Tarun Mehta: Driving India’s EV Revolution
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Tarun Mehta is the face of innovation, sustainability, and India's mobility future. He is the co-founder of Ather Energy, a company that is changing the EV narrative in a country that balances tradition with modernity.
Tarun was born in a Marwari family that believed in discipline and aim in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Tarun’s story proves the power of vision resilience and leaves a lasting impression. Great ideas, when combined with hard work and grit, can transform this world.
We will explore the life of this visionary entrepreneur. Moreover, we will read about his early life, career milestones, education, controversies, and how he overcame challenges to help drive the EV revolution in India.
Tarun Mehta - Biography
| Name | Tarun Mehta |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Ahmedabad |
| Born | October 31, 1989 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | IIT Madras |
| Position | Co-founder and CEO, Ather |
| Website | Atherenergy.com |
Tarun Mehta - Early Life
Tarun Mehta - Career
Tarun Mehta - Ather
Tarun Mehta - Controversies
Tarun Mehta - Awards and Recognition
Tarun Mehta - Early Life
Tarun Mehta was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on October 31, 1989, to a traditional Marwari family that advocated discipline, culture, and ambition. Tarun was a naturally curious creature and a man who was determined in all his work from an early age. His formative years in Ahmedabad were critical.
During his school years, Tarun was a sharp intellect and a relentless seeker of knowledge. His academic performance and ability to tackle challenges with determination and focus were always consistent.
After finishing his primary education, he took up the challenge of cracking the IIT-JEE with an open heart and prepared himself so that no stone was left unturned. With sheer hard work and laser-sharp focus, he overcame every obstacle.
His efforts paid off. He excelled at the IIT-JEE and secured a seat for himself at IIT Madras. Tarun opted for Mechanical Engineering there, attracted by innovations.
His interest in entrepreneurship began quite early. He was part of the Entrepreneurship Cell at IIT Madras during his second year and learned how to build and run businesses. This experience polished his skills and connected him with like-minded individuals.
That was when Tarun met Swapnil Jain, another engineering branch mate. The two loved problem-solving and sustainable technology, so they’d talk about starting something of their own. Moved by the same vision, they wanted to implement their ideas and create a startup to tackle the burning issues in sustainability and mobility.
The pair started to think of ideas and eventually hit upon Ather Energy, which means the Greek word 'Ather', which means pure. This name stood for their dedication to building clean and efficient technologies. Their first target was to develop cleaner engines, but as they got into the business of electric vehicles, that would become their life's work.
Sarika Anand
Tarun Mehta - Career
Tarun’s professional journey began during his college years with internships that provided him with valuable industry insights:
- National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad (2009): Tarun researched the concept of open innovation and how companies use collaborative strategies to drive market innovation.
- 2010, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development, India: He worked on engine weight reduction for diesel engines in passenger cars, which led to insights into engine manufacturing and optimization.
- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL, 2011): He designed, prototyped, and tested equipment for coal ash testing at BHEL and proved he could translate theoretical knowledge into real-world solutions.
Tarun did his degree and joined Ashok Leyland as Deputy Manager in 2012. He worked on campus, within the sprawling Chennai campus. Even with limited resources and slow onboarding processes—he didn’t have a dedicated computer for the first few months—this phase gave him a chance to contemplate his career aspirations.
Founding Ather Energy
When Tarun returned to IIT Madras, he and his college friend Swapnil Jain started looking for opportunities in electric mobility. The duo realized that electric vehicles (EVs) could change the game of the automotive industry, so they founded Ather Energy in 2013.
They started in an empty hostel room, with much work to improve battery packs and reimagine EV technology.
Launching an EV startup in India was not as easy as it seems. Tarun faced numerous challenges:
- Talent Acquisition: Individuals with expertise in electric vehicles and new product development were particularly hard to find.
- Technology Investment: A persistent hurdle was convincing investors to support significant upfront investments in technology.
But Tarun and his team were determined to create a fully indigenous product. So, they designed India's first intelligent electric scooters, the Ather 450X and 450, with their advanced technology, exceptional design, and user-friendly features.
Ather’s philosophy was driven by Tarun’s belief that "electricity doesn’t mean some new invention; it’s a better product." He even foresaw that electricity would eventually dethrone petrol, outclassing it in performance and the environment.
Shevaughn Pimenta
Strategic Partnerships
- Hero MotoCorp: This partnership gave us great insights about the rigorous product testing and helped Ather get focused on customer experience.
- Sachin Bansal: The advice of the Flipkart co-founder to prioritize customer love over cost reduction shaped Ather’s product development.
- Scaling Ather Energy: Ather Energy, led by Tarun, has raised over $170 million and reached an $800 million valuation by 2023. Revenue was reported at INR 2,000 crore ($300 million) early in 2023, and the company hopes to reach $1 billion by year-end.
Advocacy for EV Ecosystems
Tarun Mehta believes that the adoption of EV technology will be successful only if an ecosystem for electric vehicles (EVs) is built comprehensively and sustainably. His advocacy extends across multiple facets of the EV ecosystem:
Developing Robust Charging Infrastructure
Tarun has emphasized the need for an accessible and widely spread charging station network. Ather Energy was the first to introduce Ather Grid, India’s first network of bright charging points for Ather scooters and other electric vehicles. These charging points are strategically placed in cities, so EV charging is as convenient as petrol vehicle refueling.
In a world where charging stations are just as common as fuel stations, Tarun sees a future of long-distance travel and reduced range anxiety among EV users.
Collaborating with Suppliers and Stakeholders
Tarun has been very active with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure that a localized supply chain is set up to ensure seamless operations and high-quality products. This would involve sourcing all Indian-made parts like batteries, motors, and controllers to decrease import dependency and manufacturing costs.
He works with stakeholders such as policymakers and industry leaders to create a space for fast-paced innovation in EVs.
Promoting Policies Encouraging EV Adoption
Tarun supports government policies that make EVs more attractive to consumers. His focus areas include:
- Subsidies and Incentives: Tarun has said that EVs need financial incentives, such as tax breaks and subsidies, to be competitive.
- Regulatory Support: He has also demanded stricter emission norms and fuel efficiency standards to motivate automakers to adopt cleaner technologies.
- Battery Recycling and Disposal Policies: Tarun is actively developing practices to reduce the negative environmental impact of recycling and disposing of waste batteries from used EVs.
Tarun Mehta - Ather
Tarun Mehta’s career is a story of perseverance, innovation, and sustainability. From a hostel room in his early days to revolutionizing India’s EV landscape, his story is a testament to his vision, hard work, and relentless focus on delivering value to customers. Through Ather Energy, he continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and build a greener, more connected future.
Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain co-founded Ather Energy in 2013, and in a short time, it emerged as an EV market pioneer in India. IIT Madras alumnus Mehta embodies patience and precision, perfectly exemplifying how Ather has journeyed. He oversaw the company, spending five years developing its first electric scooter from the ground up, ensuring it was up to the highest standards before rolling onto the streets. Mehta’s keenness on the premium market means Ather also focuses on it.
Ather's ethos is deep R&D; its scooters result from a decade of research into battery technology and design. The Ather 450 series, including the 450X and 450 Plus, showcases cutting-edge features, lightweight aluminum structures, and long-lasting batteries. Ather batteries are proudly durable, retaining 85-90% capacity even after years of use, cementing Ather’s reputation as the safest and most reliable EV on the market.
For Tarun Mehta, competition is a growth catalyst, and he is open to leading legacy players such as Hero and Bajaj into the EV space. “The more we have in the EV space, the more options we have for the consumer and us manufacturers,” he says. Mehta believes the industry’s united effort is the first step in speeding up the shift from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles and creating a better environment for consumers to become aware of and trust electric cars.
Ather Energy made a revenue of INR 1,789 crore in the financial year 2024, which is about the same as the previous year. However, the company's losses increased by over 22%, reaching INR 1,059 crore during this time.
Ather embodies India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. The company differentiates itself from the pack by designing and building its scooters domestically and with pioneering touchscreen dashboards, even before smartphones were made in India. With over 10,000 employees, the company has filed 60 to 70 patents. It is leading the EV industry in R&D. Mehta’s focus is now on manufacturing lithium-ion cells, using government incentives to reduce dependence on imports and build self-reliance.
Under Mehta's guidance, Ather has scaled its monthly production to 35,000 units, consistently attempting to hit 30,000 units. Its Hosur plant, near Bangalore, is the backbone of its operations, and the company is already planning its next manufacturing facility. Mehta says profitability is a few years away. Still, he is confident Ather can reach $1 billion in revenues this year, putting the company on track to become a global EV leader.
Ather has changed the game on EV charging with its fast charging network, Ather Grid, which has more than 1,000 points across 80+ cities in India. Thanks to forward and backward compatibility, Mehta’s decision to offer chargers as optional accessories means that customers upgrading to newer models will enjoy a seamless and cost-effective experience.
The Ather philosophy is all about quality and innovation. The company improves user experience by adding features like Ather Stack 5.0 to its robust aluminum scooter frames. Mehta’s philosophy of remaining faithful to Ather’s vision, guided by early input from investor Sachin Bansal, means the brand can withstand the rapid change in the industry.
Tarun Mehta, now 35, has already etched his name in India’s EV landscape. Under his leadership, Ather Energy has become a symbol of innovation, self-reliance, and sustainability. Mehta’s visionary leadership is set to reframe the future of electric mobility for Ather Energy, which has ambitious plans for scaling production, upgrading technology, and entering the global market.
Nitin Konde
Tarun Mehta - Controversies
Onam Celebration Backlash
In August 2024, Ather Energy was criticized online for sharing pictures of its office’s Onam celebration. The images also showed employees feasting on an Onam Sadhya meal and co-founders Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain in traditional Kerala attire. However, including chapatti, a non-traditional Sadhya item, received widespread backlash online.
One of Kerala’s most significant cultural festivals, the Sadhya, traditionally served on banana leaves, is one of the most important parts of Onam. However, the addition of chapatti, a northern Indian staple, was a cultural faux pas that was criticized on social media platforms. Users were disappointed with the inconsistency in honoring Kerala’s traditions.
The incident turned controversial, though. Ather's CEO, Tarun Mehta, posted the photos to show the company's festive spirit. Later, Ather released a statement admitting the mistake and explaining that they didn’t want to mark Onam in a way that would hurt people.
Customer Service Complaints
Like many growing companies, Ather Energy has faced occasional criticism of its customer service. Social media has been filled with issues ranging from scooter delivery delays to worries about after-sales support. Some customers have complained that the service centers have been slow in resolving technical problems, resulting in frustration.
Ather has made quite some efforts to improve customer service by bringing in online responsive support channels and service camps; however, these incidents indicate the scale of operations and their service standards.
Tarun Mehta - Awards and Recognition
- Listed on the Forbes 30 under 30 in 2018
- He is also listed on the Fortune 40 under 40 list in 2017 & 2019 for the innovative product.
- Received Jagdish Khattar Rising Star Award in 2023
- AIMA India dedicated the Young Entrepreneur Award in 2023 to Tarun Mehta
- He received the IBT CEO Awards 2024, which was recognized for his leadership at Ather.
- Electric Two Wheeler of the Year Award from Zee News was received by Tarun Mehta in 2021 for Ather 450X.
FAQs
Who is Tarun Mehta?
Tarun Mehta is the co-founder and CEO of Ather Energy.
What is Tarun Mehta education?
Tarun Mehta completed his Bachelor's and Master's in Engineering Design from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. His education laid the foundation for his innovative work in the electric vehicle industry.
What is Tarun Mehta age?
Tarun Mehta is 35 years old. He was born on 31 October 1989.
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