Battery Smart, an Indian startup specializing in battery swapping for electric two- and three-wheelers, has teamed up with quick commerce unicorn Zepto. This partnership will allow Zepto’s EV delivery partners to use Battery Smart’s network of over 1000 battery-swapping stations in 30 cities. The goal is to speed up Zepto’s transition to electric vehicles, improving efficiency and cutting downtime.
How Battery Swapping Works
Battery swapping allows users to exchange a discharged battery for a charged one at a battery swapping center. This method reduces the time needed to charge batteries, making it more efficient for users. At Battery Smart’s centers, Zepto’s delivery partners can swap batteries within two minutes, ensuring minimal wait times and increased productivity.
Plans to Deploy 10,000 New EVs
With this partnership, Zepto aims to add 10,000 new electric vehicles to its fleet by the financial year 2024-25. Currently, EVs make up 20% of India’s last-mile delivery market, aligning with the government’s target of 30% vehicle fleet electrification by 2030. Yogiraj Gogia, Senior Director of Partnerships and Fleet Business at Battery Smart, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting its potential to enhance greener last-mile deliveries.
Reducing Capital Expenditure
Battery Smart’s Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model reduces the capital costs associated with purchasing EVs without batteries. This approach makes electric mobility more affordable and accessible for delivery partners. Vikas Sharma, COO of Zepto, noted that the partnership ensures delivery partners are always near a swap station with zero wait time. This enables partners to save time, complete more deliveries, and ultimately increase their earnings.
Battery Smart Market Presence
Battery Smart has established battery swapping stations in Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities across various states, including Haryana, the National Capital Region (NCR), Karnataka, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. By using Battery Smart’s extensive network and innovative battery-swapping technology, Zepto aims to strengthen its delivery operations and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for last-mile delivery in India.
This collaboration marks a significant step towards sustainable delivery solutions, leveraging advanced battery swapping technology to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
