By Chandran Iyer
Jhumarmal P Tunwal is an entrepreneur who epitomizes the phrase “rising like a phoenix.” As the Chairman and Managing Director of Tunwal E Vehicle India Pvt. Ltd., Tunwal’s journey from a middle-class background to the helm of a thriving E-vehicle industry is a testament to his vision, tenacity, and business acumen.
A first-generation entrepreneur, Tunwal founded his electric vehicle company in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, transforming it into a successful enterprise with his sheer determination. However, his success drew the ire of a jealous associate who set his factory ablaze, reducing his hard work and investments to ashes.
With his company uninsured, Tunwal faced the daunting task of rebuilding from scratch. The company suffered a loss of nearly Rs 16 crore turning his hard work and money into ashes. Any other person would have been devastated. But Tunwal was made up of stronger stuff. Undeterred, he resurrected his business, turning it into a roaring success once again.
Established in 2014, Tunwal E Vehicle India Pvt. Ltd. aims to replace every gasoline bike on the roads with battery-operated bikes and scooters. Driven by a vision to create environmentally friendly products, the company strives to lead the market in green technology. Tunwal E Vehicle promises to deliver the latest technology and cutting-edge designs to Indian consumers.
To fulfil the dream of spearheading revolution in E bike market, Tunwal decided to develop a substantial presence and set up their own factory at Palsana, Rajasthan. The Cutting-Edge extensive manufacturing plant represents Tunwal’s zeal and determination to deliver the best of automotive technology for an enriched future. They have a corporate office in Pune.
The ascent of Tunwal E Vehicles is attributed to the fervor and laborious efforts of Mr Tunwal who currently manages every aspect of the business from Research and Development to procurement of electronic components, manufacturing of electric vehicles, bookings and registrations, and timely delivery to our esteemed clientele.
“We believe that our business is not just about building a loyal customer base, but also about building a better, cleaner and greener future for the generations to come. As an ambitious player of India’s evolving E-bike market, we wish to be the benchmarks of affordable eco-friendly technology “says Tunwal.
Tunwal E-Motors has developed an extensive range of e-vehicles that stand out across various parameters, including speed, mileage, battery life, comfort, and convenience. Central to their offerings is a commitment to quality and safety, with all e-bikes proudly carrying ARAI certification.
Each Tunwal e-bike features a digital speedometer, tubeless tyres, and a high-rigid tubular frame. Additionally, Tunwal E-Motors provides a diverse array of color options.
“My vision is to witness exponential growth of electric vehicles in India, significantly reducing the country’s crude oil imports and lowering pollution levels”, said Tunwal.
The e-bikes are equipped with advanced features such as an anti-theft alarm and a smart locking system. Despite their advanced features and high quality, Tunwal e-bikes are priced economically. Furthermore, they are available under government subsidy schemes, making them an even more attractive option for consumers.
“We at Tunwal are committed to becoming the benchmark for applying affordable eco-friendly technology in India’s rapidly expanding e-Bike market. As our brand grows exponentially, we aim to set the standard for innovation and sustainability in this evolving industry, said Tunwal.
Mr. Amit Kumar Mali, the Co-founder and Director, serves as second in command and works closely with Mr. Tunwal. He oversees day-to-day operations including sales and marketing, and offers valuable insights to Tunwal, which have greatly contributed to the brand’s success. Their aspiration is to create significant employment opportunities for the youth of India while raising awareness about the importance of Electric Vehicles.
In 2019, Tunwal added another achievement to their success story as they entered Limca Book of Records for driving 500 Electric Vehicles. Moreover, they achieved 450 dealership appointments in that same year, and sales were recorded to be above 90 Crores. This acknowledgement served as a testament to the brand’s continued commitment to greatness through the use of efficient electric vehicles and resolute marketing capabilities. As a result, Tunwal secured their legacy by cementing themselves into inextricable bonds with customers across the nation.
An intriguing aspect of Jhumarmal Tunwal’s story is that he is not even a graduate. Having only completed his 12th standard before discontinuing his studies, he defied the odds to become the founder of a vehicle company that now employs hundreds of people, including many highly qualified engineers. His journey from a modest educational background to leading a successful enterprise is truly remarkable.
“Somehow, I was never particularly interested in academics. My passion has always been business, and I aspired to become an entrepreneur. However, I have no regrets, as I am now providing employment opportunities to many educated graduates and engineers,” he says modestly.
Tunwal’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1996, well before he had cleared his 12th standard exams. After giving his 12th exam, he moved to Mumbai to stay with his uncle, with the simple intention of spending some time in the city. Captivated by the glitz and glamour of Mumbai, he felt an irresistible pull towards the vibrant energy of the city. Instead of continuing his studies, Tunwal decided to immerse himself in the world of work.
His uncle ran a business dealing with electronic components. Tunwal started assisting him with small tasks, showing a natural aptitude and an eagerness to learn. His hard work and tenacity did not go unnoticed; his uncle was impressed by his dedication and the quick grasp he had of the business operations. This early exposure to the world of electronics business laid the foundation for Tunwal’s future endeavors.
The first company that Tunwal established was Tunwal Electronics in Pune in 1997 which was into supplying and trading of electronics components including integrated circuits, ICS etc. The company became a leading seller of electronic products. Since then there has been no looking back. It became a profitable venture. It was then he decided to venture into Electric Two wheeler vehicles.
In 2012, Tunwal traveled to China to meet with manufacturers of electric vehicle components. This visit inspired him to establish an electric vehicle manufacturing plant in India. Subsequently he rented a factory land in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, to set up his electric vehicle assembly plant for Rs one crore. This marked the inception of Tunwal E-Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. Tunwal dedicated both his financial resources and efforts to the company for five years without seeing any immediate benefits.
Things began to improve after 2016 when the company’s sales revenue reached Rs four crore. By 2018, sales had increased to Rs 18 crore, and in 2019, they reached an impressive around Rs 100 crore. The substantial profits generated by the company stirred jealousy in one of the associate who had leased him the land. This associate acted maliciously, causing a significant setback for the company due to a mischievous fire he allegedly instigated, leading to massive losses.
But Tunwal was not easily discouraged. He refused to let this setback defeat him. Instead, he turned adversity into an opportunity for growth. Like the proverbial phoenix, he resurrected his company from the ashes and restored it to a profitable state.
“One should have the ability to bounce back and move on with life when things go wrong. If we keep wallowing in self-pity and frustration, we cannot achieve our dreams,” says Tunwal.
At Tunwal E-Motors, they have developed a wide range of e-Vehicles that are unique with respect to various parameters such as speed, mileage, battery life, comfort, and convenience. Most importantly, each of their products is built with a strong focus on quality and safety. All of their e-Bikes are ARAI certified.
Moreover, all their e-Bikes come equipped with a digital speedometer, tubeless tyres, and a high rigid tubular frame. . Additionally, Tunwal E-Motors provides a wide range of color options for their bikes. The additional features incorporated into their products include an anti-theft alarm and a smart locking system, among others. They have ensured that their e-Bikes are economically priced and are sold under government subsidy schemes.
We are highly committed to after-sales service, going the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. This is one of our key mottos of success” said Tunwal adding that this was one of their success mantra. Previously, the company used to produce 5 to 20 vehicles per day. Today, their capacity has increased dramatically, allowing the to manufacture 500 to 1000 vehicles per day.
They now have two factories, one in Pune and the other in Jaipur. ‘We plan to establish a third facility in Narayangaon, Pune district, for manufacturing small e-trucks and buses. Most of the parts will be imported from China,’ said Tunwal.”
Tunwal attributes the success of his company to his team who he says are passionate, hardworking and customer-focused.
“At Tunwal E-Motors, our engineers operate in a state-of-the-art facility that adheres to international quality and safety standards, ensuring the production of top-quality, eco-friendly vehicles”., Tunwal said adding that like many companies worldwide, particularly in the manufacturing sector, they too faced significant challenges at the onset of the pandemic.
“However, we gradually resumed operations, strictly following safety guidelines. During this period, we had over 2,500 units on pre-order. We soon reopened our other offices and leveraged technology to move most functions online, including project closures and meetings. Now, with a good increase in sales, we are witnessing a positive shift in our business landscape, Tunwal added.
Tunwal E-Motors is not just committed to overcoming challenges but also to driving innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry. Their journey through the pandemic has made them stronger and more resilient, allowing them to enhance processes and customer experience.
As they move forward, Tunwal remains dedicated to delivering exceptional, eco-friendly vehicles that meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The company is excited about the future and the role they will play in shaping a greener, more sustainable world. Tunwal E-Motors is poised to drive towards a cleaner tomorrow, embodying their vision of a sustainable future for all.