New Delhi: For third-generation entrepreneur and industry leader Sulajja Firodia Motwani, the founder and CEO of Kinetic Green, the journey is more than a business venture; it’s a commitment to aligning with societal and environmental shifts. Her grandfather, Hastimal Kundanmal Firodia, the founder of the Kinetic Group, laid the foundation for her philosophy, emphasizing that success lies in aligning business strategies with the broader themes of societal progress.
In a candid and insightful dialogue, Motwani , an entrepreneur, shared her reflections on the pivotal stage of her journey, the significant strides of Kinetic Green, and the promising trajectory of the latest innovation – the E-Luna. Against the backdrop of International Women’s Day, Motwani highlighted the alignment of her aspirations with the broader themes of societal progress, inclusive growth, and the ever-evolving landscape of green mobility.
Motwani, excited about the prospects ahead, identified three critical faors that steer Kinetic Green’s course. They are the global shift towards green energy, the role of electric vehicles in this transformative journey and the unique and innovative product the E-Luna, which stands as a symbol of Kinetic Green’s commitment to contributing to a sustainable future.
Reincarnation of the past with an eye on the future
A major milestone in Kinetic Green’s journey is the E-Luna that reimagines the legacy of the Luna brand. Motwani sees E-Luna as a game-changer, bringing affordable and reliable personal mobility back to the masses. The vehicle eliminates fuel costs, making it economically viable and bridging the gap between public transport and personal mobility for a wider audience.
“The vision is to bring mobility to the masses again, and this time we also have the gig economy, which is a new upcoming segment for whom this vehicle is well-suited,” she said.
A platform, not just a product
What sets E-Luna apart is its platform approach. Motwani emphasized the adaptability and scalability of the product, envisioning various variants to cater to different segments.
“We’ve designed the E-Luna to be not just a product but a platform. On the same chassis, the base chassis, we can build multiple variants of it,” she said, hinting at the brand’s future in global markets.
Motwani said her dream goes beyond immediate success. Drawing from past experiences with Luna, she aspires to makeit E-Luna “immortal” – a brand that continually evolves with changing market dynamics, offering affordable, reliable commuting solutions. The platform approach, coupled with a commitment to reinventing the product’s appeal, reflects her dedication to ensuring sustained relevance in the market.
Motwani also mentioned her aspiration to make the E-Luna more appealing to women. “I’m keen to see how I can make E-luna appeal to women. So far, we don’t have women as a large potential segment because the styling is quite, I would say, masculine in a way. But it could be interesting to see if we can come up with a variant which could appeal to women as well.”
She shared that the company has been operating in the black for five out of the seven years it has been in the market. The focus on sustainability, coupled with a step-by-step approach, has allowed them to build a strong foundation. Kinetic Green prepares for a Series A fundraiser, aiming for INR 1000 crore in the coming financial year.
While E-Luna takes centre-stage, Kinetic Green remains committed to its three-wheeler business, seeing it as a crucial component of its overall strategy. Plans to launch golf carts are also in the pipeline, with a target date set for December 2024.
Addressing concerns about potential changes in government incentives, Motwani expressed optimism, emphasizing the need for a gradual tapering of incentives rather than a sudden withdrawal. She highlighted the importance of maintaining consistency to ensure the continued growth and adoption of electric vehicles in India.
This International Women’s Day, Sulajja Firodia Motwani’s journey stands as a beacon, inspiring women to break barriers and steer towards a greener, more inclusive future.
