Ru-Ba-Ru With Abhilash Maurya – Co-Founder & CEO Naxatra Labs

Innovation in the automotive industry is no longer confined to what’s under the hood. Today, software, artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies are transforming the way vehicles are designed, built and experienced. Behind this rapid evolution are visionaries pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

For our latest edition of Ru-Ba-Ru, MotorworldIndia sits down with Abhilash Maurya, Co-founder & CEO of Naxatra Labs. From pioneering AI-led mobility solutions to discussing the future of connected vehicles and India’s growing deep-tech ecosystem, Abhilash shares his journey, the challenges of building a technology-first company, and his vision for the next generation of mobility.

Here’s what he had to say.

1. How do you see India’s electric two-wheeler market evolving over the next few years?

India’s electric two-wheeler market is expected to move from an early adoption phase to a mass-market growth phase over the next few years. While urban markets have driven initial adoption, the next wave of growth will increasingly come from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where consumers are looking for practical, cost-efficient mobility solutions. Going forward, the market will become more performance-driven, with consumers evaluating vehicles not only on price and range but also on efficiency, reliability, durability, and long-term operating costs.

2. Why is motor efficiency becoming increasingly important in EV development?

Motor efficiency directly impacts range, energy consumption, thermal performance, and overall vehicle economics. Instead of relying solely on larger batteries, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on extracting better performance from every unit of energy consumed. Efficient motors help reduce energy wastage, improve real-world range, lower operating costs, and enhance durability, all of which are becoming critical for consumers as EV adoption matures.

3. How can manufacturers improve range without significantly increasing battery size?

The industry is gradually realising that increasing battery size alone is not always the most sustainable solution. Improving motor efficiency, lightweighting, aerodynamic optimisation, regenerative braking systems, and intelligent power management can significantly enhance range without adding larger battery packs. Advanced software integration and smarter energy management systems are also playing an important role in optimising energy utilisation in real time.

4. What are the biggest engineering challenges specific to Indian riding conditions?

Indian operating conditions are extremely diverse and demanding. EV systems must perform consistently across high temperatures, traffic congestion, poor road infrastructure, dust exposure, heavy loading conditions, and long daily operating hours. Thermal management, durability, efficiency under stop-and-go traffic, and maintaining performance consistency in extreme weather conditions remain some of the biggest engineering challenges for EV manufacturers in India.

5. How important will software and AI-driven optimisation become in future EVs?

Software will become one of the defining differentiators in future electric mobility systems. EVs are increasingly evolving into software-defined platforms where AI-driven systems can dynamically optimise power delivery, battery usage, thermal management, and driving efficiency based on real-world conditions. Predictive diagnostics, intelligent energy management, and connected mobility ecosystems will significantly improve performance, efficiency, and user experience over time.

6. What role will Tier 2 and Tier 3 India play in EV adoption?

Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets are expected to become major growth drivers for India’s EV ecosystem. Consumers in these regions are highly value-conscious and prioritise running costs, reliability, and practicality. For many users, EVs are economic decisions rather than lifestyle purchases. As charging infrastructure improves and awareness increases, adoption beyond metro cities could significantly accelerate the scale of India’s electric mobility transition.

7. How can India position itself as a global hub for affordable electric mobility innovation?

India has a unique opportunity to build EV technologies designed for high-volume, cost-sensitive, and infrastructure-diverse environments. By focusing on energy efficiency, affordable engineering, localisation, and scalable innovation, India can develop globally relevant mobility solutions for emerging markets. Indigenous innovation in motors, controllers, software systems, and energy optimisation technologies could help India emerge as a global manufacturing and technology hub for electric mobility.

8. What trends are you observing in consumer expectations from electric vehicles today?

Consumers today are becoming far more informed and practical in evaluating EVs. The conversation is shifting beyond headline range numbers toward real-world efficiency, reliability, charging convenience, lifecycle costs, and long-term durability. Buyers increasingly expect connected features, smart interfaces, predictive diagnostics, and seamless user experiences alongside affordability and performance.

9. How critical is localisation in building a sustainable EV ecosystem?

Localisation will play a critical role in strengthening supply chain resilience, reducing costs, and accelerating innovation. Building indigenous capabilities across motors, electronics, controllers, software systems, and component manufacturing will help reduce dependency on imports and improve long-term sustainability. Localisation is also essential for creating technologies tailored specifically for Indian operating conditions and consumer requirements.

10. What does the future of smart and connected mobility look like in India?

The future of mobility in India will increasingly be intelligent, connected, software-driven, and energy-efficient. Vehicles will become integrated mobility platforms capable of real-time diagnostics, predictive maintenance, remote updates, AI-enabled optimisation, and connected ecosystem experiences. Over time, mobility will evolve beyond transportation into a more data-driven and personalised experience focused on efficiency, convenience, and sustainability.