We’re Committed To Geographical Expansion: e-Sprinto

e-Sprinto is the brainchild of Vinod Gupta, Atul Gupta, and Shalu Gupta. Their collaborated entrepreneurship skills, industry expertise and knowledge, and visionary ideas nurtured the dream of curating a legacy in electric two-wheelers. Together, they felt the need to take the enormous leap from ICE to E2W which would help people envision a better and healthier future. That’s how e-Sprinto came into existence.

Atul Gupta, Co-founder, Director, eSprinto spoke to Opportunity India and talked about initial challenges, achievement and the overall journey of eSprinto. Following are the excerpt from the conversation:

What inspired you to start an electric vehicle manufacturing company?

Gupta: I was inspired to venture into the emerging electric vehicles (EV) business by a deep belief in the transformative potential of EVs. With over 38 years of experience in the automobile industry, spanning both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles, I had witnessed firsthand the changing landscape of transportation.

My engineering background, coupled with an MBA, equipped me with the knowledge and passion to explore this exciting field. Moreover, the pressing issues of rising fuel prices, environmental pollution, and the need for sustainability fuelled my determination to make a difference.

As for the initial challenges, the journey was not without its hurdles. Funding was a significant concern as e-Sprinto began as a bootstrapped start-up. We had to rely on our own resources and early revenues to support our operations and growth. Manufacturing presented its own set of challenges, ensuring that we maintained international quality standards and incorporated cutting-edge technology into our production processes.

Building a skilled and dedicated team was crucial, as was establishing our presence in a competitive market. Despite these challenges, our vision and commitment to sustainability drove us forward, and with the support of our team, partners, and customers, we’ve been able to overcome these initial obstacles and make remarkable progress in a short time.

Can you describe your experience in the two-wheeler manufacturing industry, and what specific roles or projects have you been involved in?

Gupta: With decades of experience in the automobile industry, my journey has been dynamic and enriching, encompassing both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs). This extensive tenure provided me with invaluable insights into various aspects of the industry.

I began my career with roles at established companies such as Yamaha, Suzuki, and TVS, where I honed my expertise in engineering and management. These positions allowed me to deeply understand the intricacies of designing, producing, and distributing two-wheelers. In addition, I’ve had the privilege of being involved in several key projects, including consulting roles in notable electric companies. These experiences allowed me to delve into the evolving landscape of electric mobility, giving me firsthand exposure to the challenges and opportunities within the sector.

What do you believe are the key challenges and opportunities in the two-wheeler manufacturing sector today, and how would you contribute to addressing them at e-Sprinto-EV?

Gupta: In the two-wheeler manufacturing sector today, key challenges include increasing demand for sustainable mobility, stringent environmental regulations, and intense competition. The transition from traditional internal combustion engines to electric vehicles offers significant opportunities for growth. At e-Sprinto-EV, I’m committed to addressing these challenges by focusing on innovation, affordability, and sustainability.

We’ll continue to expand our product range, invest in cutting-edge technology, and maintain competitive pricing to meet the evolving demands of customers. By prioritizing quality and ethical values, we aim to establish e-Sprinto-EV as a trusted and leading brand in the electric two-wheeler sector, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

Could you share your understanding of the latest trends and innovations in electric two-wheeler technology? How might these trends impact e-Sprinto-EV’s future products?

Gupta: The latest trends and innovations in electric two-wheeler technology are centred around improving battery efficiency, enhancing range, and providing a seamless user experience. This includes advancements in battery chemistry, fast-charging infrastructure, and integration of smart features like IoT connectivity and app-based controls.

Additionally, lightweight and sustainable materials are gaining prominence. These trends align with e-Sprinto-EV’s mission to offer performance-oriented, sustainable products. We’ll leverage these innovations to enhance our product range, extend battery life, and improve charging convenience. Smart technology integration will elevate user experience, making our electric scooters even more appealing and efficient for consumers.

e-Sprinto-EV places a strong emphasis on sustainability. How do you envision incorporating eco-friendly practices into the manufacturing process or product development?

Gupta: At e-Sprinto-EV, our commitment to sustainability is integral to our operations. We envision incorporating eco-friendly practices by optimizing our manufacturing processes to minimize waste and energy consumption. We’ll continue to use sustainable materials and explore recyclable components for our vehicles. Additionally, we’re committed to sourcing components locally to minimize carbon footprint. Our supply chain management also emphasizes eco-friendly logistics. Moreover, we’re actively exploring innovative battery technologies and exploring partnerships for sustainable disposal methods

In a competitive market, product quality is essential. Can you provide examples of how you have ensured quality control and improvement in your previous roles related to manufacturing?

Gupta: In my previous manufacturing roles, I’ve prioritized product quality through various means. One effective approach was implementing a robust quality management system that emphasized thorough testing and inspection processes at every stage of production. I also established a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging employees to identify and address quality issues proactively. By investing in cutting-edge testing technologies and training our workforce, we enhanced the precision and consistency of our products. This commitment to quality control resulted in improved product reliability, reduced defects, and ultimately, higher customer satisfaction levels, which are principles I incorporated in e-Sprinto as well.

Collaboration is crucial in a manufacturing environment. Can you share experiences where you successfully worked with cross-functional teams to bring a product from concept to market?

Gupta: At e-Sprinto, I led a cross-functional team to develop a new electric scooter model. We collaborated closely with engineers, designers, and marketing experts. Our teamwork allowed us to integrate innovative features, optimize production processes, and align marketing strategies with the product’s unique selling points. This synergy ensured a smooth product launch, efficient market entry, and a successful market reception.

What strategies would you implement to optimize production efficiency and reduce costs without compromising product quality?

Gupta: To optimize production efficiency and reduce costs while preserving product quality, I’d implement several strategies. First, I’d streamline manufacturing processes by identifying and eliminating bottlenecks and redundancies. Automation and robotics would be integrated where feasible to enhance precision and speed. Effective supply chain management, including local sourcing, would minimize transportation costs and reduce lead times. Continuous training and upskilling of the workforce would boost productivity. Additionally, a rigorous quality control system would be maintained to prevent defects. These strategies collectively ensure efficiency gains and cost reductions without compromising product quality.

How would you approach international market entry and customization of products for different regions?

Gupta: To approach international market entry, I’d conduct thorough market research to understand local preferences, regulations, and competition. Then, I’d tailor our product offerings to meet specific regional demands, such as adapting to different road conditions or local regulations. Establishing strategic partnerships with local distributors and service providers would facilitate market penetration. Furthermore, I’d prioritize after-sales support to build trust. Continuous feedback loops with local stakeholders would enable us to refine our products and strategies, ensuring a successful international expansion while respecting regional variations.

Can you discuss any experience you have with supply chain management and its importance in the two-wheeler manufacturing process?

Gupta: In my roles over the decades, I’ve overseen the optimization of supply chains to ensure timely and cost-effective procurement of components. Effective inventory management reduced production bottlenecks, improved cost control, and enabled faster response to market demands. Collaborative relationships with suppliers ensured a consistent supply of quality materials. In the competitive two-wheeler industry, efficient supply chain management is essential to maintaining production schedules, controlling costs, and ultimately delivering high-quality products to customers.

What role do you believe innovation plays in the growth and success of a two-wheeler manufacturing company like e-Sprinto-EV, and how would you foster innovation within the organization?

Gupta: Innovation is pivotal for e-Sprinto-EV’s growth and success. It has fueled our ability to develop cutting-edge electric two-wheelers that meet the dynamic demands of the market. To foster innovation, we have allocated resources to dedicated research and development, encouraging cross-functional collaboration to harness diverse perspectives. We have maintained feedback loops with customers, using their insights to drive improvements and explore emerging technologies. Regular analysis of market trends and competitor innovations has kept us at the forefront of the industry. Nurturing this culture of innovation ensures that e-Sprinto-EV consistently delivers innovative, high-quality products that exceed customer expectations.

Can you share your thoughts over your future plans?

Gupta: At e-Sprinto our vision is to continue on the path of sustainable and ethical electric mobility, expanding our product portfolio to cater to a wider range of customer preferences. We’re committed to geographical expansion, making our electric two-wheelers accessible to more regions and communities across India. Additionally, we’ll focus on enhancing our manufacturing efficiency, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising quality. Collaborations with strategic partners, further investment in research and development, and a dedication to customer-centric innovation are all integral to our future growth and success.