EKA Mobility, a rising star in India’s electric vehicle (EV) scene, has forged a powerful partnership with global giants Mitsui & Co. (Japan) and VDL Groep (Netherlands). This strategic alliance, fueled by a joint investment exceeding $100 million, aims to transform India into a global EV manufacturing and sourcing hub.
Beyond Investment: A Symphony of Expertise
This landmark cooperation goes beyond mere finances. Mitsui, a seasoned investor with deep industrial roots, will provide EKA with crucial financial muscle to scale up operations and expand its product portfolio. Additionally, Mitsui will offer valuable support for exporting EKA’s EVs to emerging markets and establishing robust systems and processes.
VDL Groep, a European powerhouse in electric buses and coaches, brings its unmatched technological prowess to the table. VDL Bus & Coach, a subsidiary of VDL Groep, will transfer technology for electric bus production in India, empowering EKA to cater to the domestic market.
“Make in India”: A Dream Realized
This partnership aligns perfectly with the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative, promoting local manufacturing and job creation. With EKA’s expertise in cutting-edge electric vehicles and comprehensive EV ecosystems, Mitsui’s global reach, and VDL Groep’s technological leadership, India is poised to become a major player in the global EV landscape.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage
Environmental consciousness is a core value for all three partners. This collaboration emphasizes developing and deploying sustainable mobility solutions to reduce carbon footprints and create a cleaner tomorrow.
Key Figures Express Optimism
Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman of EKA Mobility, sees this partnership as a pivotal moment for India’s EV ambitions. “Joining forces with Mitsui and VDL Groep is a significant step towards making India a global EV manufacturing hub,” he states. “We are proud to collaborate with such distinguished partners who share our vision of sustainable, profitable, and efficient transportation.”
Nobuyoshi Umezawa, GM of Mobility Business Division at Mitsui & Co. India, highlights the multi-pronged approach. “We aim to contribute to ‘Make in India’ by leveraging EKA’s engineering and local network, VDL’s cutting-edge technology, and our global network to promote EKA’s products overseas and create eco-friendly societies.”
Rolf-Jan Zweep, CEO of VDL Bus & Coach, sees immense potential in the Indian market. “We see many opportunities in India, which is a promising growth market,” he says. “This cooperation offers synergies in procurement and development, further strengthening our positions.”
EKA: A Champion in the Making
EKA Mobility stands out as one of the few commercial vehicle manufacturers approved under the Champion OEM Scheme and EV component manufacturing scheme of the Indian government’s Auto PLI policy. The company boasts the unique distinction of being the only Indian entity offering end-to-end design, manufacturing, and technology for new energy vehicles, entirely within India.
With a state-of-the-art research and development center in Pune and a rapidly growing order book exceeding 500 electric buses and 5000+ electric light commercial vehicles, EKA is poised for explosive growth. All these vehicles will be proudly designed and manufactured in India, with production facilities planned in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
EKA’s impressive portfolio already includes electric city buses, staff carriers, school buses, a 9-meter hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus, and even a range of e-LCVs specifically designed for the Indian market. With this ambitious partnership in place, EKA is well on its way to electrifying India’s transportation landscape and carving a niche for itself on the global EV stage.
