Amitabh Saran: A Visionary Engineer on a Mission to Electrify India’s Transportation

Amitabh Saran, a former NASA engineer, embarked on a remarkable journey in 2013 by founding Altigreen Propulsion Labs in Bengaluru. His vision was to create a pioneering kit that could effortlessly transform any vehicle into a hybrid, making it more environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient. Under Saran’s leadership, Altigreen explored various aspects of this technology, developing fit-and-forget kits that could hybridize conventional vehicles. The company garnered significant interest, with numerous customers participating in pilot tests of the innovative kit.

Altigreen also branched out into developing technologies that could help drivers improve their driving habits and contribute to a more sustainable future. While these endeavors showcased Altigreen’s innovative spirit and commitment to the environment, the founders eventually recognized the need to transition their focus. As a result, Altigreen shifted its direction, evolving from a hybrid kit provider into a comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) company. This transition involved moving beyond individual components, both hardware and software, necessary for the EV sector. The ultimate goal was to create vehicles that were originally designed to be all-electric and tailored for Indian conditions. Altigreen transformed into a full-fledged EV original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

Today, Altigreen stands as a pioneer in the electric vehicle industry, crafting electric three-wheelers ideal for India’s commercial transportation sector. The Altigreen neEV was launched in January and has garnered widespread acceptance and acclaim. In the pursuit of innovation, Altigreen has secured an impressive 26 patents related to various breakthroughs that have contributed to the success of the three-wheeler.

Amitabh Saran, the CEO of Altigreen, envisions a future that extends beyond India, reaching other emerging markets in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. He acknowledges that the unique needs of these markets differ significantly from those of developed nations. While advanced economies often began their EV journey with high-end electric cars, emerging markets prioritize mass adoption, focusing on two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and compact four-wheelers for commercial purposes.

Saran emphasizes that the switch to EVs in emerging markets is not solely driven by environmental concerns. Instead, it revolves around real-life considerations and livelihoods. For example, a humble auto-rickshaw driver in India may prioritize his daily earnings over environmental factors. Therefore, any successful electric alternative must outperform conventional fossil fuel-powered vehicles in terms of performance and cost.

Altigreen’s neEV has achieved precisely that, offering an impressive range of 151 km to 181 km per charge, tailored to different cargo vehicle configurations. It boasts a remarkable running cost of 82 paise per kilometer, translating to a substantial 54 percent reduction in logistics expenses. Furthermore, the neEV promises lifetime savings amounting to a million rupees. This electric three-wheeler is engineered to withstand India’s challenging driving conditions, including water-logged streets, potholes, dust, and traffic congestion.

Amitabh Saran believes in the importance of adapting to the realities of the market, tailoring products to meet the unique needs and preferences of the local population. Altigreen has embraced this philosophy, resulting in a purpose-built electric three-wheeler that not only surpasses the incumbent fossil fuel-powered vehicles but also aligns with the livelihoods and aspirations of the people it serves. With Amitabh Saran’s visionary leadership, Altigreen is making significant strides in electrifying India’s transportation sector, improving lives, and contributing to a more sustainable and eco-conscious future.