Indian ride-hailing company Ola has planned to introduce 10,000 E-rickshaws and electric auto-rickshaws in the next 12 months under its ‘Mission: Electric’ strategy.

The plan, driven by its Electric Vehicles (EV) pilot project in the Indian city of Nagpur, aims to enhance its business model, as well as outcomes for the drivers and customers.

With the objective to bring around one million EVs by 2021, Ola has planned to work with driver-partners, vehicle manufacturers and battery companies to make this sustainable technology cost-effective and viable.

Ola co-founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal said: “Three wheelers are a vital means of transportation and a source of livelihood for millions of people every day.

“It also represents an immediate opportunity to improve outcomes for all stakeholders while reducing pollution across towns and cities.

“Less than a year ago, we launched India’s first multi-modal electric pilot in Nagpur.

“After more than four million electric kilometres travelled and many lessons learned, we are significantly expanding our commitment to electrify mobility in India.”

“After more than four million electric kilometres travelled and many lessons learned, we are significantly expanding our commitment to electrify mobility in India.”

Last year in Nagpur, Ola introduced its electric vehicle programme comprising electric cabs, electric auto rickshaws, electric buses, rooftop solar installations, charging stations, and battery swapping experiments.

The programme has delivered substantial understanding in managing vehicles, batteries and operations.

Ola intends to continue its experimentation to optimise the battery usage and charging.

The company is currently in discussion with various state governments to develop a policy to introduce electric three wheelers.

It is also negotiating with multiple OEM partners to introduce EVs in a planned and phased manner.