Urja Mobility launches B2C battery leasing program for e-rickshaw drivers

Urja Mobility has launched its B2C battery leasing program aimed at e-rickshaw drivers across ten cities in India. The program seeks to address the financial burden of battery ownership by offering an affordable, flexible leasing model.

The initiative will allow drivers to pay a monthly fee for high-performance Lithium-Ion batteries, with the option to own the battery after 12 to 24 months. The cities selected for the first phase of the program are Agra, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Siliguri, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, and Puri, which have high adoption rates of electric vehicles (EVs) and significant tourist traffic.

The new leasing model aims to make EV adoption more financially feasible by converting the high upfront costs of batteries into manageable monthly payments. The Lithium-Ion batteries provided through the program offer advantages such as longer life cycles, less maintenance, and improved thermal performance when compared to traditional Lead Acid batteries. The program also includes technology-enabled batteries with advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS) that monitor battery health, predict potential issues, and ensure optimal performance. This system uses data analytics and AI to help maintain battery reliability and safety.

Urja Mobility has established service centers in each of the selected cities to support the program. These centers will handle battery installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, ensuring that drivers can maintain a vehicle uptime of at least 26 days per month. The company has set an ambitious goal to onboard 50,000 e-rickshaw drivers, focusing on educating users about the advantages of Lithium-Ion batteries. Currently, more than 75% of the market still relies on Lead Acid batteries, and Urja aims to highlight the long-term economic and environmental benefits of the newer technology.

This initiative is in line with India’s broader electric mobility and sustainability objectives, especially the goal of 100% electrification of commercial three-wheelers by 2030. By providing a cost-effective solution for e-rickshaw drivers, Urja Mobility is supporting India’s transition to cleaner energy transportation, contributing to the nation’s long-term sustainability vision.

Urja Mobility’s Founder and CEO, Pankaj Chopra, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, "This initiative represents a significant step forward in making electric mobility accessible and affordable for e-rickshaw drivers." The program is seen as a crucial step in overcoming some of the barriers to electric vehicle adoption in the country.