Prerna Awasthi, Chief Business Officer, Zen Mobility
My Journey
My career began in 2012 as a Graduate Engineer Trainee at Sona Steering Private Limited (now JTEKT), where I gained a deep understanding of the automotive industry. My passion for automobiles led me to Hero Lectro, a subsidiary of Hero Cycles Ltd., where I managed Insync-UK, Manchester. This global exposure to electric vehicles (EVs) fueled my interest in sustainable mobility.
My Achievements
Zen Mobility was founded by Mr. Namit Jain (CEO & Founder), with a clear vision: to revolutionize last-mile logistics through sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective Cargo electric vehicles (EVs). I joined Zen Mobility in 2022 as the 4th member of the core team. Today, we are a strong team of 60+ individuals, working across R&D, NPD, Production, Marketing, Strategic Partnerships and various other departments.
Our journey began with the development of the Zen Micro Pod, an electric three-wheeler tailored for e-commerce and cargo movement. Over time, we refined our product, enhanced cost efficiencies, and expanded fleet deployments. Today, we have 1,500+ vehicles on the road and a strong order book in hand.
As the Chief Business Officer, my role has been to drive business strategy, market positioning, B2B growth along with organization sustenance. We have successfully secured strategic partnerships with major logistics and e-commerce companies, including Zomato, Blink It, Delhivery, Ecom Express, and Porter. We are actively working in almost every sector involving goods delivery and transportation.
My Inspiration
As a mechanical engineer turned business leader, I have always been fascinated by mobility innovation. The transition toward sustainability and energy efficiency made EVs an exciting and impactful space. The urgency of climate change, coupled with India’s clean energy initiatives, motivated me to contribute meaningfully to this transformation. Growing up in India, I witnessed firsthand the strain of rapid population growth on infrastructure and transportation. The dominance of petrol and diesel vehicles—and their long-term environmental impact—troubled me. Seeing cities struggle with pollution and congestion, I knew I wanted to drive change. This passion led me to explore EVs and sustainable transportation, ensuring that progress and sustainability go hand in hand.
Challenges as a Woman Leader & How I Overcame Them
Navigating a male-dominated industry like automotive and EVs came with its challenges. Early in my career, I faced skepticism in boardrooms and factory floors regarding my ability to lead in both technical and commercial domains.
I overcame these challenges by:
- Leveraging my engineering background to break biases and establish technical credibility.
- Building a strong industry network and learning from mentors.
- Delivering consistent results—proving that performance and strategy drive success.
- Fostering diverse teams, ensuring leadership reflects multiple perspectives, including those of women.
Future of Sustainable Mobility & Women’s Role
The EV and renewable energy sectors are set for exponential growth, driven by advancements in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and policy support. The next decade will witness:
- Wider electrification of logistics and passenger transport.
- Expansion of battery-swapping models and energy-efficient innovations.
- Integration of AI and IoT in fleet management, making EVs smarter and more adaptable.
Women will play a crucial role in this transformation—not just as leaders and entrepreneurs but also as engineers, policymakers, and innovators. Diverse perspectives lead to better problem-solving and inclusive business models, making gender diversity essential in shaping the future of mobility.
Advice to Young Women in Sustainability & E-Mobility
- Master Both Technical and Business Aspects – A solid foundation in engineering, energy systems, and emerging technologies, combined with an understanding of market trends, policy frameworks, and business strategy, will give you a competitive edge. The best leaders in sustainability bridge innovation with commercial viability.
- Build a Strong Network and Seek Mentorship – Surround yourself with industry experts, mentors, and like-minded professionals. Engaging in communities, industry forums, and learning from leaders can open doors to new opportunities and accelerate your growth.
- Stay Resilient and Assertive – The sustainability and mobility sectors present challenges, from breaking into male-dominated spaces to navigating evolving technologies. Confidence in your skills, persistence, and adaptability will help you overcome setbacks and establish yourself as a leader.
- Innovate and Challenge the Norm – Sustainability thrives on new ideas and transformative solutions. Whether it’s battery technology, circular economy models, or energy-efficient mobility, don’t be afraid to think differently, experiment, and push boundaries. The future belongs to those who dare to redefine it.
The future is green, sustainable, and filled with opportunities. Women have a pivotal role in shaping this transition—leading, innovating, and making an impact in the sustainable mobility space. The time to step up and drive change is now!