OPG Mobility Eyes Localizing EV Manufacturing: Anshul Gupta

OPG Mobility Eyes Localizing EV Manufacturing: Anshul Gupta

You’re present across various verticals—battery recycling, battery technology, EVs, and more. What’s your core focus today?

The primary focus of OPG Mobility is boosting electric mobility, especially in the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments. We’re involved in everything from batteries and EV charging stations to powertrains and even the plastic and mechanical parts that go into the final product. From the very beginning, our idea was to build everything in India. That was the core motivation behind OPG Mobility.

That’s quite a full-stack approach. Why did you choose to focus on two- and three-wheelers specifically?

We started in 2019, at a time when EV-related fire incidents were making headlines. Being someone deeply interested in physics, chemistry, and engineering, I started researching safer battery chemistries and came across LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate). It wasn’t just good for storage—it was safer and ideal for mobility too.

We, at OPG Mobility, tried to convince OEMs to adopt this, but due to limitations like required changes in powertrain architecture, it wasn’t easy. So we decided to take matters into our own hands. We knew batteries inside out, we understood mechanical fabrication, and we had the electronics know-how. So we chose to offer a complete, fire-safe EV solution ourselves.

So, safety was your starting point?

Yes, absolutely. Our entire approach revolved around preventing fires. But beyond that, we wanted our vehicles to empower people. We started naming models things like Freedom and Fast because for many users—delivery riders, small entrepreneurs—OPG Mobility’s EVs mean true independence. Over time, we realized we weren’t just building vehicles; we were directly improving lives.

There’s a lot of talk about BMS—Battery Management Systems—especially in EV safety. How does your BMS stand out?

We realized early that chemistry is just one part of the puzzle. The ‘BMS is the brain’ of the system. We launched with a smart BMS that monitors depth of discharge, prevents overcharging, and ensures current protection. All of this was designed keeping ‘Indian tropical conditions’ in mind.

From cooling systems to thermal stability, everything is customized. Even the mechanical enclosures are thermally optimized. OPG Mobility tested and researched every detail, from cell tolerance to packaging, so that the battery performs well in India’s heat.—

Beyond EVs, you also have a strong presence in renewable power. How does that fit into the bigger picture?

We’ve expanded under the M-Tech Power brand to include EV chargers, solar inverters, and energy storage systems for residential and commercial applications. We’re not just about large-scale power storage; we’re focused on making smart, decentralized solutions accessible. Our legacy brand, MK Power, has now evolved into a tech-forward lithium-ion player, while still supporting lead-acid where required.—

Do you see lithium-ion replacing lead-acid completely in the near future?

Not entirely. Both will coexist. For instance, 12V lead-acid batteries are still ideal for some automotive and backup power applications. Lead-acid has a well-established circular economy—from red lead recovery to full recycling—and we’ve seen markets like China, the US, and Germany where both technologies thrive together. Innovations like graphene and nano-tech are pushing both battery types forward. So I believe the future will include both, side by side.

How do you handle after-sales challenges, especially when servicing vehicles across geographies?

Vehicles have moving parts, and that means issues can happen. What matters is serviceability. Our priority is ensuring dealerships are trained, that they carry adequate spare parts, and that quality checks at the factory are thorough. This applies to both our two-wheeler and three-wheeler lines. We’re building an ecosystem—not just a product—so that customers have full support throughout the life cycle of the vehicle.