A 24-Hour Retrofit That Gives Autos a New Electric Life
The Exponent Oto retrofit solution is initially available for passenger three-wheelers currently running on CNG or LPG.
What makes it stand out is its fast conversion process — the entire retrofit can be completed within 24 hours.
Once converted, these vehicles integrate seamlessly into Exponent’s proprietary fast-charging ecosystem and come with a 5-year or 3,000-cycle warranty.
For auto drivers, the benefits are immediate and practical.
Exponent claims that drivers can save up to ₹5,000 every month, as the combined costs of charging and EMIs are lower than current fuel and maintenance expenses. To make adoption easier, the company offers zero down payment, flexible EMI options, and a guaranteed buyback after three years.
Making EV Transition Affordable and Scalable
By targeting the existing fleet of autos instead of only new sales, Exponent aims to accelerate EV adoption at scale. India has millions of CNG and LPG autos already on the road, and retrofitting them offers a faster, more inclusive route toward cleaner urban mobility.
According to Arun Vinayak, CEO and Co-founder of Exponent Energy, retrofitting is a natural evolution for the Indian market:
“We already cater to new EV buyers through our 15-minute charging tech. But vehicles on the ground are 25–30x more than new sales. Retrofitting helps us bring the Exponent EV experience to everyone quickly and affordably. In the three-wheeler segment, every fuel shift has historically happened through retrofitting — and we believe that’s how sustainability can scale rapidly.”
Performance That Matches Factory-Built EVs
Exponent’s retrofitted autos deliver class-leading performance:
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Acceleration: 0–30 km/h in under 4.5 seconds
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Range: 140–150 km per charge
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Charging Time: 0–100% in just 15 minutes
They also come with modern features such as hill-start assist, IoT-enabled connectivity (GPS, diagnostics, service alerts), and IP67-rated water resistance, ensuring durability in all weather conditions.
The retrofit process involves removing all ICE-related components — engine, gearbox, exhaust, and fuel tanks — and replacing them with Exponent’s lightweight Piccolo battery pack, CX1 e^port rapid-charging interface, motor, and controller. Plug-and-play harnesses simplify the installation, making the 24-hour turnaround possible.
Boosting India’s 2030 EV Goals
Exponent’s retrofit program could significantly contribute to India’s EV penetration targets for 2030, particularly in the urban mobility sector. Converting existing vehicles not only reduces emissions but also enhances air quality and drivers’ economic resilience.
Ayush Bhargava, Head of Business at Exponent Energy, emphasized the scalability of this approach:
“Exponent Oto allows drivers to shift from LPG or CNG to EV at nearly half the cost. That means more drivers switching sooner — which is critical if we want to meet our 2030 EV targets. We’re also collaborating with governments to make the retrofit process easier for drivers.”
Exponent’s Growing Footprint in India
Founded in 2020 by former Ather Energy CPO Arun Vinayak, Exponent Energy has developed a complete energy ecosystem — including the e^pack battery, e^pump charging station, and e^plug connector — all optimized for 15-minute full charging and 3,000-cycle life.
Today, over 2,500 EVs powered by Exponent’s technology are on Indian roads, supported by 150+ charging stations, 1 million+ rapid charging sessions, and 50 million km of cumulative EV mileage.
The company operates in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Ahmedabad, and has raised $44.6 million from leading investors such as Lightspeed, Eight Roads Ventures, YourNest VC, and Hero MotoCorp’s Dr. Pawan Munjal Family Office.
Why It Matters
With Exponent Oto, the EV revolution may reach India’s most iconic urban vehicle — the auto-rickshaw. By combining affordability, rapid charging, and scalability, Exponent Energy is taking a significant step toward making electric mobility accessible to every driver and sustainable for every city.
