Aanchal Jain is a visionary leader driving sustainable innovation in electric mobility across India. With a Ph.D. in Economics and global experience, she champions inclusive growth, environmental responsibility, and transformative change aligned with the country’s Net Zero ambitions.
In an engaging interaction with Women Entrepreneurs Review Magazine, Aanchal shared her insights on the future of sustainable mobility in India, highlighting the need for inclusive EV adoption, gender-sensitive transport design, team diversity, and community-driven approaches to create accessible, zero-emission solutions for all.
With the shift towards sustainability in mobility, how is the current state of the Indian automotive market evolving towards zero-emission solutions, especially in the context of diverse consumer needs?
The Indian automotive market is steadily transitioning toward zero-emission solutions, driven by increasing environmental concerns and proactive government incentives. With pollution levels rising in urban centers, demand for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow. Encouragingly, EV adoption is also gaining traction in rural areas, where there are significant opportunities—particularly in public transportation and agriculture. PMI Electro Mobility, electric buses currently operating in 31 cities across India, including both Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, navigating diverse terrains from cold highlands to coastal plains. For the EV ecosystem to thrive, the focus must remain on developing affordable solutions, strengthening infrastructure, and implementing region-specific policies. Long-term success will hinge on balancing innovation, accessibility, and affordability to drive widespread adoption across the country.
EV adoption often overlooks gendered mobility needs. How can sustainable transport solutions be designed to better serve women, ensuring both safety and accessibility in urban and rural areas?
To ensure that women can fully embrace sustainable transport, we must focus on addressing their specific needs—safety, convenience, accessibility, and inclusivity. Whether in urban or rural areas, public transport must prioritize security features like well-lit bus interiors, emergency alert systems, and services tailored to cater women. Affordability, accessibility, and reliability are key, with schedules supporting women-only ride services when possible.
Additionally, at PMI Electro, we involve women in designing and operating these systems, which boosts their confidence and comfort. Our buses do cater women needs and are also disability-friendly, further enhancing inclusivity. By focusing on these factors and promoting affordable, electric buses, we can create a safer, more accessible, and inclusive transport system that encourages broader adoption of sustainable solutions for everyone.
How does fostering diversity within your team enhance innovation, particularly in the development of green mobility solutions, and how can other industries adopt similar approaches?
Fostering diversity within a team is key to driving innovation, especially in green mobility solutions. Diverse teams bring varied perspectives, leading to fresh ideas and more inclusive, effective solutions. For instance, involving women in designing sustainable transport ensures that safety, convenience, and accessibility are prioritized, increasing the likelihood of widespread adoption. At PMI Electro, the battery plant is entirely operated by women, promoting operational excellence and fostering innovative ideas. By recruiting diverse talent and encouraging open dialogue, industries can develop more forward-thinking, sustainable solutions. Diversity isn’t just about representation; it unlocks the potential for innovation, creating better outcomes for everyone.
Given your experience in advocating for sustainable transportation, how do you believe government policies can better align with the industry’s needs to accelerate zero-emission goals in India?
Government policies in India are making notable strides in advancing zero-emission goals by strengthening EV infrastructure, such as expanding charging networks and promoting green public transportation. Incentives aimed at encouraging manufacturers to produce affordable electric buses are spurring innovation and scale in the sector. We, PMI Electro are also contributing to this momentum by offering adaptable, inclusive mobility solutions already operating impeccably across 31 cities. Additionally, the government's emphasis on inclusivity—through seamless payment systems and targeted support for Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities—helps ensure that clean mobility solutions are both accessible and affordable. By prioritizing different policies for different cities and demographics, the government is building a sustainable, inclusive transport ecosystem that supports the widespread adoption of green technologies.
With your background in economics and sustainability, what trends do you foresee emerging in green mobility solutions over the next 5-10 years, and what role do women play in shaping this future?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, green mobility in India is poised for rapid growth, driven by technology, strong government support, and rising consumer demand. A major catalyst will be the government’s decision to reduce import duties on lithium, significantly lowering EV battery costs—which currently account for nearly 50% of an EV’s price—making electric vehicles more affordable and accessible.
Electric buses will emerge as the backbone of public transport, especially as services expand into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, bringing clean mobility to wider populations. Women will play a pivotal role in this transition—as both key users and leaders—helping shape inclusive, safe, and effective transport systems.PMI Electro is a strong example, with inclusive practices and a focus on innovation. These developments collectively point to a sustainable, equitable transportation future that supports India’s net-zero goals while improving mobility access for all.
How do you integrate community-driven feedback into your sustainable transportation initiatives to ensure that the solutions are not just eco-friendly but also inclusive and accessible for all demographics?
To ensure that sustainable transportation solutions are truly effective, they must not only be eco-friendly but also inclusive. That’s why integrating community-driven feedback is so essential. We actively engage with local communities through surveys, focus groups, and forums to gather insights on safety, accessibility, and convenience. This feedback is invaluable in helping us address the specific needs of different groups, including women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Our electric buses are already operating in 31 cities, diverse terrains—whether it's the cold highlands of Leh, the coastal areas of Goa, the scorching temperatures of Rajkot, or the busy streets of West Bengal. This wide geographical coverage ensures that our solutions are adaptable and effective for a variety of demographics.
Also, the recent reduction in lithium import duties will further make these systems more affordable, opening the door for broader adoption. Additionally, involving women in both the policy-making and operation of these systems ensures that inclusivity and safety remain at the forefront, creating a transport system that works for everyone.
By continuing to listen to communities, adapt to their needs, and prioritize inclusivity, we’re building a transportation network that is not only sustainable but also truly accessible to all.
