Envision Energy has introduced India’s first race car built entirely from discarded electronic materials. Named the Recover-E car, it was officially launched at The Radio Club in Mumbai in collaboration with EARTHDAY.ORG, as part of the ‘Our Power, Our Planet’ initiative. This marks the second such vehicle globally, following its initial debut at the London e-Prix in 2023.
The car has been assembled using obsolete electronic items including mobile phones, laptops, and tablets, serving as a symbolic and functional demonstration of circular design principles. The project aims to raise awareness of India’s growing e-waste problem and promote sustainable innovation.
According to RPV Prasad, Managing Director of Envision Energy India, the initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to environmental innovation. James Mercer, Commercial Director of Envision Racing, stated that the car represents a broader commentary on the scale of e-waste and the potential for reuse through engineering solutions. Karuna Singh, Regional Director for Asia at EARTHDAY.ORG, highlighted the importance of such initiatives in advancing circular economy practices and clean energy goals.
India has witnessed a significant rise in e-waste, with volumes increasing by over 72% in the past five years—from 1.01 million metric tonnes in 2019–20 to 1.751 million metric tonnes in 2023–24. Improper disposal of such waste, often containing hazardous materials like mercury, lead, and cadmium, poses serious environmental and public health risks.
The launch included a panel discussion exploring the connection between sustainability, energy, and the arts. Panelists such as Arushi Nishank, Bauddhayan Mukherji, Vinay Jain, Kounteya Sinha, and Shreya Ghodawat addressed the role of storytelling and creative engagement in advancing environmental consciousness. The event concluded with a musical performance by Prajna Dutta.
The Recover-E car was designed and fabricated by the Vertex Research Centre, located in Palladam. This project is part of Envision Racing’s larger awareness campaign targeting younger audiences and promoting responsible e-waste practices such as limiting new purchases, donating used electronics, and utilizing certified recycling services.
Envision Energy continues to support environmental stewardship through its initiatives. In addition to this project, the company operates in sectors including smart wind turbines, energy storage, and green hydrogen. Envision achieved carbon neutrality in its operations in 2022 and has set a target to achieve full value-chain neutrality by 2028.
