Media
From e-Bikes to e-Buses: EVs Revolutionising How India Travels
As India accelerates toward a more sustainable future, the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is transforming the country’s transportation landscape. The enthusiasm for EVs among Indian consumers is palpable, as the market is projected to projected to grow from US$23.38 billion in 2024 to US$117.78 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 22.4%, as per Fortune Business Insights.
Shoonya’s partner cohort of close to 300 companies is leading the charge towards this transition, crossing new milestones every day. With their recent initiatives, our partners, NueGo and Matter, exemplified India’s growing EV readiness as their vehicles traversed the length and breadth of the country.
NueGo’s E-K2K Journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari
Just a few years ago, the idea that an electric vehicle could travel the length of India may have sounded like a distant dream. Today, this has become a reality with NueGo’s historic Electric Kashmir to Kanyakumar (E-K2K) Bus Expedition, covering 4,000 kilometres. Honouring India’s rich heritage, the e-bus carried the message of sustainability across 200+ cities, starting in Jammu on October 4, 2024.
At the E-K2K campaign’s Delhi flag-off, Mr Devndra Chawla (MD and CEO, GreenCell Mobility) described the NueGo EV as ‘the e-bus that does good,’ and rightfully so. The e-bus made several stops to host community-building and awareness initiatives such as tree plantations, street plays, student workshops, clean-up campaigns, and more, engaging with 250+ citizens from diverse backgrounds. “This expedition was more than just a long-distance journey, it embodied a mission to foster public engagement around sustainable transportation,” reaffirms the NueGo team.
The success of the initiative is bolstered by the recognition it received from notable dignitaries who inaugurated various phases of the campaign. Nitin Gadkari (Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India) inaugurated the Western leg in Nagpur, commending NueGo’s efforts in advancing electric transport. The event witnessed attendance from representatives of NITI Aayog, Jammu Smart City, the Government of Telangana, and many other distinguished dignitaries.
None of this would have been possible without India’s concerted efforts to develop its EV ecosystem in recent years. It is noteworthy that the E-K2K bus relied on public infrastructure for 90% of its charging, reflecting the significant advancements in India’s EV ecosystem. Dispelling concerns about range anxiety that surround electric vehicles, this journey is a glimpse into the clean mobility future that awaits India. As NueGo says, “It’s not just about crossing miles; it’s about breaking boundaries for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.”
The Matter Aerathon
Another such attempt at challenging conventional notions about mobility emerged in October with Matter’s ongoing Aerathon, an ambitious 25,000km electric ride across India with Aera, India’s first geared e-motorbike. This expedition embodies Matter’s vision of combining advanced technology with local craftsmanship to showcase the potential of EVs as a practical and sustainable mode of transportation.
The Aerathon has completed its Gujarat leg, covering iconic locations like the Statue of Unity, Gir National Park and the net-zero village of Modhera. The EV navigated newer, tougher terrains comfortably, putting the locals’ scepticism and concerns at ease. This feat is a testament to how EVs can integrate seamlessly into eco-sensitive zones, and the need to make them more accessible for all.
View this post on Instagram
Policy interventions, such as the PM E-DRIVE scheme, are instrumental in ushering in a much-needed clean mobility revolution in India. Together, these efforts pave the way for a future where clean energy and equitable access to mobility are not just aspirations, but realities for all.
Cover Image Courtesy: NueGo