Gayam Motor Works: Raja Gayam on Powering the Electric Revolution in Last-Mile Delivery

January 15, 2026 11 min read

When we talk about the future of electric vehicles (EVs), the conversation often centers on sleek sedans and high-speed chargers. But for Raja Gayam, CEO of Gayam Motor Works (GMW), the real revolution is happening in the humble three-wheeler. By focusing on the last-mile delivery needs of giants like Amazon, BigBasket, and Flipkart, GMW has become a silent powerhouse in the global EV landscape, exporting high-performance electric autos to the UK, France, and Japan.

Raja’s journey is a blend of deep-rooted family tradition and cutting-edge academic exposure. Coming from a family background in auto-rickshaw body building, he witnessed the intricacies of the automotive trade from a young age. After graduating from IIIT Hyderabad and pursuing a Master’s at University College London (UCL), he returned to India with a vision: to modernize the three-wheeler segment through clean energy. "In the commercial segment, aesthetics matter less than economics," Raja explains. "Three-wheelers are the backbone of Indian logistics, and making them electric was a clear winner in terms of total cost of ownership."

The Economics of the E-Auto

In the commercial EV space, the shift isn't just about being "green"—it's about being profitable. GMW's electric three-wheelers offer a significantly lower operating cost compared to diesel or petrol alternatives. "For a delivery partner, the savings in fuel and maintenance translate directly into higher margins," Raja notes. This economic reality is what allowed GMW to scale rapidly across India and international markets.

Infrastructure: The Final Frontier

One of the biggest hurdles to EV adoption is "range anxiety" and the lack of charging infrastructure. Raja compares the current state of EVs to the early days of internal combustion engines. "Internal combustion engines have 100 years of infrastructure behind them—fuel stations, depots, and transport links," he observes. "We are building that same convenience for EVs from scratch."

GMW addresses this by focusing on B2B clients who operate in predictable "last-mile" loops. By providing vehicles to large delivery networks, the charging infrastructure can be centralized at hubs, making the transition seamless for drivers. Raja believes that as battery technology improves and charging stations become ubiquitous, the consumer segment will naturally follow the commercial lead.

Building for the World from Hyderabad

GMW is a prime example of "Make in India" for the world. Their vehicles are designed and manufactured in Hyderabad but are engineered to meet the stringent safety and performance standards of developed markets. "Exporting to Japan and Europe was a massive learning curve," Raja recalls. "It forced us to iterate on our product quality and reliability, which eventually benefited our Indian customers as well."

The company's focus on material science and electrical engineering—a partnership between Raja and his brother, who worked in the US solar industry—has allowed them to build a proprietary tech stack that stands up to global competition.

Raja's Roadmap for EV Entrepreneurs

Start with Economics: Don't just build a "green" product. Build a product that makes financial sense for the user from day one.
Identify the Right Segment: 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers will lead the EV charge in India due to their predictable usage patterns and lower price points.
Learn from Mistakes: Iteration is the only path to perfection. "It's okay to make mistakes, just don't make the same mistake twice," Raja advises.
Persistence is Key: Hardware is hard. It takes years to build a brand and prove your reliability in the automotive space.

"2030 will be a tipping point. Every new two-wheeler and three-wheeler sold in India will be electric. The convenience and economics have finally reached a point where there is no turning back." — Raja Gayam

The 2030 Vision

Raja is incredibly bullish on the future of mobility in India. He envisions a 2030 where the majority of new vehicle sales in the 2W and 3W segments are electric. While cars and buses will take longer to transition due to infrastructure and subsidy needs, the commercial core of India is already moving. GMW aims to be at the heart of this transition, continuing to innovate on battery technology and vehicle performance.

GMW Impact & Reach

Global Footprint: Exporting to UK, France, Portugal, Japan, and beyond.
Core Segment: Last-mile delivery for Amazon, Flipkart, BigBasket, and Reliance Jio.
Innovation: Proprietary battery and motor technology optimized for high-usage commercial cycles.

About the Guest

Raja Gayam is the CEO and Co-founder of Gayam Motor Works (GMW). An alumnus of IIIT Hyderabad and UCL, Raja is a pioneer in the Indian EV space. With a unique blend of engineering expertise and automotive legacy, he has led GMW to become one of the most successful electric vehicle startups in the country. He is a passionate advocate for sustainable transport and is frequently consulted by government bodies on the future of EV policy in India.

Gayam Motor Works (GMW) is a leading electric vehicle manufacturer specializing in high-performance electric three-wheelers and smart cycles. By focusing on the commercial logistics sector, GMW is driving the adoption of clean energy in the most critical segments of the Indian and global economy.