TATA Estate EV
Having spent over 12 years with Tata Group companies, Anand M. Kulkarni developed a deep appreciation for the organization's principles, values and design philosophy. As a tribute to Shri Ratan Tata, he envisioned the iconic Tata Estate as a contemporary electric vehicle. Through this independent design study, Sankul Design Studio team reimagined the Tata Estate by blending its timeless heritage with modern aesthetics, refined proportions, and contemporary EV architecture.
Inspired by Shri Ratan Tata's personality, the design direction combines contemporary architecture, premium lifestyles, and modern EV values. A refined CMF palette of metallic tones, sustainable materials, and balanced finishes expresses confidence, timeless elegance, and craftsmanship.
Three distinct design directions - Athletic, Organic, and Sculptural - were explored through extensive ideation and form development. Multiple iterations were evaluated before refining and selecting the final concept.
The Sculptural theme was shortlisted for its futuristic stance, confident proportions, and strong alignment with Tata Motors' evolving design DNA. The selected direction was then refined through successive iterations to develop the final concept.
The final concept sketches were translated into CAS and Class-A surfaces, refining every contour and reflection to achieve a premium, production-quality design with exceptional surface precision.
High-fidelity renders showcase the purity of the design, accentuating sculptural surfaces, crisp feature lines, harmonious proportions, and the premium character envisioned for the Tata Estate EV.
Montra Electric RHINO 5538 EV
India's First Electric Truck - Launched in Bharat Mobility Expo - 2025
Sankul Design Studio partnered with Montra Electric / IPLTECH to design the exterior and interior cabin components of the RHINO 5538 EV, India's first electric truck. The project focused on creating a bold, modern, and functional design that reflects the next generation of sustainable commercial mobility.
From the exterior cabin surfaces to key interior touchpoints, our team developed a design that balances strong road presence, driver comfort, manufacturability, and brand identity. The result is a contemporary electric truck that combines purposeful aesthetics with practical engineering for the future of commercial transportation.
Sankul Design Studio's Contribution:
Market research and competitor analysis
Strategic design direction for a distinctive electric vehicle identity
Cabin exterior and interior components aesthetic design
CAS and Class-A surfacing
Color, Material & Finish (CMF) design
Engineering of cabin exterior and interior components
Shown below is the final refined concept, selected after extensive market research, competitor analysis, ideation, and concept evaluation.
The final approved design was brought to life as the first production-tool prototype, validating the design, fit, finish, and manufacturability ahead of mass production. The vehicle was proudly showcased at the Auto Expo and has since received multiple industry awards and recognitions for its design and innovation.
Vande Bharat Train Seat & Seat Tray
Sankul Design Studio collaborated with a global seating manufacturer to design and develop the executive coach Seat and Seat Tray for the Vande Bharat train.
For the Seat Tray, our team was responsible for the complete product development lifecycle - from research and concept development to engineering, CAE analysis, prototyping, validation, and product proving for mass production. The tray was engineered to meet cost targets, premium design, durability, ease of use, passenger comfort, and manufacturing efficiency.
For the passenger seat, Sankul Design Studio designed and developed the Color, Material & Finish (CMF), creating a premium, durable, and passenger-friendly experience that aligns with the modern identity of Vande Bharat trains.
Sankul Design Studio's Contribution
User research and product definition
Seat tray design and engineering
CAE analysis and design optimization
Prototype development and validation
Product proving for mass manufacturing
CMF design and development for passenger seats
Electric Auto Rickshaw
Sankul Design Studio partnered on the development of a complete electric three-wheeler platform, designing a family of vehicles that included a soft-top passenger auto rickshaw, hard-top passenger variant, cargo flat-bed, half-load body, and full-load body. The objective was to create a scalable product range with a strong and consistent brand identity while maximizing component commonality and manufacturing efficiency.
Sankul Design Studio's Contribution
Market research and competitor analysis
Physical benchmarking of multiple vehicles
Strategic design direction for a distinctive EV identity
Platform strategy to maximize part commonality and reduce tooling and manufacturing costs
Exterior and interior aesthetic design
CAS and Class-A surfacing
Color, Material & Finish (CMF) design
High-quality realistic renderings for design evaluation and stakeholder presentations
The following product was launched in Bharat Mobility Expo - 2025
Forklift - 4WD, 4WE, 3WE
Creating a Distinctive Design DNA and Aesthetic Design for a Family of Forklifts
Client: A global company (actual project - 4WD is launched)
Vehicle Platforms
Four-Wheel Diesel Forklift
Four-Wheel Electric Forklift
Three-Wheel Electric Forklift
Sankul Design Studios Contribution:
Market research and competitor analysis
Fleet owner and operator research
Physical benchmarking of competing products
Strategic design direction and common design DNA development
Feature prioritization using the Kano Model
Exterior and interior aesthetic design
CAS and Class-A Surfacing
Color, Material & Finish (CMF) design
High-quality photorealistic renderings for design evaluation and stakeholder presentations
Electric Buses Class-A Surfacing
Sankul Design Studio collaborated with a global mobility company to develop a family of three electric buses—the 9x12 EV (12 m Intracity Bus), 9x4 EV (12 m Intercity Bus), and 9x9 EV (9 m School Bus). United by a distinctive design language, each vehicle was tailored to its unique application while maintaining a consistent visual identity across the platform.
Building on the client's concept sketches, our team translated the design intent into production-ready CAS and Class-A surfaces, refining every surface to achieve a premium, sculpted appearance while ensuring manufacturing precision and design consistency.
Our Contribution
Exterior Design Development
Production-ready CAS Modeling
Class-A Surface Development
JCBL Destiny Premium Coach
Sankul Design Studio partnered with JCBL to design a next-generation premium bus that combines contemporary aesthetics with production-ready execution. From initial concept development to manufacturing support, our team created a distinctive exterior design that balances visual appeal, functionality, and brand identity.
The project encompassed complete vehicle design, followed by the development of high-quality CAS and Class-A surfaces for production. We also supported prototype development to ensure the design intent was accurately translated into the physical vehicle.
Our Contribution
Complete Vehicle Design
Exterior Styling
CAS Development
Class-A Surface Development
Prototype Support
Modular Electric Scooter Platform
Sankul Design Studio designed a family of modular electric scooters comprising single-seater, double-seater, and cargo variants, unified by a common design language inspired by the monolithic sculptural form of the Kailasa Temple. Carved from a single visual volume, each variant shares a distinctive identity while addressing diverse urban mobility needs. The platform balances timeless aesthetics with functional modularity, creating a cohesive product family for personal and commercial transportation.
Design Research & Strategy
Industrial Design
CMF Development
Digital Surface Development (CAS & Class-A)
Electric Scooter
Creating a Distinctive Identity and Aesthetic Design - Shown in Auto Expo 2023
Client: Liger Mobility
Sankul Design Studios Contribution:
Market research and competitor study
Aesthetic design of the DRL, Handle Bar trims and Instrument Cluster surround trims
CAS and Class-A Surfacing
Engineering of the designed parts
Color, Material & Finish (CMF) design of the entire vehicle
Prototype development and bench testing
