Greaves Cotton Limited, a company with a legacy spanning over a century and a half, has entered into a strategic alliance with Chara Technologies, a Bengaluru-based startup, to produce rare-earth-free electric motors for next-generation mobility solutions. These motors will be built at Greaves’ manufacturing plant in Shendra, Aurangabad.
The partnership will focus on the production of synchronous reluctance motors and matching controllers, aimed at supporting electric vehicles like L5-category three-wheelers, golf carts, and compact four-wheelers. Chara’s motor designs eliminate the need for rare-earth magnets, which are costly, limited in supply, and linked to environmental concerns.
The new motors are expected to offer up to 50% energy savings and a 30% cut in CO₂ emissions, driven by the use of simpler and more readily available materials. Greaves Cotton will take charge of manufacturing, tapping into its engineering experience and large-scale production capability, while Chara will provide the core motor and controller technology.
Dr Arup Basu, Managing Director of Greaves Cotton, noted that the alliance reflects the company’s continued pivot toward cleaner, more resilient mobility solutions. “This collaboration strengthens our commitment to homegrown innovation and smarter supply chains. We’re building for the future—efficient, reliable, and scalable,” he said.
Bhaktha Keshavachar, Founder and CEO of Chara Technologies, emphasized the impact of working with an established name. “This partnership combines our breakthrough in electric motor design with Greaves’ deep-rooted industrial base. Together, we can fast-track the transition to cleaner transportation.”
As the auto industry continues to tackle supply bottlenecks and material sourcing hurdles, this move represents a major step toward reducing dependence on imported components. Motors that avoid rare-earth elements are gaining attention globally as automakers seek more sustainable, cost-stable alternatives.
Greaves Cotton Limited (GCL), commonly known as Greaves, is a diversified engineering company with a legacy spanning over 165 years. Known originally for its single-cylinder diesel engines, the company has evolved into a comprehensive provider of fuel-agnostic mobility solutions. Greaves is driven by its mission of “Empowering Lives”, with a focus on enabling a sustainable shift toward green mobility and aiming to impact one billion lives by 2030.
With a strong foundation of brand trust and technological innovation, Greaves is building a connected, digitally-enabled mobility ecosystem that links consumers, partners, and service providers across the mobility value chain. The company operates through five distinct business verticals: Greaves Engineering, Greaves Electric Mobility Ltd., Greaves Retail, Greaves Finance Ltd., and Greaves Technologies Ltd.
These business units bring together strategic focus and agility, delivering accessible and innovative mobility solutions. Through continued investment in technology, talent, and infrastructure, Greaves is well-positioned to lead India’s transition to electric and sustainable mobility. Committed to long-term growth and environmental responsibility, Greaves remains a trusted force in shaping the future of mobility in India.
Chara Technologies is a Bangalore-based deep-tech startup focused on designing and manufacturing electric motor systems that do not rely on rare-earth materials. Established in November 2019, the company develops sustainable motor solutions for a variety of sectors, including electric vehicles (both on-highway and off-highway), agriculture, and industrial applications.
Chara is dedicated to transforming conventional motor technology through innovation and environmental responsibility. Led by a team of seasoned entrepreneurs and experts in motor design, the company aims to deliver next-generation electric propulsion systems tailored to global demands. By removing dependence on rare-earth materials, Chara is contributing to a more resilient and sustainable supply chain in the electric mobility space.
