Sugrah Mobility Pvt Ltd, an innovative startup based in Aluva, Kerala, is making strides in the sustainable transportation sector with its cutting-edge solar-powered electric vehicles. The company has recently unveiled its latest product – a 100% solar-powered electric tricycle designed for goods and waste transport. With a load capacity of up to 300 kg, this new vehicle offers a cleaner, cost-effective alternative for urban logistics and waste management.
As the world accelerates towards an electric vehicle (EV) revolution, four young entrepreneurs from Kerala are taking the lead in transforming the way we think about sustainable transportation. Inspired by the global push for clean energy and a greener future, they have launched a groundbreaking startup, Sugrah Mobility Pvt Ltd, with a mission to reshape urban mobility using solar-powered electric vehicles.
The Visionaries Behind Sugrah Mobility:
Hailing from Aluva, Kerala, Jacob Thekkekara, Azim Hashmi, and Abdul Hadi Mutheri with their Kochi-based company Sugrah Mobility Pvt Ltd, combining their expertise in engineering, sustainability, and business to introduce innovative mobility solutions that address pressing urban challenges like pollution, traffic congestion, and fossil fuel dependency. Their flagship product, a 100% solar-powered electric tricycle, is designed for the transportation of goods and waste, providing a more eco-friendly, cost-efficient alternative to traditional vehicles.
The India electric vehicle market is poised for significant growth, projected to expand from USD 3.21 billion in 2022 to USD 113.99 billion by 2029, representing a compound annual growth rate of 66.52 percent, driven by the introduction of newer and more efficient electric vehicles by companies and innovators.
The three-wheeler is designed to carry a 300 kg Payload Capacity, making it versatile enough for various uses. It can transport goods, assist with local deliveries, or support small-scale businesses like street vendors who require efficient, eco-friendly transport.
Equipped with solar panels, the vehicle is powered entirely by renewable energy, reducing operating costs by eliminating the need for fuel or grid power. This makes it a cost-effective solution for small business owners and delivery services, especially in regions with abundant sunlight, says Jacob.
The Journey to Sugrah Mobility:
Jacobs initial venture, which was in a similar domain, gave him valuable insights and experience. However, he felt the need to pursue something that was more grounded in his roots and capable of addressing real-world challenges. As it reflects on his journey, he shares.
It was along the same lines, but I wanted to create something which was more tangible and had a real impact. This is when I decided to leave that startup and look for something else, he adds.
For Jacob, Sugrah Mobility represents not just a business opportunity but a chance to make a meaningful contribution to sustainable mobility in his home state, Kerala. By focusing on "solar-powered electric vehicles", the startup is aiming to address multiple challenges, including urban pollution, traffic congestion, and the need for cleaner energy solutions in the transportation sector.
Jacobs decision to focus on Kerala was driven by a desire to contribute to the states growing interest in sustainability, clean energy, and innovation. Kerala, with its rising urbanization and increasing environmental awareness, provides a perfect backdrop for Sugrah Mobility’s eco-friendly transport solutions. The startup’s products, like the solar-powered electric tricycle, cater to local needs for cost-effective and sustainable mobility, especially in congested urban areas.
Jacob observed that the countrys transportation heavily relies on three-wheelers for low to medium-scale needs. He noted that many owners make unconventional modifications, often with local mechanics, but expressed concerns that these alterations could pose safety risks and negatively impact the environment.
In 2021, mechanical engineer Jacob, alongside his friends Azim and Abdul, founded a company focused on developing innovative solutions. After extensive brainstorming and research, they successfully launched their tricycle product in May 2023.
The Sugrah trike is designed for enhanced safety and functionality, incorporating several key specifications like
The vehicle operates solely on solar power, which significantly reduces CO2 emissions. While conventional electric vehicles generate approximately 19 grams of CO2 emissions per passenger per kilometer when charged from the grid, using solar energy cuts this down to just .5 grams. This advancement showcases the potential for zero-emission transportation through the use of renewable energy sources.
The vehicle highlighted claims to significantly reduce CO2 emissions compared to other electric vehicles by utilizing gas-powered generators for energy generation, which eliminates any additional carbon footprint. This feature is emphasized as a key advantage.
Jacob reflects on the challenges faced by his team in developing the supply chain for their finished product, emphasizing that starting from scratch posed significant difficulties due to the absence of existing infrastructure. The team engaged with various vendors to comprehend their needs and determine how to meet those requirements effectively.
The price of the solar-powered vehicle starts at ₹1 lakh (100,000 rupees). If you choose the electric version of the vehicle, it costs ₹1,50,000 (150,000 rupees). On the other hand, if you opt for the manual version, it is priced at ₹30,000 (30,000 rupees).
Looking Ahead:
The company has sold approximately 20 vehicles in the country and is encouraged by repeat orders from existing customers, particularly in South India, including Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. They anticipate expanding their sales and aim to sell 500 vehicles in the upcoming year.
We are fully confident about our prospects because we have got a market-fit product, said Thekkekara, co-founder of Sugrah Mobility Pvt Ltd, expressing the team’s belief in the success of their solar-powered electric tricycle.
This business model has not only provided an early revenue source for the startup but has also positioned the company as a leader in both sustainable transportation and green advertising. With its innovative approach, Sugrah Mobility is paving the way for a future where urban transport and advertising work hand-in-hand to create a cleaner, greener cityscape.
Reference:
Manorama
indiamart
Edited by Gayathri
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