On August 19, 2025, two significant milestones in India’s electric mobility sector made headlines, each underscoring the country’s growing commitment to sustainable transportation and inclusive entrepreneurship. At the heart of these developments are two pioneering initiatives: ThunderPlus’s latest women-owned EV charging franchise in Andhra Pradesh, and the MOTION Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE) in Pune, which is driving next-generation transportation innovation across the country.
ThunderPlus, India’s fastest-growing EV charging network, has taken a bold step toward gender inclusivity and clean mobility with the launch of its second women-owned franchise. This new station, located at Hotel Vijayashree on the bustling NH-16 along the Vijayawada–Guntur Highway, isn’t just another pit stop for electric vehicle users—it’s a symbol of empowerment and progress. As reported by ThunderPlus, the facility begins with a robust 50 kW capacity, scalable up to a whopping 1 MW, and is equipped with a 30 kW DC CCS2 fast charger alongside two 3.3 kW AC chargers. This setup ensures that two-, three-, and four-wheelers are all catered to, making the station a versatile addition to the EV infrastructure landscape.
The franchise is helmed by Mrs. Leela Lakshmi, whose leadership is already inspiring others. She shared her vision with palpable enthusiasm: “This isn’t just about charging vehicles, it’s about charging dreams. I want more women to embrace technology-driven businesses and help build a greener, more sustainable India. ThunderPlus’s trust, technology, and end-to-end franchise support gave me the confidence to enter this sector.” Her words reflect a broader movement toward democratizing business opportunities in India’s rapidly evolving clean energy sector.
ThunderPlus’s approach is intentionally inclusive. Rajeev YSR, the company’s CEO, highlighted the mission: “We’re here to remove charging anxiety from India’s EV ecosystem while democratising the business model so that anyone—even a housewife with a dream—can be part of this revolution. This launch proves how ThunderPlus is enabling everyday people to step into entrepreneurship and shape India’s clean mobility future.” According to industry experts cited by ThunderPlus, the company’s franchise model is breaking down barriers for first-time entrepreneurs, especially women, by offering turnkey solutions, 24×7 technical support, and centralized operations. This comprehensive support structure is transforming ambition into action, positioning ThunderPlus as not just a leader in sustainable infrastructure, but also in social empowerment.
The new station’s strategic location on a key highway corridor ensures convenience for travelers and commuters alike. But the impact goes beyond geography. By making its business model accessible and providing robust support, ThunderPlus is actively encouraging women to take on entrepreneurial roles in sectors traditionally dominated by men. The company’s mission is clear: to make EV adoption synonymous with inclusivity, opportunity, and a cleaner tomorrow.
Meanwhile, in Pune, another story of innovation and ambition is unfolding at the MOTION Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE). Supported by the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and the Government of Maharashtra, the MOTION CoE is rapidly emerging as the nerve center for next-generation transportation innovation. The 10,000 square foot facility, nestled in Pune’s industrial corridor, offers startups access to world-class laboratories, prototyping facilities, and collaborative workspaces. It’s an environment designed to turn bold ideas into tangible solutions.
The impact of the MOTION CoE is already impressive. According to figures provided by the centre, it has incubated 55 startups to date. These startups have collectively generated over Rs 34 crore in revenue and attracted more than Rs 23 crore in funding. Their achievements are tangible: 128 prototypes launched, 82 market-ready products developed, dozens of employment opportunities created, and 67 Intellectual Property (IP) applications filed. This performance is a testament to the power of a focused, sector-driven approach to innovation in India’s Autonomous, Connected, Electric, and Shared (ACES) mobility sector.
What sets the MOTION CoE apart is its robust network of industry partners. Heavyweights like Tata Motors, Intel, Kinetic Group, and MathWorks are all part of the centre’s consortium, offering startups not only mentorship and technical guidance but also opportunities to pilot their solutions in real-world settings. Startups at the CoE benefit from tailored mentorship, IP and product development support, as well as funding and collaborative opportunities that accelerate their journey from the lab to the market.
Several startups have already begun to make waves. Attron Automotive is developing high-efficiency electric propulsion systems for two- and three-wheelers, addressing a critical need for affordable, sustainable transportation in India’s cities and towns. Combat Robotics is focusing on unmanned ground vehicles for defense and infrastructure—an area where technological innovation could have far-reaching implications. Coulomb Li-tech is working on advanced lithium-ion battery systems, while Kairus Energies is designing battery modules robust enough for harsh environments. Eidikos Business Enterprises, meanwhile, is gaining recognition for its scalable EV charging kiosks, further strengthening the country’s charging infrastructure.
The success of the MOTION CoE is closely aligned with India’s broader Automotive Mission Plan 2047—a government initiative aimed at making India a global leader in sustainable, technology-led mobility. By combining cutting-edge infrastructure, a collaborative innovation ecosystem, and strong industry engagement, the centre is setting a national benchmark for how targeted incubators can accelerate the country’s journey toward futuristic transportation.
Both ThunderPlus and the MOTION CoE are emblematic of a new era in Indian mobility—one that is defined not just by technological progress, but by inclusivity, opportunity, and a commitment to a cleaner environment. ThunderPlus’s latest franchise launch demonstrates how social empowerment can go hand-in-hand with sustainable business, while the MOTION CoE’s achievements showcase the transformative power of innovation networks and industry-academia collaboration.
In a country as vast and diverse as India, the road to sustainable transportation is bound to be complex. But with initiatives like these, the journey is undoubtedly gaining speed. As more women step into leadership roles and as startups continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, India’s vision for a green, inclusive, and technologically advanced mobility future seems well within reach.
