Automakers fuel start-ups to ride e-mobility wave

Last month, Hero MotoCorp made a Rs 205 crore investment in Bengaluru-based electric bike start-up Ather Energy

India is on the verge of witnessing a revolution in electric mobility and it is predominantly being driven by start-ups. In the fear of losing out, traditional manufacturers are now starting to make strategic investments into these young companies to understand this innovation.

Last month, India's largest two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp made a Rs 205 crore investment in Bengaluru-based electric bike start-up Ather Energy. While a large manufacturing set-up and sales network could ideally help Ather sell more bikes, the investment was driven by the R&D the start-up has done.

"Hero MotoCorp was clear that this industry is going to