Adoption of EVs in the Shared Mobility Sector

Over the past few years, we have seen a tremendous increase in the use of shared mobility services. Companies like Ola and Uber have changed the way people travel in big cities and are helping a lot in decongesting the roads. The adoption of EVs by these shared mobility giants will push India's electrification goal upwards.

On an average, we do around 3 million shared rides a day in India. The vehicles used in this area today are mostly internal combustion engines (vehicles). Imagine how much carbon these rides emit. Hence it becomes necessary that we shift from ICE vehicles to electric vehicles in the region. 

It's a no-brainer that EVs are the way forward in the shared mobility industry. Let's see how veterans in this industry can approach adoption. 

1. A Phased Approach:-  

Ola and Uber may target electrification on a city-by-city basis. Cities with high pollution levels like NCR can be targeted first. This will ensure that we are curbing the carbon footprint in the cities that desperately need it. 

2. Development of robust charging infrastructure:- 

Today the charging infrastructure in our country is inadequate. Development of public charging stations has been de-licensed. And it can set up any charging station. Provided that it fulfills the basic requirements prescribed by the Government. 

In my opinion, Ola and Uber can build their own fast charging infrastructure. In my opinion, Ola and Uber can build their own fast charging infrastructure. And it will help reduce anxiety among drivers and lead to faster adoption. 

3. Increase in electricity generation using renewable resources:- 

We know that there are zero direct emissions from electric vehicles. However, today about 70% of electricity in India is generated using carbon sources, which causes emissions. In this way, electric vehicles are still leading to indirect carbon emissions. 

The government needs to increase power generation by using renewable resources like solar energy. Only then will we be able to reduce overall carbon emissions. 

It also needs to be understood that the cost of running an EV is much lower than that of a petrol/diesel vehicle. Adoption, in turn, would also benefit from a travel cost reduction approach.

Considering the above factors, there is great potential for adoption of electric vehicles in the shared mobility sector in the near future. We still need to see how things turn out. But it is certain that the advantages of adopting electric vehicles in this area far outweigh the limitations/challenges.