iGo, an emerging innovator in the electric mobility space, has announced a strategic manufacturing partnership with Pune-based veteran Sun Electro Devices to accelerate the rollout of its unique 2.5-wheeler smart EVs.
Departing from the traditional EV manufacturing model of giga-factory vertical integration, iGo is adopting an agile, ecosystem-driven approach—tapping into India’s robust manufacturing base instead of building every component in-house. The strategy contrasts with earlier industry trends shaped by cost-cutting and government incentives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
“Why reinvent the wheel when we’ve already invented the twin-wheel?” quipped Sravan Kumar Appana, CEO of iGo. “Our focus is to build a product customers love, and that’s only possible by combining deep tech innovation with decades of manufacturing excellence.”
Sun Electro Devices, with its expansive facility in Chakan, Pune, brings decades of automotive production experience, a skilled workforce, and a strong supplier network. Their expertise in delivering high-volume, high-precision components is expected to streamline iGo’s transition from prototype to large-scale manufacturing.
Appana noted that while developing hardware is challenging, getting products certified and ready for mass production remains the toughest hurdle for many startups. “This partnership solves that problem for us,” he said.
The alliance aims to ramp up production to 1,000 units per month within the next seven months, ahead of iGo’s planned launch in Pune, Panjim, and Mumbai. The company’s twin-wheel EV platform boasts advanced safety features, including anti-topple stabilization technology, on-demand self-balancing, and a triple-disc CBS system—positioning it between traditional scooters and e-rickshaw carts.
Industry observers see the move as more than a manufacturing deal—it’s a philosophical shift in EV production strategy, leveraging collaboration over competition. iGo hopes this model will not only redefine urban mobility in India but also set a new precedent for global EV manufacturing.
