What if electric vehicles never stopped to charge? With a patented range-extender tech that powers wheels purely by electricity, GoVidyouth Mobility has taken up this challenge. Founder Dr Rutooj Deshpande tells EFY’s Nitisha Dubey how their innovation bridges current infrastructure gaps and drives sustainable mobility forward.
Q. What is the core technology that your company has developed?
A. We have developed a range-extended electric vehicle technology, specifically targeting commercial segments like auto rickshaws, three-wheeler cargo vehicles, and four-wheeler cargo/passenger vehicles. The core idea is to overcome the range anxiety and lack of charging infrastructure by integrating a small onboard generator set (that is, a range extender system) that charges the battery on the go. This eliminates the need to stop for several hours to recharge. The system is controlled by our proprietary intelligent controller and power distribution unit, which manages the seamless transition of energy between the battery and the generator.
Q. How is this different from traditional hybrid vehicles?
A. Unlike a hybrid, where the engine can power the wheels directly, our range extender is purely an auxiliary unit. It does not drive the vehicle but only charges the battery. This means the electric vehicle (EV) is always powered by electricity.
Q. What kind of fuel does the range extender use?
A. Currently, the range extender can operate on traditional fuels such as petrol and compressed natural gas (CNG). We are also exploring cleaner fuels, such as ethanol, methanol, and biogas. Eventually, we aim to move towards hydrogen fuel cells for a zero-tailpipe-emission solution.
Q. Have you patented this technology?
A. Yes, we hold an Indian patent on the electrical architecture of the technology. Additional patents are in progress. We are in discussions with the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for certification and commercialisation of this technology.
Q. Do you currently have customers using the range extender?
A. At this point, we are pre-revenue and do not have commercial customers. However, we have extensively tested prototypes in-house for two- and three-wheelers and are in active discussions with several original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and fleet operators. We expect to have vehicles on the road within the next three to four months.
Q. If you are pre-revenue, how have you sustained the company financially?
A. We have received government grants, including from NIDHI-PRAYAS (National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations – Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators & Startups) and UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization). Additionally, we have raised funding from private investors.
Q. What is the regulatory status of range extender EVs in India?
A. Currently, the regulatory framework does not have a clearly defined category for range-extended EVs for small commercial vehicles. As this is a novel technology in the Indian context, we are actively collaborating with ARAI and other relevant bodies to establish suitable certification standards.
Q. How does using a fuel-based generator affect emissions and sustainability?
A. While the range extender introduces some tailpipe emissions, it is used infrequently and runs at optimal efficiency when active. Compared to the current Indian grid, which is mostly coal-based, the range extender can sometimes have lower emissions per kilometre.
Q. Does adding a generator impact the reliability and maintenance of the powertrain?
A. Contrary to adding complexity, our technology improves vehicle reliability. EVs often experience unexpected battery depletion or inadequate battery management system (BMS) calibration. Our range extender ensures the vehicle can continue operating even when the battery is low or misreported. Though additional components are involved, the system is plug-and-play and designed for easy integration.
Q. Can there be confusion between range-extended EVs and hybrids in the market?
A. Some initial confusion is possible, but Indian consumers are already embracing hybrids in the four-wheeler market despite higher costs and taxes. Once users experience the reliability and cost-effectiveness of our system, we expect it to be well understood and widely accepted.
Q. If a fleet operator or OEM wants to install this range extender, what is the process and timeline?
A. If the vehicle chassis and architecture are already compatible with our design, the integration can be completed in a few hours. For new vehicles, it takes us about three months to develop and optimise the system. Once designed, installation is quick and scalable for fleets.
Q. What is the cost and expected lifespan of the range extender system?
A. Costs vary depending on the vehicle type, but we ensure that the total cost of ownership is lower than that of a pure EV with comparable range. Our technology also extends the battery life from the typical three and a half to five years to up to seven years. The range extender itself is warranted for 120,000 to 160,000km (75,000 to 100,000km), often longer than conventional warranties.
Q. What factors do you consider before integrating your technology into a vehicle?
A. We assess the vehicle’s use case, operational profile, and available physical space for integration. Once these factors are understood, the engineering work for customisation begins.
Q. How feasible is it to scale this technology in areas with poor EV infrastructure?
A. Our technology is particularly suitable for areas with limited charging stations or unreliable electricity. Since internal combustion (IC) engine components are familiar and serviceable even in rural regions, scaling this solution is both feasible and practical. This makes it highly relevant for tier-3 and tier-4 towns.
Q. Do you manufacture the entire range extender in-house?
A. The core of our system, the intelligent control unit and power distribution module, is developed in-house. The other components are sourced from Indian manufacturing partners. We do not outsource anything from outside India.
Q. What are the key challenges you have faced as a startup?
A. Like most startups, managing cash flow has been a significant challenge. Finding skilled talent with deep EV expertise is another issue. Regulatory ambiguity around our new technology has also required close engagement with certification bodies. Fortunately, the response from government and industry stakeholders has been supportive.
Q. Have you seen market traction since launching your company?
A. Yes, since 2019, we have seen growing interest from OEMs. Initially, there was some hesitation around hybrid-type technologies, but as the limitations of current EVs become clearer, more companies are recognising the value of our solution. Engagement has increased significantly over the past two years.
Q. Are you exploring future technologies beyond the current setup?
A. Yes, we are exploring hydrogen fuel cells and next-generation engine technologies for our range extenders. These would further increase efficiency and potentially eliminate tailpipe emissions, although they are not commercially viable yet.
