An ex-Tesla employee is working to make all Indian autorickshaws electric
An ex-Tesla employee Zero 21 Renewable Energy Solutions, a Hyderabad-based startup founded by ex-Tesla team member Rani Srinivas, produces low-cost electric kits for converting old petrol/CNG autorickshaws in 3 hours.
The Delhi government-appointed six electric kit manufacturers in December 2021 to convert old petrol and diesel vehicles that cannot be driven on city roads into electrical vehicles (EVs).
Zero 21 Renewable Energy Solutions, a Hyderabad-based startup that developed the ReNEW Conversion Kit, is one of the six manufacturers. This e-kit aids in the conversion of diesel and CNG-powered three-wheelers to electric.
Returning to India
Srinivas (49) is a native of Hyderabad. He has nearly 26 years of corporate experience working on business process optimization and enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation projects in places as diverse as the Suez Canal and Salalah Port.
However, in 2014, he relocated to the United States and began working for Tesla Motors like an IT manager. Overseeing the software flank of production, among other things. His responsibilities included coordinating with the shop floor and production planning. Which allowed him to understand material procurement, display, and supply chain processes.
“After nearly three also a half years at Tesla. I wanted to return to India and venture into the electrification of the 3-wheeler segment to address air and noise pollution. However, the most important lesson I learned at Tesla was their outstanding technology. It’s simple, but it’s a huge differentiator. “Their process and technology, which is so simple to maintain. Reduces air and sound pollution in vehicles,” Srinivas tells The Better India.
According to a Statista survey, “most urban dwellers in India. At around 70%, traveled less than 10 km for work and education.”
“This commercial transport vehicle has a life expectancy of up to ten years. The Smart Mule can transport loads weighing up to 350-400 kg. It has a range of 120-130 km on a single charge under any road conditions with 200 traffic stops, a peak power of 2000W. A top speed of 30 kmph, and is powered by a 130 (160) Ah LFP battery.
Companies that offer last-mile delivery of cooking gas, water cans, items from mom-and-pop shops, and e-commerce companies. We have also developed Smart Mule passenger vehicles used by commuters in Hyderabad to get from metro stations to their homes, providing last-mile connectivity. They provide a stable ride regardless of road conditions.
