3, we already have a robust supply network in place, and for L5, we are building a well-integrated ecosystem to meet future demand.
Are you exploring collaborations with charging infrastructure, battery innovators, or fleet operators?
Ans. Yes, we’re in active discussions with partners across these three categories. Charging infrastructure is a top priority, and we’re working toward introducing fast-charging battery packs capable of recharging fully in 20–40 minutes. While I cannot disclose partner names until MOUs are finalized, we are engaging with multiple players focusing on UP and other priority markets.
How is Zuperia Auto contributing to India’s clean mobility mission?
Ans. We completely transitioned away from ICE (diesel) vehicles in April 2020, focusing entirely on electric mobility. This early step toward sustainability has allowed us to develop a strong foundation in EVs. Today, our products are not just environmentally friendly but also engineered for high performance and reliability, giving customers a genuine alternative to traditional vehicles.
As an entrepreneur leading a new EV company, what experiences have shaped your vision for Zuperia Auto?
Ans. I’ve been involved in the electric vehicle sector for over 15 years, starting when EVs were barely recognized in India. Coming from an automotive background, I’ve seen the industry evolve through countless challenges—policy changes, GST transitions, import restrictions, and more.
These experiences taught me to focus sharply on one segment at a time. While other companies try to spread across multiple categories, I’ve chosen to concentrate on three-wheelers first. Once we establish strong numbers and market presence, we’ll expand strategically.
This disciplined approach, along with our commitment to clean mobility, positions us well for long-term leadership in the EV industry.