BRINGING THE LEGEND BACK TO LIFE: THE MAN POWERING KINETIC’S EV MOTOR REVOLUTION
Kinetic EV Motor Revolution Powering India’s EV Future
At the heart of Kinetic Communications Ltd.’s (KCL) electric mobility journey is a leader who has quietly spent years building not just a factory, but the backbone of a comeback story. Meet Varunraj Pattappan, Plant Head, EV Motor division, KCL. With over 18 years of experience in automotive and EV manufacturing, and two transformative years at Kinetic, he has been one of the driving forces behind the revival of an iconic Indian legacy. From the earliest stages of the Kinetic EV project, he has been deeply involved in shaping what would eventually become the powertrain foundation of the reborn Kinetic DX. “It has been a remarkable journey,” he says. “Being part of bringing back a legend to the Indian industry is something very special.”
Building a Factory from the Ground Up
When Kinetic set out to develop its EV motor and controller ecosystem, the challenge was much larger than setting up a production line. It required building an entire manufacturing and R&D ecosystem from scratch, and he was at the centre of it. From designing the factory layout to establishing the production flow, his role covered every stage of development. Under his leadership, Kinetic established a world-class motor manufacturing facility focused on performance, durability, and localisation. Working closely with technology and manufacturing partners, the team successfully developed the motor that powers the Kinetic DX. But what truly stands out is the company’s strong focus on reducing dependency on imports. “At one point, the global restrictions and dependency on China created significant challenges for the industry,” he recalls. “That’s when localisation became our biggest priority.”
Innovation Beyond Manufacturing
One of the team’s most significant breakthroughs came during the development process becoming one of the first companies to produce magnets without rare earth elements, a milestone that reflects both technological innovation and sustainability. Beyond production, Varunraj also led the establishment of a dedicated motor validation and R&D ecosystem within the plant. The facility now includes endurance testing systems, advanced validation setups, and a specialised quality cabin to test incoming parts and ensure consistency in production. Every motor undergoes rigorous validation, from design testing and road trials to performance enhancement in collaboration with customer product partners. Transparency, he says, remains key. “We work closely with our customers and submit detailed reports throughout the process. It helps us continuously improve the product and maintain trust.”
Powering the Roads of Tomorrow
After nearly two years of relentless work, the biggest reward for Varunraj and his team is finally visible on Indian roads. “The greatest achievement is seeing the product running successfully across the country,” he says with pride. Today, as Plant Head – EV Motors, he oversees overall plant operations, production targets, quality control, and new project development while coordinating across teams and customer networks. Yet, beyond the operational milestones, his belief remains rooted in something bigger, the return of a trusted Indian icon. “Kinetic EV will rule the roads for the second time,” he says confidently. And with leaders like Varunraj Pattappan steering the vision forward, that comeback no longer feels like a possibility, it feels inevitable.
