Reimagining Mobility 2030: Driving India’s Auto Transformation With Technology, ...
As India sets its sights on becoming a USD 5 trillion economy, the automotive industry is undergoing one of the most rapid transformations in its history. From internal combustion engines to electric vehicles (EVs), from hardware-led products to software-defined vehicles, and from ownership to shared, connected, and sustainable mobility, the sector is reinventing itself for a new era.
But as we move toward 2030, critical questions remain: Are our policies and infrastructure ready to support this transformation? How are technology, sustainability, and consumer expectations shaping new business models? And how can collaboration across government, industry, startups, and investors accelerate the transition?
These were the key questions discussed at the BW Auto World 40 Under 40 Summit and Awards 2025, where a panel on “Reimagining Mobility 2030: Driving India’s Auto Transformation” brought together industry leaders including Amit Saharia (Hinduja Group), Nimish Trivedi (Evera Cabs), Poonam Upadhyay (Crisil Ratings), Som Kapoor (EY-Parthenon India), and Dr. Natwar Kadel (Hyundai Motor India). The session was moderated by Utkarsh Agarwal, Editorial Lead, BW Auto World.
ACES (Autonomous, Connected, Electric and Shared vehicles) Will Redefine The Next Decade
The panel agreed that the coming years will bring more change to mobility than the last five decades combined. “Automotive between now and 2030 will change more in the next five years than it’s changed in the last 50,” said Som Kapoor, referring to the ACES paradigm - Autonomous, Connected, Electrified, and Shared vehicles.
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While internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles will continue for some time, electrification will lead the shift. Amit Saharia noted that India may fall short of the 30 per cent EV penetration target by 2030, but adoption will still rise significantly compared to other technologies. Nimish Trivedi added, “It’s clearly going electric, given how much the technology has evolved in the last five to seven years.”
A Future With Multiple Technologies
Transformation will not be driven by one fuel type alone. Dr. Natwar Kadel emphasized the need for a balanced energy mix: “It’s going to be a game for all - ICE, hybrid, hydrogen, and electric. Sustainability will be key, and the geopolitical landscape will influence energy prices.”
Poonam Upadhyay noted that India’s mobility future extends beyond vehicles, requiring an ecosystem of cleaner fuels, charging infrastructure, and connected networks. She also highlighted the important role hybrids could play as a bridge, especially in passenger vehicles.
From Ownership To Usership
Consumer preferences are shifting from ownership to access. “The new generation is moving from owning products to owning services,” observed Som Kapoor.
This change is already visible in shared mobility platforms. Companies like Evera Cabs, led by Nimish Trivedi, are proving how EV-based fleet models can scale. Kapoor added that subscription-based services and private equity-backed models could be key drivers in accelerating EV adoption.
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Software Becomes The New Engine
The rise of software-defined vehicles (SDVs) is another major shift underway. “All the big money will go on the dashboard - the look, feel, access, and services, rather than what’s under the hood,” said Kapoor.
Cars are becoming “smartphones on wheels,” seamlessly integrating with homes, workplaces, and financial services. For OEMs, this means moving from one-time hardware sales to recurring revenue through software and subscriptions.
Talent and AI Will Shape The Workforce
The move to EVs and SDVs is also reshaping workforce skills. Dr. Kadel acknowledged that traditional ITI curricula need updating but shared that Hyundai is already building smart shop floors and investing in workforce upskilling.
Technicians are transitioning from diesel engines to robotics and automation. He also added, “AI is absolutely an enabler bringing efficiency and agility.”
Sustainability and The E-waste Challenge
Sustainability remains central to India’s mobility transition. However, policy costs and e-waste management present real challenges. Poonam Upadhyay cautioned that while automakers can absorb the cost of stricter emission norms like BS7, implementing multiple mandates simultaneously could pressure cash flows.
On the battery side, Nimish Trivedi spoke about the growing focus on “circular use” repurposing used EV batteries for second-life applications. Still, comprehensive solutions for end-of-life disposal are evolving. “Effective e-waste management is not optional,” Upadhyay added. “Enforcement will truly be tested once dead battery volumes increase.”
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The Road To 2030
The session concluded with a reminder that technology alone will not define the future. As Utkarsh Agarwal summed up, India’s mobility transition depends on aligning policy, people, and purpose.
The next five years will be critical. Whether or not India meets its EV targets, the industry is set to reinvent itself shifting from products to services, engines to software, and ownership to shared, sustainable mobility.
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