In an exciting development for sustainable transportation in India, Rapido, a popular homegrown ride-hailing platform, has partnered with IndoFast Energy to roll out 10,000 Piaggio electric autos equipped with innovative swappable battery technology. This collaboration aims to promote eco-friendly mobility while significantly reducing downtime for electric vehicles (EVs).
On Wednesday, Rapido announced its collaboration with IndoFast Energy, a joint venture formed by IndianOil and SUN Mobility. The partnership is set to deploy 10,000 Piaggio E-City Max electric autos across India over the next two years. Pavan Guntupalli, the co-founder of Rapido, emphasized that this alliance would greatly enhance the company’s electric vehicle offerings, thus fulfilling its commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly transportation.
Rapido’s objective with this initiative is to have approximately 20% of its daily rides powered by swappable electric autos. The incorporation of these vehicles aligns with the company's vision of promoting sustainable mobility options for riders across the country. The deployment will initially focus on key urban centers, particularly in southern India, including Hyderabad, Bangalore, and other major cities.
The initial phase of deployment is expected to see over 1,000 electric vehicles introduced by the end of December 2024. This launch follows a successful pilot project carried out in 2023, where Rapido integrated IndoFast Energy’s swappable battery technology into its platform across cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi.
The swappable battery technology allows Rapido drivers, referred to as “captains,” to quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones at designated stations. This system not only eliminates downtime for drivers but also ensures that the vehicles remain operational throughout the day, thereby enhancing service efficiency.
IndoFast Energy’s swappable battery solution utilizes Piaggio’s E-City Max autos, which are integrated with SUN Mobility's cutting-edge technology. This innovative approach allows for battery swaps to occur in under two minutes, minimizing the wait time for drivers and maximizing operational capacity. Currently, IndoFast Energy has established over 100 swap stations in Hyderabad and 200 in Bangalore, with plans to expand this network further.
IndoFast Energy has ambitious goals for the future, aiming to scale its infrastructure significantly. The company intends to establish 10,000 battery-swapping stations across 40 cities in India within the next three years. This pay-per-use model allows drivers to only pay for the energy consumed during each battery swap, making it a cost-effective solution for drivers and encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles.
In addition to the rollout of electric autos, Rapido and IndoFast Energy are exploring further possibilities, including the introduction of high-speed electric two-wheelers and retrofitted three-wheelers. This diversification will enhance the range of eco-friendly transportation options available on Rapido’s platform, catering to a broader audience and increasing accessibility.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Rapido and IndoFast Energy marks a significant step towards sustainable mobility in India. By integrating swappable electric autos into its fleet, Rapido is set to revolutionize the ride-hailing industry while promoting environmentally friendly practices. As this initiative unfolds, it has the potential to reshape urban transportation, making it more efficient, sustainable, and accessible for all. The partnership not only highlights the growing importance of electric vehicles in the Indian market but also paves the way for future innovations in the realm of eco-friendly transportation.