The event now highlights electric all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), reflecting the broader transition toward cleaner mobility options.
21 Feb 2025 | 2167 Views | By Angitha Suresh
The 18th edition of BAJA SAEINDIA commenced at BV Raju Institute of Technology, Narsapur, marking the 10th anniversary of its electric vehicle category, eBAJA. The event has drawn over 85 teams in the electric segment, a significant increase from the eight teams that participated when eBAJA was introduced in 2015.
This is an Autocar Pro Plus article. Subscribe to continue reading.
The 18th edition of BAJA SAEINDIA commenced at BV Raju Institute of Technology, Narsapur, marking the 10th anniversary of its electric vehicle category, eBAJA. The event has drawn over 85 teams in the electric segment, a significant increase from the eight teams that participated when eBAJA was introduced in 2015.
The competition follows the recent Phase 3 events for gasoline and HCNG-powered vehicles at NATRAX Pithampur, where Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated India's first HCNG-powered buggy. The event now focuses on electric all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), aligning with the industry's shift toward sustainable mobility solutions.
BAJA SAEINDIA 2025's theme "Fusion 4 Future" encompasses four categories: mBAJA, eBAJA, hBAJA, and aBAJA, focusing on technology integration, diversity, sustainability, and vehicle connectivity. The initiative, which began in 2007, was expanded to include electric vehicles in 2015, inspired by former President APJ Abdul Kalam's vision for youth innovation in technology.
The event has recorded increased diversity in participation, with female representation rising from 17% in 2024 to 24% in 2025. Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India continues to support this trend through its All Girls Team Award, according to Simona Adelina Popovici, Vice President of Human Resources.
The competition has also fostered entrepreneurship among its alumni. Parashuram Paka, a participant from the 2007 inaugural edition, now leads Gravton Motors and serves as the Startup Ambassador for this year's event.
Participating teams will undergo technical inspections, brake tests, and dynamic events including acceleration and maneuverability trials. The event culminates in a four-hour endurance race on February 23, 2025, where teams will demonstrate their vehicles' performance and reliability.
BAJA SAEINDIA has evolved from a collegiate engineering competition into a significant platform for automotive innovation in India. The event brings together academic institutions and industry partners to develop practical engineering skills and promote sustainable transportation solutions. Past competitions have led to breakthroughs in vehicle design and helped establish connections between engineering students and automotive industry employers.
The competition serves as a talent pipeline for the automotive industry, with many participants going on to work with major manufacturers or starting their own ventures. It has played a crucial role in advancing electric vehicle technology in India, contributing to the country's growing electric mobility sector.