Former Tesla Policy Director, India Joins E-Scooter Startup Ather Energy

Bengaluru-headquartered electric scooters’manufacturer, Ather Energy recently announced that it has hired the former head of Tesla Inc.’s India policy division. Manuj Khurana left his position as Tesla’s Regional Head of Policy and Business Development in June 2022 and will begin working at Ather Energy the following week as Vice President.

In March 2021, Khurana began working for Tesla. The Elon Musk-led US electric car company has encountered several difficulties in India due to import levies and a local facility. It is looking for lower taxes in India so that it can test the market by offering less expensive imported electric vehicles before deciding to establish its manufacturing facility.

The preference for electric vehicles among Indian consumers is anticipated as the nation struggles with some of the worst pollution levels in the world. A research paper claims that as sales steadily rise, venture capital and private equity funding for Indian electric mobility startups would surpass $1 billion for the first time in 2022.

Ather received $128 million in funding this year from backers such as Hero MotoCorp and India’s National Investment & Infrastructure It is one of many businesses vying for a slice of a market that experts predict could reach over $150 billion by the end of the decade, a 400-fold increase from its current size.

Recently, Ather Energy announced the installation of the 580th public fast charging point, the Ather Grid, across 56 cities in India. Ather Energy planned to install 820 more grids, taking the count to 1400 by the end of FY23. Ather Grids have been strategically installed across markets, with 60% of current installations in tier-II and tier-III cities.

Additionally, Ather Energy recently also announced the opening of a third experience center in Chennai at the recently opened retail site on the Old Mahabalipuram Road, often known as the IT Corridor, for Rs. 1.57 lakh, and the 450 Plus is available for purchase in the location for Rs. 1.35 lakh (ex-showroom).