A deep-tech startup tackling the real and urgent challenges of EV adoption in India.
GoVidyouth Mobility Private Limited is an electric mobility startup founded in 2019 and based in Pune. The company was established by three co-founders: Dr. Rutooj Deshpande, Mrugang Karandkar, and Sourabh Brahmanathkar.
The name ‘GoVidyouth’ is inspired by the Sanskrit word ‘vidyut,’ meaning electric, reflecting the company’s mission to promote electric mobility—‘Go Electric,’ explains Rutooj.
Highlighting the major challenges, Rutooj explains that the EV industry faces numerous challenges, including range anxiety, inadequate charging infrastructure beyond major metropolitan areas, long battery charging durations, and the high upfront cost of electric vehicles compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) alternatives.
To address such challenges, the startup has developed a novel solution in the form of Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (REEVs). Unlike hybrid vehicles, GoVidyouth’s REEVs are driven purely by electricity. The innovation lies in an onboard generator that charges the battery when it depletes, eliminating the need for the user to stop and find a charging station. This approach eliminates reliance on the charging network, enabling electric mobility even in Tier 3 and Tier 4 towns with inconsistent electricity supply.
Rutooj explains that the range extender operates on fuels like petrol, CNG, and potentially biofuels such as ethanol and methanol in the future. “However, it doesn’t power the wheels directly,” he notes. “Instead, it generates energy to recharge the battery while the vehicle is in use, ensuring continuous operation. The system is managed by intelligent software and a proprietary power distribution unit developed in-house, enabling seamless energy transfer between the battery and the generator.”
The startup holds a patent on the system’s electrical architecture and is in the process of filing additional intellectual property. They claim that their solution is the first of its kind in India for the commercial vehicle space and is currently under review by certifying agencies, such as ARAI, to establish new standards for approval.
GoVidyouth’s main customers are OEMs and fleet operators. The startup is in discussions with several leading vehicle manufacturers, including Bajaj, Mahindra, and TVS.
Rutooj explains that the solution is modular and adaptable, making it suitable for a wide range of vehicles, including three-wheeler passenger and cargo models, four-wheelers, and even two-wheelers. If the vehicle design is already in place, the REEV technology can be installed within a few hours. However, for new vehicle platforms, the complete customisation and integration process may take up to three months.
Rutooj explains that with the range extender, users can continue their journey even if the battery fails or runs out unexpectedly. Maintenance isn’t a significant concern, as the generator is built on conventional internal combustion engine technology, which benefits from an existing service network, even in remote regions.
The startup is currently in a pre-revenue stage but expects to start generating revenue soon. They have developed and tested multiple in-house prototypes and are in advanced discussions with potential commercial partners.
Manufacturing is conducted through a combination of in-house assembly and partnerships with local suppliers. The core components, such as the controller and power distribution unit, are designed and built in-house, while the remaining parts are sourced from Indian manufacturing partners. The startup claims that they do not import any components from outside India.
GoVidyouth currently operates from a modest facility in Hinjewadi, Pune, with a small team of six engineers. As a startup, it has faced typical challenges, including limited financial resources, hiring skilled talent, and navigating an evolving regulatory framework. Nevertheless, it has received support through government grants such as NIDHI Prayas and funding from UNIDO. The team continues to apply for other eligible grants and funding programmes.
The broader vision of the startup includes international scalability, especially in regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, where challenges similar to India’s exist: inadequate charging infrastructure and low purchasing power.
The startup is also exploring next-generation innovations, such as hydrogen fuel cell-based range extenders, which could offer zero tailpipe emissions while maintaining operational flexibility. These technologies, though not yet commercially viable, represent the future roadmap for GoVidyouth.
