Shared electric mobility company Yulu launched its services in Kolkata, marking its first foray into eastern India through a franchise partner-led model. The initiative will be managed by Electrie, a venture founded by city-based industrialist Soham Misra.
Electrie will operate Yulu’s DeX GR electric vehicles (EVs) and leverage its advanced technology platform in Kolkata’s Topsia, Ballygunge, Park Street, and Jadavpur areas, with plans to expand further. With its dense urban layout, rising e-commerce and quick commerce needs, and environmentally-conscious population, Kolkata is well-suited for Yulu’s goods mobility service. Over the next six months, Electrie aims to onboard approximately 1,000 delivery riders working for major brands such as Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, and Amazon.
Amit Gupta, Co-founder and CEO of Yulu, highlighted Kolkata’s potential for sustainable mobility solutions and said Kolkata is a perfect fit for Yulu’s eco-friendly shared electric mobility platform. “We are also excited to work with Soham Misra, whose deep market understanding and ambition to drive a sustainable mobility revolution will enable Yulu to accelerate the EV transition not just within Kolkata but also the wider region in due time,” he said.
Yulu looks forward to collaborating with more entrepreneurs across India to democratise clean and sustainable mobility alternatives for last-mile deliveries, leisure rides, and commutes, Gupta noted.
Soham Misra, Founder of Electrie, said the company is excited to partner with Yulu for the rollout of this high-tech and sustainable goods mobility service in Kolkata. Electrie aims to become the largest provider of last-mile delivery, sales, operations, and maintenance services for battery-operated vehicles in East India, he said. “Together, we look forward to driving the adoption of EVs for Mobility as a Service (MaaS) in the region, helping business partners reduce their carbon footprint and contributing to a greener, cleaner, and pollution-free India.”
Yulu’s technology-driven mobility platform has proven successful in quick commerce and e-commerce delivery, with over 45,000 shared EVs operational across India. By eliminating fuel costs and maintenance, the platform reduces delivery costs by 30-40% while boosting vehicle uptime and rider efficiency. It also provides an affordable and efficient mobility option for delivery riders, fostering sustainable livelihoods for gig workers.
In Kolkata, Electrie plans to expand its reach from its initial neighbourhoods to Rajarhat, Salt Lake, New Town, Howrah, and North and South 24 Parganas. The EV fleet’s energy requirements will initially be met by three battery-swapping stations established by Yuma Energy, India’s leading Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) company, located in Central, East, and South Kolkata.