Instamart has partnered with Yulu and Yuma Energy to expand access to electric two-wheelers and battery-swapping infrastructure for its delivery partners. The initiative is aimed at addressing vehicle affordability and charging-related downtime in last-mile deliveries.
As part of the arrangement with Yuma Energy, Instamart will provide space at its PODs, or dark stores, for battery-swapping stations. Yuma currently operates more than 2,000 battery-swapping units, with each swap taking less than two minutes. Instamart said delivery partners covering an average of more than 90km a day may require two battery swaps, while locating stations closer to PODs can save up to 60 minutes of travel and waiting time per day.
The first battery-swapping station under the initiative was inaugurated earlier in September at an Instamart POD. The company said the programme is intended to bring energy infrastructure closer to locations where delivery partners operate.
Instamart-Yuma Battery Swapping Network For Delivery Partners
Instamart's arrangement with Yuma focuses on reducing the time associated with accessing charging infrastructure. Instead of travelling to a separate swapping location, delivery partners can access Yuma stations located at participating Instamart PODs.
Yuma Energy's Head of Revenue and Operations, Deepak Nanwani, said the economics of an electric two-wheeler for a delivery rider depend on both vehicle affordability and uptime. He said combining access to EVs with a battery-swapping network is intended to reduce downtime during delivery operations.
Yulu Rental Cashback To Reduce EV Costs
Under its partnership with Yulu, Instamart is offering rental cashback incentives to delivery partners using Yulu electric two-wheelers for deliveries on the platform. The programme is intended to reduce the upfront cost associated with switching to an EV and limit exposure to fluctuations in petrol prices.
The programme was launched in May 2026, with thousands of delivery partners receiving incentives so far. Instamart said the initiative has reduced rental expenses for participating delivery partners by up to 30%.
Instamart, together with Swiggy, currently works with more than 50 EV partners across India to provide delivery partners with access to electric mobility. The company said its partnerships with Yulu and Yuma combine vehicle access, rental support and battery-swapping infrastructure.