1. Uber announces multiple partnerships for electric cab service ‘Uber Green’.
Uber has announced multiple partnerships for its new ‘Uber Green’ electric cab service. As part of the company’s sustainability program, Uber India announced the launch of Uber Green in Delhi, Mumbai & Bengaluru, starting from June 2023. Uber Green is already operational in 15 countries around the world. The company also announced a series of new partnerships to complement Uber Green. Lithium Urban Technologies, Everest Fleet & Moove will deploy 25,000 electric cars across Uber’s busiest seven cities.
For Uber Moto, a partnership was announced with Zypp Electric to deploy 10,000 electric two-wheelers by 2024. Around 1000 Zypp electric two-wheelers have already been deployed in Delhi. Uber & SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) have signed an agreement to finance the purchase of electric & CNG vehicles. The partnership aims to provide affordable loans to support the shift from conventional vehicles to greener vehicles. For EV charging needs, Uber India announced two partnerships. The company is bringing its multinational agreement with ‘BP Pulse’ to India in partnership with Jio-BP. Drivers on Uber Green platform will get access to their EV charging network. Apart from Jio-BP, Uber has also signed an agreement with GMR Green Energy to create bespoke/custom charging solutions.
Uber has committed to become a zero-emissions mobility platform by 2030 in North America & Europe, and globally by 2040.
2. Himachal Pradesh’s EV push and ‘Green Energy State’ ambition.
Himachal Pradesh state government has set a target to convert the state into a 'Green Energy State' by March 2026. During a review meeting in Dharamshala, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu gave instructions related to identifying sites for EV charging stations along three proposed ‘Green Corridor Highways’ in HP. The proposed highways are: Parwanoo-Nalagarh-Una-Hamirpur-Sansarpur Terrace, Bilaspur-Hamirpur-Kangra and Mandi-Dharamshala-Kangra.
The CM also gave instructions to develop EV charging network in bigger cities in the state to encourage the use of EVs. The state cabinet approved the ‘Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Scheme 2023’, under which the state govt will provide a uniform 50% subsidy on the purchase of electric taxis, electric buses & electric trucks.
3. Maharashtra Government planning EV charging stations on highways passing through Pune & Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) will deploy more EV charging stations along all highways passing through Pune & Pimpri-Chinchwad.
EV sales in Pune are increasing rapidly. According to the Pune RTO, 1825 electric cars were registered in the city as compared to 961 in the previous fiscal year. EVs of all categories witnessed massive spikes in sales. Despite EVs being accepted widely by the citizens, the charging infrastructure in Pune & Pimpri-Chinchwad is inadequate to meet these growing numbers.
MSEDCL has also developed an app called ‘Power App’ for EV users in the state. Via the app, EV drivers can locate their nearest charging station, self-charge their vehicles & make online payments.
4. BSES Rajdhani (Delhi) partners with Sheru to develop India’s 1st ‘vehicle-to-grid’ station.
BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd (BRPL) has partnered with Delhi-based energy storage company ‘Sheru’ to develop the country’s first vehicle-to-grid station. The tie-up will help ease pressure on and strengthen Delhi's power grid. Sheru’s proprietary bidirectional station will provide battery swapping solutions for e-rickshaws and electric two & three-wheelers. The station will also support BRPL’s power requirement during peak hours.
5. Bhopal Airport turns to EVs.
Bhopal’s Raja Bhoj Airport announced the induction of two electric cars. The airport aims to replace all conventional vehicles with EVs by 2024. The airport authority will also establish high-voltage fast-charging stations at key spots on the airport campus, including the parking.
Bhopal Airport has achieved 'Level 2+ Carbon Accreditation' by the Airports Council International (ACI) and runs entirely on renewable energy.
For complete EV charging solutions, explore the Kazam website.
