The collaboration between Rapido and Piaggio focuses on growing Rapido’s electric vehicle fleet using Piaggio’s swappable battery technology, with plans to set up more than 300 battery-swapping stations in Hyderabad and Bangalore by December 2024. This initiative is designed to promote sustainable transportation throughout major southern Indian cities.
Rapido, a prominent ride-sharing service, has formed a strategic alliance with IndoFast Energy, a collaborative venture between IndianOil and SUN Mobility, aiming to enhance electric mobility across India by deploying 10,000 Piaggio electric vehicles equipped with advanced swappable batteries. This initiative is part of a broader effort to bolster sustainable urban transport solutions.
To facilitate this transition, IndoFast Energy has committed to establishing a network of battery-swapping stations and planning the installation of over 100 stations in Hyderabad and more than 200 in Bangalore by the close of December 2024. These stations are crucial for supporting the seamless operation of electric vehicles by enabling quick battery exchanges, thereby minimizing vehicle downtime and enhancing operational efficiency.
Rapido’s incorporation of these electric autos into its existing fleet is a significant move towards reducing the carbon footprint of daily commute services. The company intends to utilize these vehicles for a substantial share of its ride operations, reflecting its commitment to promoting environmental sustainability in the transport sector.
The vehicles in question, Piaggio’s E-City Max, are outfitted with SUN Mobility’s innovative battery swapping technology, which allows drivers to exchange depleted batteries for charged ones at any swapping station, thus ensuring continuous operation without long recharging interruptions. This technology not only offers an extended range but also significantly cuts down the waiting time typically associated with electric vehicle recharging.
The implementation of this project began with a pilot phase in 2023, spanning cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi. The pilot aimed to integrate IndoFast Energy’s swappable battery technology into Rapido’s platform, enhancing the efficiency and convenience of electric vehicles for public transportation. Following the successful initial phase, the collaboration is set to expand, with plans to roll out over 1,000 electric vehicles across key southern Indian cities by the end of 2024, starting with Hyderabad and Bangalore.
