Ola Electric's Ananthan Advocates Circular Economy from Design Stage
ECONOMY & POLICY

Ola Electric's Ananthan Advocates Circular Economy from Design Stage

In recent decades, technological advancements in India have become a significant trend, leading to increased exploration of sustainable opportunities across various sectors. Industry experts suggest that sustainability in the Indian auto industry can be achieved through proper manufacturing practices supported by a circular economy, along with the upskilling of human resources. The circular economy involves extensive use of materials throughout all stages of production, consumption, and recycling.

According to Kausalya Nandkumar, COO of Mahindra Electric Automobile, this economic scenario not only promotes sustainability but also reduces manufacturing and ownership costs. She pointed out that the tangible benefits of adopting a circular economy make it a sensible choice for businesses. Nandkumar noted that the economic rationale is compelling, as data indicates that utilising recycled, refurbished, and remanufactured items can lower both manufacturing and ownership costs.

Kripa Ananthan, Head of Design at Ola Electric, stated during the ETAuto Tech Summit 2024 in Bengaluru that for India to advance technologically and develop in-house technologies rather than following Western models, a circular economy is essential. She emphasized that starting technology development now would enable India to utilize its own technology and lead the field.

Ananthan also highlighted that sustainability can be promoted from the design stage of a product by incorporating features that extend the product's life, facilitate reuse, repurpose, or remanufacture. She mentioned that Indian consumers typically purchase vehicles with the intention of long-term use, making sustainability a crucial consideration in vehicle design. Nandkumar echoed this sentiment, explaining that achieving a balance between functionality, enhanced features, and responsible materials at an affordable price is key. She warned that if the cost becomes excessively high, it could deter consumers from owning such products.

In recent decades, technological advancements in India have become a significant trend, leading to increased exploration of sustainable opportunities across various sectors. Industry experts suggest that sustainability in the Indian auto industry can be achieved through proper manufacturing practices supported by a circular economy, along with the upskilling of human resources. The circular economy involves extensive use of materials throughout all stages of production, consumption, and recycling. According to Kausalya Nandkumar, COO of Mahindra Electric Automobile, this economic scenario not only promotes sustainability but also reduces manufacturing and ownership costs. She pointed out that the tangible benefits of adopting a circular economy make it a sensible choice for businesses. Nandkumar noted that the economic rationale is compelling, as data indicates that utilising recycled, refurbished, and remanufactured items can lower both manufacturing and ownership costs. Kripa Ananthan, Head of Design at Ola Electric, stated during the ETAuto Tech Summit 2024 in Bengaluru that for India to advance technologically and develop in-house technologies rather than following Western models, a circular economy is essential. She emphasized that starting technology development now would enable India to utilize its own technology and lead the field. Ananthan also highlighted that sustainability can be promoted from the design stage of a product by incorporating features that extend the product's life, facilitate reuse, repurpose, or remanufacture. She mentioned that Indian consumers typically purchase vehicles with the intention of long-term use, making sustainability a crucial consideration in vehicle design. Nandkumar echoed this sentiment, explaining that achieving a balance between functionality, enhanced features, and responsible materials at an affordable price is key. She warned that if the cost becomes excessively high, it could deter consumers from owning such products.

Next Story
Real Estate

Integrated Waterproofing Strategies

Waterproofing buildings used to be an annual pre-monsoon affair but the evolution of real-estate development has changed that approach. In new developments, developers are weaving waterproofing solutions into both the design and construction phases, an approach that Nikhil Madan, Managing Director, Mahima Group, says, “is all about ensuring lasting durability [of the building] and keeping lifecycle risks including water seepage and extensive maintenance to a minimum.”Watertight by designAluminium formwork systems aren’t commonly thought of as a waterproofing tool but at the Mahima Group,..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

GROHE Showcases Water-Led Design At Milan

GROHE unveiled its GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary at Milan Design Week 2026, transforming Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato into an immersive showcase of water, design and wellbeing. Built on the philosophy of ‘Wellbeing Through Water’, the installation reimagined bathrooms as holistic spaces for relaxation, rejuvenation and self-care.The Aqua Sanctuary was presented through three interconnected sanctums. The first showcased the 3D-printed GROHE SPA AquaTree shower and faucet, highlighting bespoke innovation and biophilic design. The second featured the Atrio Private Collection and GROHE SPA x Buster..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Rahee Group Expands Rail Manufacturing Capacity

Rahee Group has outlined a multi-year investment roadmap to expand its operational footprint and strengthen manufacturing capabilities for India’s growing railway and urban transit sector. The Group is expanding in Odisha with a new Track Component Casting Unit, for which the groundbreaking ceremony was held on 8 April 2026 in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.The Group’s flagship EPC arm, Rahee Infratech Ltd, continues to focus on complex rail infrastructure projects, including track systems, bridges, viaducts and ballastless infrastructure. Its wholly owned subsidi..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement