Pro Plus

[PLUS] Chetan Maini: The pioneer's path

The journey of an Indian entrepreneur who pioneered electric vehicles in the country and continues to shape the future of sustainable transportation through innovative battery-swapping technology.

By Shahkar Abidi and Ketan Thakkar calendar 10 Dec 2024 Views icon6009 Views Share - Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to LinkedIn Share to Whatsapp
Chetan Maini, Co-Founder and Chairman, SUN Mobility

Chetan Maini, Co-Founder and Chairman, SUN Mobility

In 1990, two key figures in India's EV story – strangers to each other – found themselves at the same event, a solar car race organised by General Motors in the US. The race was won by a car designed by the University of Michigan named Sun Runner. Among the university's team members was an Indian student, Chetan Maini. Observing the race on behalf of General Motors was another Indian, Pawan Goenka. Goenka would later join Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) and serve as its Managing Director and CEO.

By 1993, Goenka had joined M&M, and Maini had returned to ...

This is an Autocar Pro Plus article. Subscribe to continue reading.

Tags: Sun Mobility
RELATED ARTICLES
Pro Plus
Beyond Cars: VinFast's Full-spectrum EV Push in India

auther Kiran Murali calendar29 Jan 2026

With $2 billion committed, VinFast is constructing an integrated play spanning cars, scooters, buses, ride-hailing and c...

Pro Plus
A Breather for Hero

auther Kiran Murali calendar27 Jan 2026

A combination of policy tailwinds, new products and Honda’s cautious approach on EVs put a stop to the constant encroach...

Pro Plus
Renault India's Quiet Fixer

auther Ketan Thakkar calendar20 Jan 2026

As the head of Renault India, Francisco Hidalgo Marques faces his biggest challenge yet.