In a proactive move towards sustainable urban transportation, e-rickshaws are all set to be powered by lithium-ion batteries in Kolkata, on a battery leasing programme.
This move has been initiated by Neuron Energy, a lithium-ion battery maker, along with Urja Mobility, in order to replace lead-acid batteries in e-rickshaws with more efficient and environmentally supportive lithium-ion batteries.
The move has also come as West Bengal is India’s hub for e-three-wheelers, with a 15 percent share. This introduction of lithium-ion batteries will be run on a pay-per-use model for the popular three-wheel electric vehicle, leading to more technological and ecological advancement.
This leasing model has only been heard of in the business-to-business EV sector.
According to PTI, the strategic partnership between Neuron Energy and Urja Mobility has a vision of having 50 lakh lithium-ion battery-run e-rickshaws in West Bengal.
It has been found that giving lithium-ion batteries on lease will provide a longer lifespan and cost savings over time, despite a higher initial cost compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. In order to maintain the security of these leasing batteries, the company has designed them with advanced GPS tracking and remote deactivation capabilities.
The transition to this cutting-edge technology not only reflects an enhancement in vehicle performance but also an answer to the environmental issues posed by older lead-acid batteries.
Pratik Kamdar, who is the CEO and co-founder of Neuron Energy, told the news agency, “We’re kick-starting this journey from Bengal, offering lithium-ion batteries for e-rickshaws on a lease model with our financing partner, Urja Mobility. Our sights are set on expanding to other markets soon.” He also added that the move to shift to lithium-ion batteries will also be ecologically beneficial as compared to lead-acid batteries.
In terms of the battery’s logistics and operations, it has been found that Urja Mobility will directly procure lithium-ion batteries from Neuron Energy and then lease them to companies and individual EV owners through a network of authorised distributors.
Pankaj Chopra, who is the CEO of Urja Mobility, has revealed that the lithium-ion battery-powered e-rickshaws will offer flexibility and accessibility to EV owners with a monthly rental lease of Rs 4,500 and a three-year contract.
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