Aditya S. Rathore

I build, iterate, and think from first principles.

1 minute read

Here is the ppt link.

In our recent business case competition, we tackled a challenge at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and rural empowerment: How can electric vehicles (EVs) become accessible and scalable in rural India?

The case, titled “Gramin E-Mobility”, asked participants to create a launch strategy for an EV startup tailored to rural communities, especially targeting users like small farmers and artisans.

Key Problem Areas Identified:Permalink

  • Affordability: With rural incomes ranging between ₹8,000–₹15,000/month, standard EV prices (~₹90,000+) are a major barrier.
  • Charging Infrastructure: Less than 10% of villages have EV charging access; unreliable electricity adds another layer of challenge.
  • Awareness & Trust: EVs are still novel in rural India. Skepticism around performance, reliability, and servicing exists.
  • Accessibility & Service: Distribution channels and local service ecosystems are largely undeveloped in these areas.

Our Proposed Solution:Permalink

We created a two-pronged EV product strategy:

  • Gramin Zippy: A compact, two-wheeler EV priced affordably for vendors, students, and field workers. Break-even under 22 months.
  • Gramin Hauler: A rugged, heavy-duty electric 3-wheeler for small farmers and rural traders. ROI in ~18 months.

Supporting Strategies:Permalink

  • Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS): Monthly rental/subscription lowers upfront cost and relieves battery maintenance burden.
  • Decentralized Charging: Portable home chargers, solar village hubs, and battery-swapping stations to counter infrastructure gaps.
  • Localized Marketing: WhatsApp broadcasts, village fairs (melas), radio jingles, and SHG/FPO engagement to build trust.
  • Financial Model: Partner with NBFCs & MFIs for EMIs, leverage government subsidies (FAME-II) to reduce capex.

Financial Snapshot:Permalink

  • Total Revenue (Year 1): ₹8.7–₹8.9 crore
  • Break-Even: ~18 months
  • Initial Investment (Post-Subsidy): ₹5.2 crore
  • Key Revenue Streams: EV sales, battery subscriptions, charging usage, and after-sales services.

Lessons Learned:Permalink

  • Every figure in a pitch needs solid backing — income, EMIs, ROI.
  • Management frameworks are only useful when deeply contextualized.
  • A great idea is nothing without realistic execution and local empathy.
  • Financial projections are storytelling tools — not just numbers.

This case was more than a competition — it was a deep dive into rural innovation, where mobility becomes empowerment, and business becomes impact.

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