The United Nations Convention on Climate Change 2015 mandates reducing the carbon footprint to reduce global warming. Considering environmental concerns, electric vehicles (EVs) spearhead the move towards green mobility. Niti Aayog (Indian Government) has envisaged an “EV only” scenario by 2030. Two wheelers, with almost 80% of the market share of the Indian automobile industry, will provide the primary thrust for EVs. The holistic sustainability of the Indian EV two-wheeler industry will depend upon its vendor partnerships and processes, which are examined in this paper through a systematic review of the literature available from all known sources. This study, after reviewing over 165 papers apart from government and independent reports, also explores how sustainability and allied topics like green supply chain management in business decision making promotes efficiency, controls expenditure, enhances customer delight, increases sales and market share, optimizes risk management strategies and promotes profitability. Considering the restricted availability of the literature on the Indian automobile industry in general, and specifically on the Indian EV or EV two-wheeler industry, this work will help in bringing focus on this area of fast-burgeoning importance and will pave the way for the establishment of a conceptual framework for research.

Drastically cutting carbon footprints to reduce global warming is a universal norm at present, in keeping with the United Nation’s Convention on Climate Change 2015. Fit-ting in appropriately with this theme is the global proliferation of Electric Vehicles (EVs), gradually replacing the Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) automobiles. India (Niti Aayog) has also given a determined call for ‘only EV’ on road by 2030. Electric two-wheelers (E2Ws) with 80% market share will lead this transition in this country. To meet sustainability and environmental norms, this needs not only appropriate pro-duction standards but also sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) in the Indi-an E2W (IE2W) industry integrating environmental, economic and social issues. There is also a need to ensure that the battery supply chain (one of the grey areas of the in-dustry with regard to environmental concerns) follows circularity and sustainability principles. With AI having come into play in industry and manufacturing, it would obviously influence circular economy (CE) and sustainability concerns in the IE2W space too. This review aims at analysing how the IE2W industry can hugely benefit from AI in enhancing its contribution to the circular economy and sustainability. The IE2W market is still in its infancy, thereby underscoring the importance of this paper in highlighting strengths and opportunities even as we look at the challenges ahead. This will impact how the Indian EV industry, in general, exploits AI, thereby enhanc-ing value for industries, governments, the public and the environment.

Drastically cutting carbon footprints to reduce global warming is now a universal norm, in keeping with the United Nations’ Convention on Climate Change 2015. The global proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) is, hence, appropriate. India (Niti Aayog) has given a determined call for ‘only EV’ on road by 2030, a transition which will be led by electric two-wheelers (E2Ws) with 80% of the market. The Indian E2W (IE2W) industry needs to adopt green manufacturing and sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), addressing environmental, economic, and social issues. The battery supply chain (an environmental gray area) must also follow circularity and sustainability principles. With artificial intelligence (AI) having come into play in industry and manufacturing, it will undoubtedly influence the circular economy (CE) and sustainability concerns in the IE2W space. This review aims to critically study the available literature on AI’s contribution to CE and sustainability in the IE2W sector. The study has revealed a lack of sufficient research, specifically in the IE2W sector, including AI’s effect on waste management, government policies, etc. For the government, the study recommends a higher outlay for R&D, bridging skill gaps, and strengthening regulatory frameworks and ethics; and, for the IE2W industry, this study recommends increased focus on CE, public awareness, compliance with ethical norms for AI deployment, and prioritizing a fleet-first model. The study is expected to enhance value for the IE2W sector, the government, the public, and the environment.

UN Convention on Climate Change 2015 mandates reducing carbon footprint to reduce global warming. Considering environmental concerns, Electric Vehicles (EVs) spearhead the move towards green mobility. Niti Aayog (Indian Government) has envisaged an “EV only” scenario by 2030. Two wheelers dominate the Indian automobile industry with almost 80% market share. With the transportation sector accounting for 70% of world’s fossil fuels use, the need for a sustainable supply chain which addresses environment, economy and societal issues, has, of late, aroused interest in the business academic community and industries. Sustainability in business decision-making promotes efficiency, controls expenditure, enhances customer delight, increases sales and market share, optimises risk management strategy, and promotes profitability. This study intends to develop a conceptual framework after examining research gaps in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and allied topics like sustainability, green supply chain management, and vendor partnerships through collaborative efforts. Even the UN vide Goal 9 of sustainable goals pertaining to industry, highlights the importance of this framework.

As the electric two-wheeler (E2W) sector rapidly proliferates in India, achieving genuine sustainability is strongly dependent upon upstream supply chain dynamics. Drawing on sustainable supply chain and partnership theories, this research investigates how strategic vendor partnerships (SVP) drive economic, environmental, and social sustainability within this emerging market. We deconstruct the SVP framework into three fundamental practices: outsourcing, vendor-managed inventory (VMI), and vendor selection tied to long-term alliances (VSLTA). For an evaluation of how these practices impact critical sustainability metrics like emission control, waste reduction, resource optimization, cost efficiency, and delivery reliability, we surveyed procurement and supply chain experts from major Indian E2W manufacturers and their tier-1 suppliers. The gathered data was empirically evaluated utilizing exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression. The analysis reveals that sustainable performance is significantly and positively enhanced by all three facets of SVP. Notably, establishing enduring relationships through VSLTA, proved to be the most impactful catalyst for sustainability, followed closely by VMI integration and outsourcing strategies. Finally, this research advances the academic discourse on sustainable e-mobility operations in developing economies and equips industry managers with evidence-based strategies to build supply chains that are both highly competitive and ecologically responsible.