Friday | Apr 18 2025 | 03:46:36 AM
Aanchal Jain, CEO of PMI Electro Mobility Solutions, is at the forefront of India’s electric public transport revolution. As the only woman leading an e-bus manufacturer and operator in the country, she is driving innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in the mobility sector. In this exclusive interview with Utkarsh Agarwal, Editorial Lead of BW Auto World, she shares her leadership journey, insights on the evolving EV landscape, and her vision for a cleaner, more efficient future in public transportation.
Read the excerpts below: -
Q. What have been your biggest challenges and key leadership lessons in this male-dominated industry?
Leadership is about creating impact through competence, making decisive decisions, and fostering innovation. Entering the automobile and public mobility sector presented challenges, from breaking norms to driving large-scale operational change. However, expertise, vision, and perseverance outweigh biases. Staying results-driven and focusing on innovation has helped me navigate these challenges.
A key lesson has been the power of building strong, diverse teams. Empowering people and fostering collaboration leads to a performance-driven culture rather than one bound by stereotypes. At PMI, we champion inclusivity, as reflected in our battery plant that is managed entirely by women, supporting our fleet of over 2,000 electric buses across 31 Indian cities.
Q. Women’s leadership is often discussed in terms of resilience and adaptability. How have these qualities shaped your journey as CEO of PMI Electro?
The electric vehicle industry is dynamic, requiring continuous innovation and strategic thinking. Leadership involves embracing change, transforming challenges into opportunities, and guiding with resolve. Resilience has helped us maintain focus on our vision despite market disruptions, supply chain delays, and infrastructure issues. We adapted by strengthening local manufacturing capabilities under the 'Make in India' initiative, staying ahead of industry trends, and leveraging new technologies.
Additionally, completing a PhD in economics in the USA and moving to India has provided us with a strong foundation to navigate the global landscape effectively. We continue to focus on product improvement and the continuous enhancement of our offerings, ensuring that we stay competitive. Furthermore, expanding our operations to varied geographies has allowed us to adapt to diverse markets, positioning PMI at the forefront of India's electric public mobility revolution.
Q. What advice would you give to young women looking to enter the automobile sector?
My guidance is straightforward: trust in your ability to lead, innovate, learn, and adapt to secure your position. Stay positive as external factors will continue to change and impact your contribution. The automotive industry, particularly in electric mobility, is experiencing a significant shift, making it an ideal time for women to engage. Cultivate both technical skills and business knowledge, remain curious, and embrace challenging roles. Additionally, establish a strong network of mentors and peers—gaining insights from others and seeking advice can be transformative. Your confidence, competence, and reliability will set you apart.
Q. Who have been your biggest influences and mentors in your journey as a leader?
Throughout my journey as a leader, I've been fortunate to have inspiring mentors and role models who have shaped my perspectives on business, innovation, and impact. My father has been one of the most significant influences in my life. His unwavering vision to enter the electric bus manufacturing sector—leveraging decades of experience in bus body building—has been instrumental in PMI's success. His dedication to creating high-quality products and his relentless pursuit of excellence have deeply influenced my leadership approach.
I also draw inspiration from visionary entrepreneurs who have revolutionized industries through tenacity and creativity. Their ability to challenge the status quo and drive transformative change has reinforced my belief in the power of innovation and perseverance.
Moreover, I find immense motivation in the people on the ground—engineers, drivers, and teams working tirelessly to make electric mobility a reality. Their commitment and passion serve as a constant reminder of our purpose and fuel my determination to lead with impact. Their contributions form the foundation of our success and inspire me to push boundaries and drive meaningful change in the industry.
In essence, my leadership journey has been shaped by visionary guidance, entrepreneurial inspiration, and the relentless efforts of those bringing our mission to life every day.
Q. As a leader, how do you balance short-term business goals with long-term sustainability and impact?
I believe that sustainability and business success should go hand in hand rather than being seen as opposing forces. Our immediate objectives focus on improving operational efficiency, expanding market reach, and advancing technology to enhance our leadership in electric mobility. In the long-term vision is to transform sustainable public transportation in India, creating significant change.
We dedicate resources to research and development, forge robust public-private collaborations, and prioritize scaling our manufacturing, reinforcing supply chains, and ensuring financial growth—all while keeping sustainability central to our mission. Committing to green technology, energy efficiency, and circular economy principles is crucial for creating a lasting impact. The key is to embed ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards into every business decision we make.
Q. How do you personally define success—not just in terms of business metrics but in terms of legacy and impact?
Achieving success extends beyond market dominance or profit maximisation; it's about making a meaningful impact on people's lives and industries. PMI Electro's influence is evident in the millions of commuters who benefit from safer, cleaner, and more reliable public transport due to our electric buses.
Our success is measured by how many towns we help become sustainable, the job opportunities we create, and our role in India's electric vehicle revolution. Our commitment to sustainability is driven by three core pillars: Green Initiatives, Gender Equality, and Reducing Rural and Urban Disparity. Through our green initiatives, we reduce emissions and promote a healthier environment. We actively support gender equality by fostering an inclusive workplace and empowering women in the workforce. By addressing the disparity between rural and urban areas, we work to ensure that sustainable solutions reach every corner of India.
A true legacy is formed when your contributions extend beyond your lifetime, creating a ripple effect that fosters enduring change. This is the success I aspire to achieve.
Q. What keeps you motivated every day in this fast-evolving and challenging industry?
I am inspired by our mission to make a meaningful change and positively impact the lives of others by transforming public mobility. Every electric bus we introduce brings us closer to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Seeing our buses on the roads, reducing emissions, and improving urban transport is immensely rewarding.
One experience that stands out is from a city where our buses are in operation. After a long, exhausting day, a passenger happily shared how they would willingly wait 30 minutes for our electric bus to take them home in comfort, enjoying the cool air of the AC on their ride.
The challenge of overcoming infrastructure barriers and developing efficient electric mobility solutions keeps me engaged. Most of all, it’s the people—our team, passengers, and communities—who drive my passion every day.
Q. What is your vision for PMI Electro over the next five years, and what milestones are you most excited about achieving?
Over the next five years, PMI Electro aims to lead India’s EV transition by expanding into more cities and advancing electric mobility solutions. Some significant objectives we are pursuing include:
Our goal is not just market leadership but driving global progress in sustainable transportation.
Q. If you could implement one policy change to accelerate India’s EV transition, what would it be?
A comprehensive, long-term policy for transitioning to electric vehicles in public transport is essential to strengthening both public transportation infrastructure and the adoption of EV buses, providing the necessary infrastructure for efficient and sustainable mobility. To further enhance this approach, I would advocate for the development of a robust supply chain for auto parts and accessories, particularly for the commercial EV sector. This would enable more players to contribute to the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat,’ driving faster electrification, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and positioning India as a global leader in the EV market.
BW Auto World's 'Most Influential Women' is an annual initiative to celebrate the leadership spirit of women captains in the automobile sector in India.
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