There are no toxic emissions from the tailpipe of electric cars, but the electricity generation while charging the cars might discharge carbon pollution. The volume depends on how the local power is sourced, that is utilizing natural gas or coal that are responsible for carbon pollution, while renewable sources like solar or wind do not emit toxic gasses. While taking into consideration the electricity emissions, surveys from various firms including SMEV reveals that electric cars are mainly responsible for lower emissions of greenhouse gasses than an average new conventional vehicle. Hence, experts claim that if more renewable sources like solar, wind, or water are used to generate electricity, then the overall greenhouse gas emissions from EVs will be much lower. In this context, we spoke to Rajiv K Vij, Founder of Plug Mobility about how government and EV firms are taking initiatives to a lower carbon footprint in India, and also India’s electric vehicle-makers are starting their transition into the fast lane for corporates, SMEs, airlines, and airports.
Q. Various initiatives are now being undertaken by the government and EV firms to create a lower carbon footprint in India. Can you please explain how EV firms are working to achieve this mission?
The challenge is to transition 1.6 MN polluting diesel/ petrol/CNG vehicles to EV fleets into the Mobility industry over the next few years which will require the manufacturing and availability of relevant vehicles which can meet various mobility requirements across the length and breadth of India, availability of financing for these vehicles, huge expansion of charging infrastructure and a supporting ecosystem. Plug has built a comprehensive EcoSystem of partners by leveraging all the strengths built over the last 21 years at Carzonrent in terms of all major OEM’s including TATA Motors, MG Motor, BYD, Mahindra, Hyundai Motor, existing customer portfolio, Driver/ Vendor Partners, Proprietary Technology tools, Partnerships built with Financial institutions, Pre-owned car industry, Workshop aggregators, etc. to help and support in this transition.
Q. How India’s electric vehicle-makers are starting their transition into the fast lane for corporates, SMEs, airlines, and airports? If you can explain how they are doing it.
The OEM’s/ Manufacturers of Electric vehicles are making large investments and coming up with relevant vehicle designs and addressing all kinds of use case requirements of various consumer segments. However, the transition for Corporates, SME’s, Airlines, Government departments, Airports, etc will have to be driven by Mobility Services companies like Carzonrent-Plug. The Mobility players are creating the necessary infrastructure for charging, investing in technology tools, and gearing up to induct and service the customers with EV fleets.
Q. Do you think the government is doing enough to fulfill the EV mission in India? Would you like to highlight any loopholes to the government or send some message?
The GOI is doing a lot to promote the manufacturing of EVs, setting up charging infrastructure, adopting EVs and also setting up a manufacturing base for batteries, etc. There could be more initiatives in pushing for policy implementation at the ground level across States as while some states are aggressively supporting EV adoption and setting up of charging infra, there are some other states where a further push in this direction will help. EV adoption by Government and PSUs seems to be in a pause mode post the initial push through EESL. The new entity created by Government CESL needs to push for the induction of EVs into Government and PSU’s.
Q. Can you please elucidate why Plug Mobility was founded and when? What is your current mission and vision?
Plug is an initiative from Carzonrent with the vision to Lead the Transition of the commercial car Industry to EV fleets. At Plug, we believe that the future of our industry is Electric Vehicles and are committed to transition Carzonrent fleet of 5000 cars to Electric cars within the next 12 months and leading the transition of our industry which currently operates 1.6 MN polluting fleets of Diesel/ Petrol/ CNG cars across India. We aim to save 389 MN Ton of Co2 emissions over the next 5 years.
Q. What are the various services and solutions you are currently offering to your clients? Is there anything stored in your pipeline in the coming few years?
Carzonrent-Plug offers On Demand and Dedicated fleets for all kinds of requirements of travelers including local transfers, Airports and Train station transfers, local disposal, inter-city movement, Employee transportation, Crew Transfer, and Daily/Weekly/Monthly/Yearly dedicated fleets for its customers. We also operate Limo fleets for hotels and airlines for their guests and operate from airport terminals to service business and leisure travel requirements of air travelers.
Q. Plug Mobility is also easing transportation for corporates by providing hassle-free services through their EV fleets. If you can kindly explain this with an example.
Plug is a Mobility-as-a-Service platform that brings fleet owners and travelers together and makes discovery, ordering, receiving hassle-free services, making payments through multiple payment options, providing feedback, and having 24x7 help available. Plug Business Partner App allows Vendor/ driver partners to onboard their fleet by uploading all relevant documents and pictures and the customers are able to find their preferred cars nearest to them, travel as per their requirements, and make payments.
Q. Finally, what are your roadmaps for the coming five years?
Plug Team is focused on transitioning our own fleet within the next 12 months and leading the transition of the Commercial Car industry to EV fleets over the next many years to achieve Clean Environment in all Indian cities and towns.
