#203 – Rakesh Koneru | HummingbirdEV – Microfactories, EV Retrofits & Building a New Heavy Duty EV OEM

Rakesh Koneru, CEO of Hummingbird EV, discusses the company's approach to electrification in the medium and heavy-duty vehicle segment. The conversation covers topics such as vertical integration, modular electric vehicle propulsion systems, transitioning from retrofit to OEM, application in the mining industry, customization and modularity for different use cases, challenges and benefits of building a new strategy, microfactory strategy and vision, supply chain robustness and vertical integration, benefits of microfactories and localized production, and trade-offs and risk mitigation. Takeaways: Hummingbird EV focuses on electrification in the medium and heavy-duty vehicle segment, with a focus on vertical integration and modularity. The company is transitioning from a retrofit company to a full-scale OEM, with a focus on building its own chassis platform. Hummingbird EV aims to build microfactories in different locations to meet demand triggers and localize the supply chain. The company's strategy allows for customization and modularity to meet the specific needs of different applications. Hummingbird EV is focused on building a robust supply chain and reducing reliance on external suppliers. Chapters Introduction and Background Vertical Integration in the Commercial Vehicle Space Transition from Retrofit to OEM Application in the Mining Industry Customization and Modularity for Different Use Cases Challenges and Benefits of Building a New Strategy Microfactory Strategy and Vision Supply Chain Robustness and Vertical Integration Benefits of Microfactories and Localized Production Trade-offs and Risk Mitigation Key Takeaways and Parting Thoughts Links: Show notes: http://brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/rakeshkoneru https://www.linkedin.com/in/rakesh-k-396879b/ https://www.hummingev.com/ Bio Rakesh Koneru is founder and CEO of HummingbirdEV. HummingbirdEV description HummingbirdEV, Inc. (HBEV) is a global leader and innovator of advanced products, and technologies for zero emissions commercial vehicle applications including offering complete vehicles, electric drivetrain systems, bi-directional charging systems, modular batteries, control and telematic software, and other related products. The company has clients and active development programs throughout the U.S., China, and India and maintains a focus on innovating next generation products that provide significant feature and performance advantages over the status quo. HummingbirdEV was incorporated in 2015 and has its global headquarters located in Livermore, California. Future of Mobility: The Future of Mobility podcast is focused on the development and implementation of safe, sustainable, effective, and accessible mobility solutions, with a spotlight on the people and technology advancing these fields. Edison Manufacturing and Engineering: Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods. linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/ brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/