Latest news with #SulajjaFirodiaMotwani
Hindustan Times
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Rare earth magnet crisis: Kinetic Green CEO advocates for government support for Indian EV sector
Samples of rare earth minerals from left, Cerium oxide, Bastnasite, Neodymium oxide and Lanthanum carbonate are on display. (REUTERS) Check Offers The Indian auto industry, especially the electric vehicle segment, is yet to see a clear solution to the ongoing rare earth magnet production crisis. The stakeholders of the industry, as well as the Indian government, have been mulling a multi-pronged plan to tackle this situation, and one of them is the local production of rare earth magnets. However, this will be a time-consuming affair. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, CEO of Kinetic Green, has said that local production of rare earth magnets will take time, and meanwhile, the government needs to support the Indian EV sector. She has called for government intervention in the rare-earth materials issue, stating that while the Indian electric vehicle sector has managed to cope in the short term, it will face significant challenges ahead, as it's not easy to change the product design and supply chain. Speaking to news agency ANI, Motwani said that it could take at least two to three years for the players in the automobile sector to localise the supply chain or adopt alternative technologies. "It will impact the industry if it's not solved because it's not easy to change your product design and supply chain. The EV sector is scrambling somehow to manage for the short run. But I think there has to be a government-to-government solution very soon in the medium term. Because it will take two to three years to try to localise the supply chain or change the technology altogether. So I think it's important that this is resolved," she said, while further adding that the industry faced a similar situation in Covid crisis on semiconductors and the government did follow through and resolve it. "I'm hopeful that something will emerge from this," she said. Motwani added that until the issue is solved, Kinetic Green is working on developing alternative technologies to mitigate the adverse impact of such restrictions arising from global geopolitical moves. "But in the meantime, we are finding alternatives so that the business can continue, but it's not ideal to do that, and also, maybe not everybody can. So it (restrictions on rare-earth material by China) will impact the sector," she added. The Indian government has earmarked ₹ 1,345 crore to incentivise the production of rare earth magnets in India after China announced a decision to implement export controls on certain rare earth-related items, pushing a supply shortage across the world, including India, back in April this year. Meanwhile, India is in touch with the Chinese side, seeking predictability in the supply of rare earth metals. China's overwhelming control of global rare earth processing - commanding over 90 per cent of the world's magnet production capacity - has created significant vulnerabilities for industries worldwide. These materials are critical across multiple sectors, including automobiles, home appliances, and clean energy systems. Beyond China, there are only a few alternative suppliers of critical minerals. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 23 Jul 2025, 07:39 am IST
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Local rare-earth production to take time, govt support needed for EV sector: Kinetic Green CEO
Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder and CEO of Kinetic Green , has called for government intervention in the rare-earth materials issue, stating that while the Indian electric vehicle (EV) sector has managed to cope in the short term, it will face significant challenges ahead, as "it's not easy to change your product design and supply chain." Kinetic Green founder emphasised that it could take at least two to three years for the players in the automobile sector to localise the supply chain or adopt alternative technologies. "It will impact the industry if it's not solved because it's not easy to change your product design and supply chain. The EV sector is scrambling somehow to manage for the short run. But I think there has to be a government-to-government solution very soon in the medium term. Because it will take two to three years to try to localise the supply chain or change the technology altogether. So I think it's important that this is resolved," Sulajja Firodia Motwsaid during the unveiling event of the company's electric Luxury Golf & Lifestyle Cart in partnership with Tonino Lamborghini SpA of Italy. She further added, "We faced a similar situation in COVID on semiconductors; if you remember, the government did follow through and resolve it. I'm hopeful that something will emerge from this." She added that until the issue is solved, the company is working on developing alternative technologies to mitigate the adverse impact of such restrictions arising from global geopolitical moves. "But in the meantime, we are finding alternatives so that the business can continue, but it's not ideal to do that, and also maybe not everybody can. So it (restrictions on rare-earth material by China) will impact the sector," she added. The central government has earmarked ₹1,345 crore to incentivise rare earth magnets production in India. For context, early this April, China announced a decision to implement export controls on certain rare earth-related items, pushing a supply shortage across the world, including India. Meanwhile, India is in touch with the Chinese side, seeking predictability in the supply of rare earth metals -- which had been put under the export controls regime by the Xi administration. China's overwhelming control of global rare earth processing - commanding over 90 per cent of the world's magnet production capacity - has created significant vulnerabilities for industries worldwide. These materials are critical across multiple sectors, including automobiles, home appliances, and clean energy China, there are only a few alternative suppliers of critical minerals. The Union Cabinet in January 2025 approved the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) with an expenditure of Rs 16,300 crore and an expected investment of Rs 18,000 crore by Public Sector Undertakings. Recently, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy said the central government is actively encouraging private companies to mine and explore critical minerals overseas and bring them back into the country to serve the needs of the domestic industry. Speaking on the incentives to the industry, Motwani said, "The government has to continue supporting the adoption of EVs. Once we come to, today we are at about 7-8 per cent EV. Once we come to 25-30 per cent EV, then we'll have critical mass on supply chain, on scale, and on ecosystem. "We have begun well, but we are far from done. The government must continue supporting the adoption of electric vehicles," she added. She further noted the resistance from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) players who have vested interests in maintaining the status quo. "There is a large counterforce from existing ICE manufacturers who naturally want to protect their investments and may not wish to see EVs succeed. However, it's encouraging that the government remains focused. Schemes like EMPS and the PM-eBus Sewa, lower GST rates, ecosystem support, and a strong Make-in-India push should continue to drive demand and adoption," Kinetic Green founder asserted.
Mint
20-07-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
Local rare-earth production to take time, govt support needed for EV sector: Kinetic Green CEO
New Delhi [India], July 20 (ANI): Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder and CEO of Kinetic Green, has called for government intervention in the rare-earth materials issue, stating that while the Indian electric vehicle (EV) sector has managed to cope in the short term, it will face significant challenges ahead, as "it's not easy to change your product design and supply chain." Kinetic Green founder emphasised that it could take at least two to three years for the players in the automobile sector to localise the supply chain or adopt alternative technologies. "It will impact the industry if it's not solved because it's not easy to change your product design and supply chain. The EV sector is scrambling somehow to manage for the short run. But I think there has to be a government-to-government solution very soon in the medium term. Because it will take two to three years to try to localise the supply chain or change the technology altogether. So I think it's important that this is resolved," Sulajja Firodia Motwani said during the unveiling event of the company's electric Luxury Golf & Lifestyle Cart in partnership with Tonino Lamborghini SpA of Italy. She further added, "We faced a similar situation in COVID on semiconductors; if you remember, the government did follow through and resolve it. I'm hopeful that something will emerge from this." She added that until the issue is solved, the company is working on developing alternative technologies to mitigate the adverse impact of such restrictions arising from global geopolitical moves. "But in the meantime, we are finding alternatives so that the business can continue, but it's not ideal to do that, and also maybe not everybody can. So it (restrictions on rare-earth material by China) will impact the sector," she added. The central government has earmarked ₹ 1,345 crore to incentivise rare earth magnets production in India. For context, early this April, China announced a decision to implement export controls on certain rare earth-related items, pushing a supply shortage across the world, including India. Meanwhile, India is in touch with the Chinese side, seeking predictability in the supply of rare earth metals -- which had been put under the export controls regime by the Xi administration. China's overwhelming control of global rare earth processing - commanding over 90 per cent of the world's magnet production capacity - has created significant vulnerabilities for industries worldwide. These materials are critical across multiple sectors, including automobiles, home appliances, and clean energy China, there are only a few alternative suppliers of critical minerals. The Union Cabinet in January 2025 approved the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) with an expenditure of ₹ 16,300 crore and an expected investment of ₹ 18,000 crore by Public Sector Undertakings. Recently, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy said the central government is actively encouraging private companies to mine and explore critical minerals overseas and bring them back into the country to serve the needs of the domestic industry. Speaking on the incentives to the industry, Motwani said, "The government has to continue supporting the adoption of EVs. Once we come to, today we are at about 7-8 per cent EV. Once we come to 25-30 per cent EV, then we'll have critical mass on supply chain, on scale, and on ecosystem. "We have begun well, but we are far from done. The government must continue supporting the adoption of electric vehicles," she added. She further noted the resistance from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) players who have vested interests in maintaining the status quo. "There is a large counterforce from existing ICE manufacturers who naturally want to protect their investments and may not wish to see EVs succeed. However, it's encouraging that the government remains focused. Schemes like EMPS and the PM-eBus Sewa, lower GST rates, ecosystem support, and a strong Make-in-India push should continue to drive demand and adoption," Kinetic Green founder asserted.(ANI)
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Local rare-earth production to take time, govt support needed for EV sector: Kinetic Green CEO
Sulajja Firodia Motwani , Founder and CEO of Kinetic Green , has called for government intervention in the rare-earth materials issue, stating that while the Indian electric vehicle (EV) sector has managed to cope in the short term, it will face significant challenges ahead, as "it's not easy to change your product design and supply chain." Kinetic Green founder emphasised that it could take at least two to three years for the players in the automobile sector to localise the supply chain or adopt alternative technologies. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category MCA Operations Management others Public Policy Others MBA PGDM Data Science Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Management Data Analytics Design Thinking Cybersecurity Leadership Product Management Finance Project Management healthcare Data Science Degree Digital Marketing Technology CXO Skills you'll gain: Programming Proficiency Data Handling & Analysis Cybersecurity Awareness & Skills Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Master of Computer Applications Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details "It will impact the industry if it's not solved because it's not easy to change your product design and supply chain. The EV sector is scrambling somehow to manage for the short run. But I think there has to be a government-to-government solution very soon in the medium term. Because it will take two to three years to try to localise the supply chain or change the technology altogether. So I think it's important that this is resolved," Sulajja Firodia Motwsaid during the unveiling event of the company's electric Luxury Golf & Lifestyle Cart in partnership with Tonino Lamborghini SpA of Italy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Doctors Call These The 'Rolls-Royce' of Hearing Aids Hear True Learn More Undo She further added, "We faced a similar situation in COVID on semiconductors; if you remember, the government did follow through and resolve it. I'm hopeful that something will emerge from this." She added that until the issue is solved, the company is working on developing alternative technologies to mitigate the adverse impact of such restrictions arising from global geopolitical moves. Live Events "But in the meantime, we are finding alternatives so that the business can continue, but it's not ideal to do that, and also maybe not everybody can. So it (restrictions on rare-earth material by China) will impact the sector," she added. The central government has earmarked Rs 1,345 crore to incentivise rare earth magnets production in India. For context, early this April, China announced a decision to implement export controls on certain rare earth-related items, pushing a supply shortage across the world, including India. Meanwhile, India is in touch with the Chinese side, seeking predictability in the supply of rare earth metals -- which had been put under the export controls regime by the Xi administration. China's overwhelming control of global rare earth processing - commanding over 90 per cent of the world's magnet production capacity - has created significant vulnerabilities for industries worldwide. These materials are critical across multiple sectors, including automobiles, home appliances, and clean energy China, there are only a few alternative suppliers of critical minerals. The Union Cabinet in January 2025 approved the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) with an expenditure of Rs 16,300 crore and an expected investment of Rs 18,000 crore by Public Sector Undertakings. Recently, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy said the central government is actively encouraging private companies to mine and explore critical minerals overseas and bring them back into the country to serve the needs of the domestic industry. Speaking on the incentives to the industry, Motwani said, "The government has to continue supporting the adoption of EVs. Once we come to, today we are at about 7-8 per cent EV. Once we come to 25-30 per cent EV, then we'll have critical mass on supply chain, on scale, and on ecosystem. "We have begun well, but we are far from done. The government must continue supporting the adoption of electric vehicles," she added. She further noted the resistance from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) players who have vested interests in maintaining the status quo. "There is a large counterforce from existing ICE manufacturers who naturally want to protect their investments and may not wish to see EVs succeed. However, it's encouraging that the government remains focused. Schemes like EMPS and the PM-eBus Sewa, lower GST rates, ecosystem support, and a strong Make-in-India push should continue to drive demand and adoption," Kinetic Green founder asserted.
Entrepreneur
20-07-2025
- Automotive
- Entrepreneur
Mobility for Bharat
Sulajja Firodia Motwani, founder and CEO of Kinetic Green believes two and three wheelers (EV) will account for 60–70% and India will lead the world in these segments Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. "Entrepreneurship is in my blood. I've grown up with it, it's a way of life," says Sulajja Firodia Motwani, the force behind Kinetic Green, doesn't just run a company, she carries forward a legacy shaped over three generations. As the granddaughter of mobility pioneer H. K. Firodia and daughter of Kinetic Group's founder Arun Firodia, Sulajja grew up immersed in machines, mobility, and the mindset of building for Bharat. But with Kinetic Green, launched in 2015, she chose to chart her own path which is driven by purpose, powered by sustainability, and deeply rooted in India's evolving needs. "Kinetic Green is a venture that's very close to my heart. It's not just about being passionately involved, it's my purpose," she explains. "I wanted to contribute to the future of India's transport the same way my grandfather and father did for the past generations." The startup launched at a time when EVs were barely on the national radar. There were no subsidies, no demand, and no local supply chains. Still, the company began building from scratch by collaborating with scientific institutions like CSIR and investing in homegrown R&D. "We didn't take shortcuts like importing from China. We started from the drawing board, invested in core technologies, and built everything around the Indian customer," she notes. Today, Kinetic Green has sold over 1.5 lakh EVs, has a team of 500 people, and has clocked INR 1,500 crore in cumulative revenue. Their current run rate is INR 300 crore, and they aim to scale up to INR 750 crore soon with a long-term vision of becoming a billion-dollar enterprise within five years. If there's one principle that defines Kinetic Green, it's accessibility. Motwani calls it "democratising e-mobility" ensuring electric vehicles are not just for the elite, but also for rural India, delivery workers, farmers, and first-time entrepreneurs. "Our e-Luna is India's only EV truly suited for rural markets. It gives 100 to 250 km range, can be charged at home with a 3-pin plug, and offers battery swapping for commercial users," Motwani says. Kinetic Green has even installed over 300 rural charging stations and offers home charging as standard, addressing one of the largest adoption hurdles. Motwani's journey hasn't been without challenges. She recalls the early years when belief in EVs was minimal, and her team had to work closely with policymakers to help shape India's early EV policy. "There were more questions than answers. There were no incentives, no awareness, and no demand. But we believed in the technology and worked on every front, from regulation and financing to supply chain and product engineering." She played a pivotal role in shaping the sector, chairing the EV committee at Techies, heading the Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE), and participating in consultations with NITI Aayog and ministries to create demand and policy ecosystems for EVs. One of her most satisfying achievements was deploying over 27,000 electric rickshaws in Uttar Pradesh, transforming the lives of cycle-rickshaw pullers who went from earning INR 200 to INR 1,000 per day. Despite the progress, Motwani remains grounded about the road ahead. From financing constraints to misconceptions around battery safety and affordability, she continues to tackle industry barriers head-on. Her mantra for the team is if you can't hit a winning stroke, stay in the volley. "Entrepreneurship is not easy. You face a new problem every day. But I believe in thoughtful engineering not technology for the sake of speed or glamour, but innovation that truly solves customer needs." With two major product announcements lined up, the company's next phase promises global flair. On July 17, Kinetic Green will launch a new line of golf and lifestyle carts in partnership with the Lamborghini family. Featuring Italian design and Indian engineering, the vehicles will be exported to the UAE, Europe, Asia, and eventually North America. Closer to home, the company is also rolling out new high-performance electric scooters tailored for India's urban commuters and family users by FY27. "We've raised USD 26 million from Greater Pacific Capital and Venture Catalyst to fund this next phase. Until now, we've built everything on promoter equity profitably. But now we're ready to scale." Motwani is confident about the future. With government targets of 30% EV adoption by 2030, she believes two and three wheelers will account for 60–70% of this transformation and India will lead the world in these segments. "The green transport train has left the station. It's no longer about if or why EV. Now it's about how and when," Motwani concludes. Factsheet:
