The inaugural episode of the Shoonya Webinar Series -‘Road to Shoonya: Decarbonising Mobility in 2025 and Beyond‘ – on January 29, 2025, convened industry leaders to discuss electric vehicle (EV) adoption in India. The event fostered a collaborative dialogue about policy, technology, and financial solutions to accelerate the transition within the last mile delivery and ride-hailing sectors. Panellists from Evera Cabs, MoEVing, Omega Seiki Mobility, and Zomato discussed critical challenges, emerging technologies, and the role of policy interventions in scaling the sector.

Among the various topics discussed was the expansion of EVs beyond metropolitan hubs into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. “Electrification in smaller cities is not just feasible; it’s also essential,” said Vikash Mishra, CEO of MoEVing, highlighting the company’s efforts to expand to smaller cities. Zomato’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Anjalli Ravi Kumar, emphasised the importance of financial support mechanisms for gig workers, noting that, “leasing partnerships and flexible financing models will be game-changers for drivers looking to switch to EVs.”

Panellists also identified persistent barriers, including high upfront costs, limited charging networks, and financing constraints. However, optimism remained strong, with panellists citing battery price reductions and innovative financing models as key enablers. “The cost of lithium-ion batteries has dropped significantly, making EVs more competitive with ICE vehicles,” noted Mr Uday Narang, Founder of Omega Seiki Mobility, underscoring the need for cost-effective electric trucks. Technology was highlighted as a crucial enabler. Panellists stressed the importance of improving safety, enhancing driver training, and expanding charging infrastructure. “The success of EV adoption hinges on convenience, reliability, and affordability,” said Mr. Kapil Sharma, COO of Evera Cabs, adding that corporate ESG commitments are driving momentum in the ride-hailing space.

In addition to the above, the Shoonya campaign was recognised for its crucial role in engaging the industry, with panellists calling for an even stronger focus on execution. “Raising awareness was step one; now we need to accelerate implementation,” said Ms Anjalli Ravi Kumar.

Looking ahead, industry collaboration will be critical to scaling EV adoption. Innovative financing mechanisms, expanding charging networks, and aligning government policies with market needs will shape the trajectory of clean mobility in India. As Shoonya continues to drive engagement, sustained innovation and strategic investments will define the next phase of the country’s EV transformation.

You can access the webinar recording here if you’d like to revisit any part of the discussion.