What happens when we plug electric vehicles into cities that were never built for them? Urban designer Zohra Mutabanna joins us to unpack the real design challenges of India’s mobility future...from shared transport to the Avoid-Shift-Improve model, and how our cities can evolve into living, breathing ecosystems instead of chaotic grids.

Sudhakar Chirra, CEO of FreshBus and founder of AbhiBus, joins us to talk about building India’s first all-electric intercity bus fleet. We dive into what it means to start fresh with 100% EVs, balancing profitability in a capital-heavy space, and how technology is redefining passenger experience on the road. Trust us...you do not want to miss this one!!

Three decades, countless innovations, one mission...redefine how India moves. Puneet ANAND pulls back the curtain on Hyundai’s journey in clean energy, EVs, and community-driven mobility. Buckle up, it’s a ride into the future. Welcome to the Energizing India Podcast. On this program, we engage with the key protagonists shaping the future of energy, mobility, and sustainability, both in India and globally. I’m your host, Ravin MIRCHANDANI, and today we’re in the driver’s seat with one of India’s most exciting automotive journeys. The transformation of mobility as we knew it in this country. Joining us is a man who quite literally has his fingerprints across the evolution of the Indian automobile industry. Puneet Anand is the vertical head of corporate affairs, corporate communications, and social responsibilities as AVP with Hyundai Motors, India, and has an enviable 3 decades of experience in the Indian automotive sector. Since 1998, Puneet has been an integral part of Hyundai’s leadership in India, steering pivotal functions and driving growth in a dynamic and often unpredictable automotive sector environment. Today, we look under the hood of Hyundai’s clean energy transition from investments in EVs, hydrogen technology, and renewable energy to localization strategies that boost the resilience of India’s economy. We explore the role of public policy, infrastructure, and community engagement that Hyundai plays in redefining mobility in the next generation. What does the road ahead look like for India’s clean mobility revolution? How does a giant like Hyundai balance cutting-edge innovation with deep local relevance? Puneet ANAND, welcome to the program.

Today, we welcome back Uday Narang San. Uday is one of the few real innovators of electronic mobility in India. Focusing on the 2-wheeler, 3-wheeler, and 4-wheeler transport space in India. And it’s always exciting to have Uday on the show to have a candid conversation about what gives and often what does not. Uday San, welcome to the program.

Can democracies compete with China's algorithmic hegemony in the energy transition? In this pivotal episode, we sit down with Peter Varghese AO, former head of Australia's Office of National Assessments (Australia's intelligence agency), former High Commissioner (Ambassador) to India, and former Australian Secretary of Foreign Affairs, for an unfiltered discussion about the new world order reshaping energy and technology. Varghese challenges conventional wisdom on self-reliance, warning that abandoning comparative advantage could make us "a heck of a lot poorer." He reveals why containing China is "not feasible," but allowing it to become the Indo-Pacific hegemon would resurrect the Middle Kingdom where "hierarchy was harmony." With Trump's America imposing 50% tariffs on India and creating "perceptions of unreliability," Varghese explores whether the Quad and AUKUS can survive, and why India-Australia cooperation on critical minerals and AI remains slower than anticipated despite evident synergies. Key Discussions: Why China's control of energy technology may be irreversible The "salad days" of US leadership and what comes after Trump. How AI will disrupt diplomacy, universities, and the very concept of expertise. The hidden risks in post-COVID self-sufficiency drives. What policymakers consistently get wrong about the China-India-Australia triangle Co-hosted by Ravin Mirchandani and special guest co-host Ritu David (ex-intelligence analyst, seconded to CIA Afghanistan), this episode delivers rare insights from one of Australia's most experienced strategic thinkers on navigating the collision of energy transition, AI disruption, and great power competition. Essential listening for anyone working in energy, technology, or international business in the Indo-Pacific. [Runtime: 32 minutes]

⚡️⚡️Energizing India Podcast Alert! ⚡️⚡️ 1991: India’s Near-Default Moment. How Did We Survive — and in 2025 What Challenges Come Next? | Montek Singh AHLUWALIA On this program, we engage with the key thinkers and leaders shaping India's economic, energy, and policy landscape. I'm your host, Ravin MIRCHANDANI, and today, honestly, I'm a little bit starstruck. Joining us on the show is someone we have admired for years and who really needs no introduction at all to the business audience, as he was one of the true architects of the modern India that we inhabit today. A journey that the country commenced in 1991, Montec Singh AHLUWALIA is an economist, a policy visionary, and also a civil servant who, along with the then-prime minister Manmohan Singh, played a pivotal role in steering India during its 1991 economic crisis. A moment of near default, where the country had to pledge its gold to keep the economy afloat. He served as the deputy chairman of the planning commission from 2004 to 2014, holding the rank of cabinet minister, and before that, he was the first director of the Independent Evaluation Office of the IMF. Today we go behind the scenes of that 1991 crisis, what really happened in those 10 stays, battles that were fought in the coridoors of power and how india chose the path of liberalisation, we will also look ahead to the turbulence of the present moment, global trade wars, tariff barriers, and the new era of supply chain of geo politics, what does all of this mean to india and how do we charte the path forward. This is a rare and candid conversation with a man who has seen it all from Washington to New Delhi and has helped shape India's economic destiny. Montec Singh AHLUWALIA, the man with the perennial blue turban, welcome to the program!

⚡️⚡️Energizing India Podcast Alert! ⚡️⚡️ Bangalore's pollution- a victim of its own economic success. Can EVs change that? | Thirumalai NC, Sector Head - Strategic Studies at CSTEP In this episode of the Energizing India Podcast, we head to India’s tech capital — Bangalore — a city at the heart of innovation, but also at the edge of an infrastructure overload. With startups like Ola, Ather, and Exponent leading India’s clean mobility revolution, Bangalore is setting the stage for what’s to come in 20 more cities. However, rapid economic growth comes with a paradox: 80% of households now own personal vehicles, and the city’s air quality is plummeting. We’re joined by Thirumalai NC, Sector Head at CSTEP, one of India’s leading think tanks in science, tech, and policy. He helps us understand the unique urban challenge Bangalore faces: Can a traffic-choked city leap into an electric future — and where will all that charging power come from? This is a story of hope, policy innovation, and the race to plug into a cleaner tomorrow.

In 2025, hydrogen is a darling of the energy sector. It represents hope for a greener tomorrow and the opportunity to democratize the energy generation industry, allowing any country to generate energy rather than being subject to the tyranny of the hydrocarbon molecule. Yet, it is underrepresented by women at the senior level and all levels of management globally. The Women Leaders in Hydrogen - India is a platform built to bring women in the industry together as a community to solve some of the critical commercial and scientific hurdles faced by the industry in India. With a mission to empower and inspire, in this episode, we are joined by our Co-Chairs: Dr. Anuradda Ganesh, Bhumika Singh, and Supriya Patwardhan

In this episode, we explore the intersection of policy and industry with a distinguished guest who plays a central role in advancing Australia's engagement with India. We are honored to welcome Phil Green, Australia's High Commissioner to India, and a seasoned diplomat with a remarkable career spanning four continents. Over the years, Phil has served as High Commissioner or Ambassador to Germany, Singapore, South Africa, and Kenya, amassing extensive international experience and a deep understanding of global affairs. A key figure in shaping Australia’s foreign policy, Phil was instrumental in the implementation of the Indo-Pacific strategy following its launch in 2017. He also played a pivotal role in formulating Australia’s approach to the Quad—a strategic partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. Phil's contributions extend to advancing clean energy collaboration, having piloted the Australia-Germany Hydrogen Accord in 2021. His career highlights also include serving as International Adviser to former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and being awarded the Order of Australia medal for his exceptional leadership during the response to the Bali bombings. Join us for an insightful discussion on the evolving Australia-India partnership and its critical role in the global energy transition.

In this episode, Vijay Gokhale, former Indian Foreign Secretary, offers a nuanced analysis of the evolving dynamics of geopolitics and global trade. He examines China's strategic maneuvers in supply chain control, its negotiation strategies, and the broader implications for international diplomacy. The episode also evaluates the potential repercussions of Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency, considering its impact on global trade and geopolitical stability. Join us for an insightful conversation on the critical challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the global order.

On Energizing India, we speak with key protagonists in the energy transition and clean mobility sectors to uncover what works, what often doesn’t, and to hear from those who have faced the toughest challenges. While we frequently discuss topics like lithium, hydrogen, and electric mobility, there is another part of the energy transition sector that quietly contributes to making the world a better place to live, even if it doesn’t grab the headlines or generate widespread excitement. In today’s episode, we’ve decided to shine a spotlight on the role of biofuels—such as ethanol-enriched gasoline, 100% biodiesel, and the increasingly promising sustainable aviation fuel. These innovations hold the potential to alleviate some of the guilt associated with frequent travel. Joining us is Ranjit Kulkarni, Vice President and General Manager of Honeywell Energy and Sustainable Solutions portfolio. He leads the company’s operations in India and brings valuable insights into this crucial segment of the energy transition.

In this episode, we welcome one of the key protagonists for both electric mobility and hydrogen energy in India: Amitabh Kant. A distinguished bureaucrat and policymaker, he is recognized for his substantial contributions to the development of the Indian economy. An alumnus of St. Stephen's College and JNU, he joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1980. Mr. Kant is renowned for his role in spearheading initiatives that have significantly impacted the economy, including Startup India, Make in India, and the highly successful Incredible India campaign, which repositioned the country as a global tourism destination. He is also credited with coining the slogan “Kerala: God’s Own Country” during his tenure in the state. When the Planning Commission was dissolved in 2015, Kant was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the newly created NITI Aayog, the apex public policy think tank responsible for catalyzing India's economic development. As India's Sherpa at the G20 in 2023, under his leadership, 87 outcomes were achieved, and 118 documents were adopted—an impressive increase from past years. His vision and leadership have firmly established him as a pivotal figure in shaping India’s policy landscape in the 21st century. In this episode, we explore India's efforts toward energy transition and understand how the country can become a global leader in clean mobility and hydrogen generation.

India's population is projected to surpass China's in both overall numbers and population density in the coming years. This growth is particularly concentrated in urban areas, which are facing significant challenges. Traffic congestion, increased road stress, road rage, and heightened demand for utilities and essential services are adversely affecting the quality of life for residents. To improve the lived experience of citizens, it is crucial to address the challenges of urban mobility. In this episode we have one of such innovative companies that are making strides in the urban mobility space – we met with Pratik Gupta , CEO of Gensol EV or Storm Motors who spoke about urban mobility.

In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the government's commitment to establishing India as a global leader in green hydrogen through the National Green Hydrogen Mission. In just a year and a half, this mission has placed the hydrogen molecule at the forefront of discussions among energy developers, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders. The introduction of production-linked incentives, along with significant capital investment for electrolyzer manufacturers and developers of green hydrogen and green ammonia, has bolstered confidence in India’s ability to achieve its hydrogen production goals. However, there is ongoing concern among developers about the demand and market uptake for their products. Today, we are pleased to welcome Shardul Kulkarni, Managing Director and CEO of Deesha Power. With 20 years of experience in the power and renewable energy sectors, Shardul has been instrumental in driving over $1 billion in energy transition investments across Southeast Asia and Western Africa. Within the Indian green hydrogen community, Shardul is affectionately known as the "hydrogen wala," a passionate advocate for green hydrogen, dedicated to raising awareness and educating others about the vast potential of this transformative energy source.

The Indian EV and energy transition sector has been in flux for the last three years. If you looked at it just three years ago, there were only a few thousand vehicles on the road. Since then, we've seen exponential growth: today, there are hundreds of thousands of electric two-wheelers, many thousands of three-wheelers, and thousands of new electric buses being added to the roads every year. Tata alone is targeting 150,000 electric cars this year. Today on the show, we talk to Uday Narang, CEO of Omega Seki Mobility, one of the major players in the Indian electric vehicle sector. Omega Seki Mobility is transforming both public and goods transportation, not just in India but also around the world. They have launched many industry-first products and are consistently among the top three electric three-wheelers sold in the country.

India has 326 million registered vehicles on the road in 2024. Seventy-five percent of these are two-wheelers, including scooters and motorcycles, down from 80% just four years ago. Approximately 12% of these are trucks and buses, with the vast majority being trucks, as only 2% of registered vehicles in India are buses. The fastest way to clean the air in Indian cities is to convert public transportation, including intra-city and intercity buses, to electric. The government has made significant progress in this area over the last four years, converting over 5,000 buses a year in Indian cities to electric. Initially, Chinese buses played a key role in this transition, but over the last four years, Indian entrepreneurs have invested boldly to implement new technology made in India for electrification and clean mobility in Indian cities. Today, we are speaking with one such company, an Indian gem: Eka Mobility. We welcome to the programme Sudhir Chairman, founder and CEO of EKA Pinnacle Industries .

In this episode, Vijay Gokhale, former Indian Foreign Secretary, delves into the complexities of global energy transitions and geopolitics. He discusses China’s rapid technological advancements, strategic geopolitical maneuvers, and the global implications of energy resource control. Gokhale also provides insights into India’s strategic positioning, technological growth, and the intricate balance of international relations. Join us for an engaging discussion on the challenges and opportunities shaping the 21st-century geopolitical landscape.

In this episode, we talk to some of the biggest EV Charger OEMs in India, discussing the various challenges in the EV charging space and how Indian charger companies can dominate the global competition. We feature Arth PATEL, Founder & CEO of Tirex Chargers, and Amit KEKARE, Head of E-Mobility at Siemens, along with Ravin MIRCHANDANI, Chief Dream Merchant at Quench EV Chargers and the host of the Energizing India Podcast. This is a fun one!

In 2024, hydrogen is a darling of the energy sector. It represents hope for a greener tomorrow and the opportunity to democratize the energy generation industry, allowing any country to generate energy rather than being subject to the tyranny of the hydrocarbon molecule. Yet, it is underrepresented by women at the senior level and all levels of management globally. The Women Leaders in Hydrogen - India is a platform built to bring women in the industry together as a community to solve some of the critical commercial and scientific hurdles faced by the industry in India. With a mission to empower and inspire, in this episode, we are joined by our Co-Chairs: Dr. Anuradda Ganesh, Bhumika Singh, Kalpana Gupta, and Suruchi Rao.

Harshavardhana Gourineni is an accomplished business leader who has made significant contributions to the growth and expansion of Amara Raja Energy and Mobility Limited. Harshavardhana has worked in various roles and industries, gaining a wide range of experience and expertise. After living in the US for 25 years, Harsha moved to India and was appointed as Executive Director of Amara Raja. In this role, he is responsible for leading the automotive and industrial business, which has a turnover of over $1 billion in revenue. In this episode, we explore what lies ahead for lead-acid batteries, what could be the relevant use cases for them once replaced with lithium, and how we are going to recycle them sustainably. Check out the episode today!