“Our goal is to help all the sections of the society, including a layman and an illiterate person, understand the value of electric vehicles.”
Jawaad Khan (Founder, Tadpole Projects)
The electric vehicles industry is gaining worldwide acceptance today. To switch towards clean energy and green power, people are moving towards the adoption of electric vehicles. Mohammad Jawaad Khan, a 23-year-old young entrepreneur and an electric engineer founded Tadpole Projects, a clean energy startup to take the mobility sector ahead by adding electric vehicles without adding new vehicles on the road. He started Tadpole Projects in September 2020 in association with the Centre of Excellence for Research on Clean Air (CERCA) at IIT Delhi.
“After completing my graduation, I came to Delhi and started working on car modifications. I also went to Singapore for the International Startup Enrichment Tour (ISET). I was once invited to an event at IIT Delhi. There, Arun Duggal, an IIT Delhi alumnus asked me whether I could convert a classic 1948 Volkswagen Bettle into an electric car,” told Jawaad Khan. After a fruitful conversation, Jawaad agreed and started working on the project. By February 2020, the 1948 Beetle was turned into an electric car owned by Major (Retd) Manjit Singh of the Tenon Group of companies.
Tadpole Projects aims at enhancing the EV ecosystem in the country without adding any new cars on the road. It retains the driving feel of the vehicles keeping the transmission intact.
WHAT MAKES TADPOLE PROJECTS UNIQUE IN THE MARKET?
Tadpole Projects is unique in the market as it:
- Tries to maintain the same driving feel of any former IC-engine car.
- Provides customized kits and batteries for a wide range of vehicles.
- Offers battery swapping and fast charging services for commercial fleet operators.
- Provides standard international chargers, vehicle diagnostics, and tracking on mobile devices.
- Tests every product to ensure high safety and security.
UPCOMING PROJECTS
Tadpole Projects is currently working on a Mercedes car which would be the first Indian premium car to be converted into an electric car. It is also making an autonomous driverless car for the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). “There is a client in Andhra Pradesh who wants us to retrofit trucks. If we crack the deal, this would be our one of the biggest achievements,” told the entrepreneur. The whole team of Tadpole Projects is working on the same.
“We are making Make in India superbikes. These superbikes come with a lot of unique features and the cost is economic. Besides this, we are also working on Tadpole Education. It is an education course which is being given to Singapore for the International Startup Enrichment Tour.” explained Jawaad.
Tadpole Education would be a course wherein there would be electric vehicles industry leaders. Practical workshops would be conducted for spreading awareness about retrofitting.
GREEN INITIATIVES AND IDEAS
As EV retrofitters, Tadpole Projects provides a solution that is sustainable and eco-friendly. The company follows a unique way of giving back to nature. “Whenever we remove an engine from a car, we plant a tree,” informed Jawaad. Whenever a bike is sold and runs more than 3000 kilometers, Tadpole Projects plants a tree on owner’s name and takes care of it. “If Tadpole’s initiatives bring even 1 percent of change in the environment, that would be an achievement for us,” stated Jawaad while emphasizing the need for green initiatives in the country.
MISSION & VISION OF THE COMPANY
In 2022-23, Tadpole Projects seeks approval of kit by ICAI, ARAI for use in commercial cabs and delivery vehicles. It also wants to execute a franchise model pan India. Tadpole aims to become a leader in retrofitting across all four-wheel segments.
The current goal of the company is to spread awareness and help people understand the importance to switch to electric vehicles.
AWARDS AND MILESTONES
Jawaad Khan has recently been awarded India’s achievers’ award in 2020 for outstanding professional achievement and contribution to nation-building.
The current valuation of the company stands at Rs. 10 crores. It has collected around Rs. 1 crore funds and has earned revenue of around 50 to 60 lakhs in the last 6 months.
