Nikhil Anand Khurana on how Made-in-India tech is transforming automotive sector

India’s journey toward sustainable mobility is at a pivotal moment, and at the heart of this transformation is Folks Motor, the country’s first hybrid electric retrofit car company. With a mission to bridge the gap between traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and next-generation xEVs, Folks Motor is redefining green mobility through Made-in-India innovation.

At the helm of this initiative is Nikhil Anand Khurana, MD & CEO, Folks Motor. A visionary entrepreneur and mechanical engineer, Khurana’s passion for hybrid electric powertrains began during his college days at GGSIPU, leading to a patented platform and over a decade of hands-on experience in designing, developing, and testing hybrid-electric solutions. Under his leadership, Folks Motor is revolutionizing the automotive sector by offering cost-effective and scalable hybrid retrofitting, allowing millions of existing vehicles to transition toward sustainability without requiring a complete overhaul.

In this exclusive interview with Adgully, Nikhil Anand Khurana shares his insights on the challenges, innovations, and future of hybrid mobility in India, shedding light on how homegrown technology is shaping the country’s automotive landscape, and much more.

What inspired you to launch Folks Motor as India’s first hybrid electric retrofit car company? Could you walk us through the challenges and milestones in developing and launching this innovation?

Folks Motor was founded with a vision to bridge the gap between traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and the future of xEVs. India has over 200 million ICE vehicles on the road and replacing them entirely with new EVs is neither economically nor environmentally viable. We saw an opportunity to introduce a cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable alternative – hybrid retrofitting.

Developing this innovation came with significant challenges. Regulatory approvals, technology development, and consumer perception were key hurdles. Our R&D team worked extensively to develop a retrofit solution that seamlessly integrates into existing vehicle architecture while ensuring safety and efficiency. Milestones include securing ARAI collaboration, partnering with OEMs for validation, and launching successful pilot programs. Overcoming scepticism around hybrid tech, we focused on education and awareness, demonstrating tangible benefits such as reduced emissions, enhanced mileage, and affordability compared to full EVs.

How does Made-in-India technology contribute to the evolution of the Indian automotive sector?

Made-in-India technology is playing a transformative role in the automotive sector by driving cost efficiency, innovation, and self-reliance. India’s automotive industry is one of the largest in the world, and domestic R&D is enabling customized xEV solutions tailored to local needs. By developing indigenous hybrid and EV technologies, the industry is reducing import dependence and making sustainable mobility more accessible.

One key contribution is battery technology innovation, where Indian companies are working on cost-effective, long-life lithium-ion and solid-state batteries. Additionally, advancements in smart powertrains, regenerative braking, and AI-driven energy management are enhancing vehicle efficiency. The growth of domestic component manufacturing under the Make-in-India initiative is also strengthening the supply chain, reducing costs, and fostering global competitiveness. As India transitions towards electrification, homegrown technology is ensuring that the xEV sector remains future-ready while generating employment and attracting global investments.

How does Folks Motor ensure that its technology remains globally competitive while being domestically developed?

Folks Motor maintains its global competitiveness through continuous innovation, strategic partnerships, and rigorous R&D. Our hybrid retrofit technology is developed with a strong focus on affordability, efficiency, and adaptability, ensuring it meets both domestic and international benchmarks for xEV performance.

We collaborate with leading research institutions and automotive experts to refine our powertrain efficiency and software integration. Our technology undergoes stringent testing to comply with global emission norms and safety standards. By leveraging AI and IoT for real-time diagnostics and performance optimization, we ensure our hybrid solutions remain future-proof.

Additionally, our cost-effective approach gives us a competitive edge. Unlike many global xEV solutions that require complete vehicle redesigns, our retrofit technology allows consumers to upgrade existing vehicles at a fraction of the cost. This affordability, coupled with high-quality engineering, positions us as a viable alternative in emerging markets and beyond.

What are some of the most exciting Hybrid-Electric-Connected innovations your company has introduced? How do these solutions improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance the overall driving experience?

Folks Motor has introduced several groundbreaking Hybrid-Electric-Connected innovations that make xEV adoption more practical and accessible. Our hybrid retrofit system seamlessly integrates with existing ICE vehicles, converting them into fuel-efficient hybrid models without requiring a complete overhaul.

One of our key innovations is an AI-powered energy management system that optimizes fuel usage by intelligently switching between electric and combustion modes based on driving conditions. This improves mileage by up to 40% and significantly cuts emissions.

We have also developed a regenerative braking system that recaptures lost energy, enhancing battery efficiency. Additionally, our smart connectivity suite provides real-time performance analytics, remote diagnostics, and predictive maintenance alerts. These innovations not only reduce fuel costs but also make driving more intuitive and environmentally responsible, offering an enhanced user experience with lower carbon footprints.

With India’s push toward electrification, where do hybrid vehicles fit in the larger sustainable mobility ecosystem?

Hybrid vehicles play a crucial transitional role in India’s sustainable mobility ecosystem. While full electrification is the long-term goal, challenges such as charging infrastructure, battery costs, and range anxiety persist. xEV solutions like hybrids provide a practical bridge by offering significant fuel savings and lower emissions without the infrastructure constraints of EVs.

By incorporating electric assist and regenerative braking, hybrid vehicles improve efficiency while reducing dependency on fossil fuels. They cater to a wider consumer base, including those hesitant to switch to full EVs due to high initial costs or limited charging access.

Moreover, hybrid technology contributes to lowering India’s oil import bill and reducing urban air pollution. As battery technology and charging networks evolve, xEVs, including hybrids, will continue to complement the transition by providing an accessible, cost-effective, and scalable alternative for mainstream adoption.

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