India is at the cusp of a major transformation in mobility. The electric vehicle (EV) industry is growing rapidly, with projections pointing to a 10x expansion by 2030. As more two-wheelers, three-wheelers, buses, and trucks shift to electric power, the demand for skilled EV professionals is surging—but supply still falls short. This blog takes you behind the scenes of how real electric vehicles are designed—right from scratch. Each article covers a specific topic in short, digestible formats, breaking down the full product development cycle—from product identification and customer research to homologation and certification.
Why Most EV Startups Fail (and How You Can Avoid It)
Many EV startups jump into production without proper customer research or product-market fit. The result? Products that don’t solve real problems or meet regulatory standards. Instead, the series introduces a professional approach to product identification. Rather than entering the oversaturated two-wheeler EV market, the example focuses on a more strategic idea: an enclosed three-wheeler vehicle. This compact design targets a specific niche—urban mobility for elderly individuals, women commuters, delivery partners (like Zomato and Swiggy), and even local taxi services
The First Big Step Before diving into CAD models and battery specs, the team conducts a proper market survey. What do people really need? What are their pain points with current options? The feedback reveals strong interest in a comfortable, safe, and affordable EV with weather protection. This kind of early validation helps shape the concept into something that’s not just innovative, but also desirable.
Learning from the Competition: Benchmarking Done Right Once the product idea is validated, the next step is benchmarking. The team studies existing EVs by Ola, Bajaj, TVS, and others—analyzing their features, pricing, performance, and user experience. This allows the new design to hit the sweet spot: offering something new while keeping costs competitive. Ola, TVS, Bajaj, Ather, Hero & GEM hit best-ever sales in FY2025 | Autocar Professional
Turning Ideas into Engineering:
The QFD Process With customer needs clearly defined, the team then applies Quality Function Deployment (QFD). This engineering tool helps translate vague expectations like “comfort” and “speed” into measurable design goals—such as suspension stiffness, wheelbase, and interior ergonomics. QFD also involves collaboration across multiple departments—design, sales, service, and project management—to ensure everyone’s aligned on the vehicle’s purpose and performance. Want to learn more on QFD - QFD | Quality Function Deployment | Quality-One
What’s Next? Homologation & Certification
CMVR (Central Motor Vehicle Rules) and homologation. If you plan to launch an EV, understanding this certification process is non-negotiable. Agencies like ARAI and ICAT handle the legal and safety approvals necessary to bring a vehicle to market. Microsoft Word - THE CENTRAL MOTOR VEHICLES RULES1989.doc
Who Should Follow This Concepts? This EV Design web series isn’t just for startup founders. It’s incredibly useful for:
Engineering students working on final-year projects or looking for jobs
Freelancers aiming to build skills in EV design or consulting
Entrepreneurs who want to explore opportunities in sustainable transport
Automotive professionals switching to electric mobility roles
By following along, you’ll gain clarity on how to build an electric vehicle the right way—from the ground up, with real-world processes and industry standards in mind.
Final Thoughts -The electric future is here—and there’s space for innovators who can combine creativity with engineering logic. Whether you dream of launching an EV startup, want to upgrade your skills, or just explore this exciting field, this series will give you a strong foundation. So stay tuned, take notes, and get ready to power your career with the knowledge that drives the EV revolution.
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