Save for later Print Download Share LinkedIn Twitter The retail fuel joint venture between Reliance Industries and BP said it has signed an agreement with food delivery firm Swiggy to promote the adoption of two-wheel electric vehicles in India (IOD Jul.9'20). The move could help to fast-track the adoption of battery-powered motorcycles and scooters for delivery and transport services in India, potentially reducing demand for gasoline in the world's third-largest oil-consuming country. Reliance BP Mobility said it will set up battery-swapping stations at various locations and provide technical assistance and training to its food delivery partners. It expects to establish a network of several thousand battery-swapping stations across the country over the next five years. India's government is offering subsidies worth $1.4 billion to promote sales of electric and hybrid vehicles. The scheme was launched in 2019 and was recently extended through March 2024. The Geneva-based World Business Council for Sustainable Development noted in June that the time it takes to refuel electric vehicles has been a potential deterrent to their adoption for commercial purposes in India. Swapping depleted batteries for fully charged units could help to address that problem and persuade businesses to make the switch to electric vehicles.
