Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

I have over 18 years of experience in the automotive and electromobility sector, with a strong focus on electric vehicles, Powertrain, Battery system, and Power. My career spans leadership roles across global and Indian OEMs, including Maruti Suzuki, General Motors, Volvo Group, Hero MotoCorp, and currently as Head of Electrical & Electronics at IPLTech Electric (Murugappa Group). My expertise lies in delivering Sustainable Automotive technology from concept to SOP, mainly in the EV domain, while building a high-impact technical team and setting up infrastructure that supports this. In addition, I hold an Executive MBA from IIM Lucknow and an MS in Automotive Engineering from the US, which has enabled me to bring both technical depth and strategic leadership to my work.  

Q2. Are premium technology-driven features (like connected systems, ADAS) becoming significant differentiators in the EV truck market, or is cost still the primary driver?

In the EV truck market, especially in India, cost continues to be a primary decision factor for fleet operators. However, premium technology-driven features such as connected systems, ADAS, and smart diagnostics are increasingly becoming differentiators, especially in long-haul and heavy commercial applications where uptime, safety, and efficiency matter. With new players starting to enter this segment, along with new regulations coming up, the trend is shifting towards new technologies. While the total cost of ownership (TCO) drives adoption, features that enhance operational reliability, driver comfort, and safety are gaining substantial traction.  

Q3. Are you seeing stronger demand for smart E&E systems like telematics, predictive maintenance, and advanced diagnostics in EV trucks?

Yes, demand for telematics, predictive maintenance, and advanced diagnostics is strengthening. For EV trucks, downtime translates into direct business loss. Fleet operators are realizing the value of predictive analytics and remote monitoring to optimize asset utilization and reduce breakdown risks. This is no longer seen as a “good to have” but is becoming a “must have” to remain competitive.  

Q4. How are government incentives, zero-emission regulations, and fleet decarbonization goals impacting adoption trends in the EV truck market?

Government incentives, zero-emission regulations, and fleet decarbonization targets are acting as strong adoption accelerators. Subsidies and favorable policies help reduce the initial acquisition barrier, while corporate ESG goals and city-level emission restrictions are prompting logistics companies to electrify their fleets more quickly than before. In India, schemes such as FAME, PM e-Drive, and state EV policies have had a tangible impact due to the government's clear direction towards adopting clean energy mobility; however, long-term clarity on infrastructure and operating economics will be key.  

Q5. How do you see the market size of electric trucks evolving compared to electric buses and passenger EVs in the next 5 years? Which segment is expanding fastest?

In the next 5 years, electric buses and passenger EVs will continue to scale rapidly due to broader use cases and public adoption. However, the electric truck segment, particularly in medium and heavy-duty categories, is expected to see exponential growth once charging infrastructure and TCO parity improve. I see heavy trucks becoming one of the fastest-growing segments after 2027, driven by fleet decarbonization commitments and the maturation of technology.  

Q6. What kinds of players are emerging as the strongest forces in the EV truck market today, and how are they shaping technology or adoption trends?

The strongest forces today are a mix of established OEMs entering the EV truck space with a scale advantage and new players focused on niche mobility products, including batteries, drivetrains, and charging ecosystems. Battery manufacturers and system integrators are shaping adoption trends by pushing innovations in pack design, fast charging, and lifecycle cost optimization. Partnerships between OEMs and energy providers are also emerging as a defining factor for ecosystem readiness.  

Q7. If you were an investor looking at companies within the space, what critical question would you pose to their senior management?

If I were an investor, the critical question I would ask senior management is: “How sustainable and scalable is your business model once subsidies phase out, and how do you plan to achieve cost parity with diesel trucks while ensuring uptime and reliability?” The long-term winners will be companies that can balance technology differentiation with operational economics.