Green Tiger Mobility is revolutionizing India’s electric vehicle (EV) landscape by converting existing petrol scooters into electric ones. As the EV market in India competes for customers willing to invest in new electric scooters, Green Tiger Mobility provides a different approach by focusing on retrofitting the vast number of petrol two-wheelers already on the roads. This strategy not only addresses the environmental impact of these vehicles but also offers a cost-effective solution for consumers.
### From Spreadsheets to Scooters
Founded by Ashish Dokania and Swati Keshan Dokania, Green Tiger Mobility was incorporated in October 2020 and is headquartered in Bengaluru. Ashish Dokania, with a background in banking and infrastructure financing, previously worked with Shapoorji Pallonji’s rooftop solar arm and founded Transtel Utilities in the UK. This unconventional journey led him to the idea that converting existing petrol scooters into electric ones could be a more effective path to reducing carbon emissions in India. Green Tiger’s proposition is straightforward: transform your petrol scooter into an electric vehicle.
### Retrofitting Solutions and Market Context
Green Tiger Mobility offers three conversion options for scooters. The bi-mode hybrid allows riders to switch between petrol and electric power, addressing the range anxiety common among potential EV users. The full electric conversion enables owners to charge their scooters at home. For high-mileage users, such as delivery riders, the company offers a swappable battery system developed in collaboration with Indofast Energy and Battery Smart, ensuring that a depleted battery can be quickly replaced.
The components required for these conversions were not available off the shelf in India, prompting Green Tiger to develop proprietary battery management systems, vehicle control units, and telematics hardware. This technology now supports several other EV manufacturers. With over 1.5 lakh km covered by retrofitted vehicles, Green Tiger demonstrates a significant real-world track record.
### Implications for India’s Startup Ecosystem
Green Tiger Mobility’s accomplishments extend beyond technological innovation. The company holds six patents for its retrofit and power electronics technology, with its solutions being certified by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). It has received recognition from industry bodies, including FICCI’s “Most Promising Innovation” award in 2022 and incubation support from NSRCEL at IIM Bangalore. Financially, Green Tiger has secured approximately $1.95 million in equity, with additional government-linked grants bringing the total funding to about Rs 21 crore.
The success of Green Tiger Mobility highlights a growing trend in India’s startup ecosystem: addressing existing infrastructure and consumer needs with innovative solutions. As the EV market continues to evolve, startups like Green Tiger are paving the way for more sustainable practices by leveraging the large number of existing petrol vehicles.
### What’s Next?
For founders and investors, Green Tiger Mobility’s approach underscores the potential of retrofitting and sustainability-focused innovations in India’s rapidly growing EV sector. As the company continues to expand its operations and partnerships, it will be crucial to monitor its ability to scale and influence broader industry practices. The next steps for Green Tiger may involve enhancing its production capabilities and exploring new markets, both domestic and international, to further its impact on reducing vehicle emissions.
