Tarun Mehta, the co-founder and CEO of Ather Energy, stands at the forefront of India’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution. At just 33 years old, he has transformed Ather Energy into one of India’s leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers, challenging traditional automotive giants and paving the way for sustainable urban mobility. His journey from an IIT Madras graduate to the helm of a billion-dollar company is a testament to his vision, perseverance, and commitment to innovation. Through Ather Energy, Tarun is redefining how Indians commute, making electric scooters a practical and exciting choice for urban dwellers.
Tarun Mehta’s passion for engineering and design took root early in his life. Born and raised in India, he pursued his education at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, where he earned a dual degree in Engineering Design in 2012. This rigorous program equipped him with a strong foundation in innovation, problem-solving, and product development—skills that would later shape his entrepreneurial journey.
After graduating, Tarun briefly worked at Ashok Leyland, a leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles, where he gained valuable insights into the automotive industry. However, his entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to address India’s mobility challenges led him to leave his job in 2013. He was determined to create a solution that could revolutionize urban transportation through electric vehicles.
Founding of Ather Energy
In April 2013, Tarun Mehta, along with his IIT Madras batchmate Swapnil Jain, co-founded Ather Energy with a bold mission: to create high-performance electric scooters that could compete with traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The company’s name, inspired by “Athena,” the Greek goddess of wisdom, reflects their ambition to bring intelligence and innovation to the EV space.
Starting an EV company in 2013 was a daunting task. The Indian EV market was virtually non-existent, with no local benchmarks or standards for electric two-wheelers. Tarun and Swapnil faced significant challenges, including a lack of infrastructure and a robust supply chain for EV components. Despite these hurdles, they received early support from IIT Madras, which provided a Rs 5 lakh research grant, and V Srinivasan, an IIT alumnus and founder of Aerospike, who believed in their vision.
Their efforts gained momentum in December 2014 when Flipkart founders Sachin and Binny Bansal invested $1 million as seed capital. This was followed by a $12 million investment from Tiger Global in May 2015, validating their business model and setting the stage for growth.
Ather Energy’s Journey
Tarun and Swapnil spent five years meticulously developing their first electric scooter, ensuring it met the highest standards of quality and performance. Their perseverance paid off in 2018 when they launched the Ather 450, India’s first smart electric scooter. Equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, GPS navigation, and over-the-air updates, the Ather 450 was not just a vehicle but a connected, intelligent mobility solution that set a new benchmark in the industry.
Since then, Ather Energy has expanded its product lineup to include the Ather 450X, Ather 450S, and the family-oriented Ather Rizta. Each model caters to different customer needs, from performance enthusiasts to families seeking practicality. The Ather 450X, for instance, features a 4G SIM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and advanced functionalities like map navigation and connected accessories such as smart helmets. The Ather Rizta, launched in 2024, offers a 160 km range and 34L storage, making it ideal for families.
Ather’s scooters are manufactured at state-of-the-art facilities in Whitefield, Bangalore, and Hosur, Tamil Nadu. The company’s focus on technology and design has made its products popular among urban commuters, setting them apart in a competitive market.
Achievements and Milestones
Under Tarun Mehta’s leadership, Ather Energy has achieved remarkable milestones. By 2022, the company had produced 51,749 units, establishing itself as India’s fourth-largest electric two-wheeler manufacturer. By 2025, its revenue had soared to ₹2,305 crore, reflecting its rapid growth and market acceptance, though it reported a net loss of ₹816 crore due to heavy investments in growth and innovation.
A significant achievement is the Ather Grid, India’s largest EV charging network, with over 1,000 fast-charging points across 80+ cities by May 2023. This infrastructure has addressed one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption, making charging convenient and accessible for users.
In May 2025, Ather Energy went public with an initial public offering (IPO), raising Rs 4,500 crore at a valuation of $2.5 billion. This milestone underscored the company’s financial strength and positioned it as a key player in India’s EV ecosystem. Tarun, who owns 6.63% of the company, has played a pivotal role in driving this growth.
Challenges Faced
Starting Ather Energy in 2013 was no easy feat. The Indian EV market lacked local standards, benchmarks, and a robust supply chain for components, posing significant risks. India’s diverse weather and terrain demanded vehicles that were durable and tailored to local conditions, adding to the complexity.
Tarun and his team overcame these challenges by focusing on localization and investing heavily in research and development. Ather Energy has filed 60-70 patents and achieved over 90% localization in its scooters, importing only battery cells. This commitment to building an indigenous product has been central to their success, allowing them to deliver high-quality scooters that meet the needs of Indian consumers.
Vision for the Future
Tarun Mehta’s vision for Ather Energy is both ambitious and forward-thinking. He aims to make the company one of the top two two-wheeler manufacturers globally, outside of China. To achieve this, Ather is preparing for new product launches and international expansion, starting with Nepal.
A key part of Tarun’s vision is reducing India’s dependence on imports by manufacturing lithium-ion cells domestically, aligning with the government’s push for self-reliance. This move will give Ather greater control over its supply chain and costs. While the company is not yet profitable, Tarun expects it to achieve cash profitability within 1-2 years, even as it continues to invest in infrastructure, charging grids, and product enhancements.
Ather’s current production capacity stands at 35,000 units per month, with plans to increase to 25,000-30,000 units by the end of the year as the Hosur plant reaches full capacity. The company has also created 10,000 jobs in manufacturing, contributing to India’s economic growth.
Tarun Mehta’s journey from an IIT graduate to the CEO of a billion-dollar EV company is a story of vision, resilience, and innovation. Through Ather Energy, he has disrupted India’s two-wheeler market, introducing smart, sustainable vehicles that are transforming urban mobility. His commitment to localization, quality, and innovation has positioned Ather as a leader in the EV space, with a bright future ahead.
