*There is a growing interest in the ride-hailing industry to convert its fleet into electric vehicles market for enhanced consumer experience

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The global ride-hailing industry is taking a greater interest in bringing more Electric Vehicles (EVs) into its fleet.

In regard to this growing development, Uber has signed an agreement with Tata Motors to induct 25,000 EVs into the company’s fleet, ETTech report said.

It is recalled that ride-hailing company Uber’s move to invest in the EV market follows Ola’s unveiling its plans January 2023, to activate its own EV cab service to riders.

Ola will start on a pilot basis in Bengaluru with around 1,000 cabs, report stated.

In the MoU, Uber will deploy Tata Motors’ Xpres-T EVs by partnering with fleet operators in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.

On the expected deliveries of the orders, Tata Motors will begin the EV deliveries to Uber fleet partners in a phased manner, starting this month.

Prabhjeet Singh, President of Uber India and South Asia, said: “This is the largest four-wheeler EV memorandum of understanding and this will likely catalyse further acceleration of the EV ecosystem.”

Overview of EV market

As more EVs are in vogue, there is an interest in the ride-hailing industry to convert its fleet into electric vehicles for enhanced consumer experience.

In a related development,  and in a big blow to bike taxi operators in Delhi, India, the transport department has banned commercial bike taxi services against plying on the roads in the country.

ConsumerConnect also learnt that passengers on hire or reward basis will be considered a violation of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, that would make aggregators liable for a fine of Rs 1 lakh.