Rapido Partners with IndoFast Energy to Roll Out 10,000 Swappable E-Autos

Key Highlights:

• Rapido and IndoFast Energy will deploy 10,000 Piaggio E-city Max electric autos in 24 months.
• The partnership began as a pilot in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi with swappable batteries.
• 100+ battery swap stations in Hyderabad and Bangalore reduce downtime for drivers.
• IndoFast Energy’s stations allow fast battery swaps in under two minutes with a pay-per-use model.
• Rapido aims to power 20% of its daily rides with swappable electric autos.

Rapido, India’s top bike, auto, and cab aggregator, has teamed up with IndoFast Energy to launch 10,000 Piaggio E-city Max swappable e-autos. This roll-out will take place across India over the next two years, boosting electric mobility in public transport. IndoFast Energy is a joint venture between IOCL and SUN Mobility, which focuses on swappable battery technology.

Successful Pilot Program

This collaboration began with a pilot program in 2023 in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi. The pilot successfully integrated IndoFast Energy’s battery-swapping system into Rapido’s platform, making electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible and efficient for everyday use.

Battery Swap Stations and Expansion Plans

The success of the pilot led to the establishment of over 100 battery swap stations in Hyderabad and Bangalore. These stations allow auto drivers to swap depleted batteries for fully charged ones in under two minutes, minimizing downtime. Rapido now aims to have 20% of its daily rides powered by these swappable electric autos.

Future Expansion of Swap Stations

IndoFast Energy’s swap stations operate on a pay-per-use model, ensuring that users only pay for the energy they consume. The company plans to build 10,000 swap stations in more than 40 cities over the next three years to meet the rising demand for swappable EVs.

Broader EV Solutions

Both Rapido and IndoFast Energy are also exploring high-speed two-wheelers and retrofitted three-wheelers as part of their eco-friendly transport offerings. This is expected to diversify their electric vehicle options for customers.

Leaders’ Comments

Pavan Guntupalli, Co-founder of Rapido, said this partnership enhances their EV offerings while supporting sustainability and providing drivers with more earnings opportunities.

Anant Badjatya, CEO of IndoFast Energy, mentioned that this initiative is based on their successful pilot and will accelerate deployment in cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Chennai.

Diego Graffi, Chairman and MD of Piaggio Vehicles, highlighted that they have over 50,000 Ape Electrik vehicles in operation and aim to deploy 10,000 more swappable EVs in the next 24 months.

Also Read: Rapido Launches Largest Electric Autorickshaw Fleet in Bangalore

CMV360 Says

Rapido’s initiative with IndoFast Energy seems like a step in the right direction for India’s EV transition. By making EVs more accessible and reducing downtime for auto drivers, this partnership supports sustainability and helps drivers with more practical and cost-effective solutions. It’s great to see companies taking steps that could shape the future of eco-friendly transportation in the country.