With the aim to make electric mobility more accessible and enable greater EV adoption, IIT-Kanpur batchmates Pulkit Khurana and Siddharth Sikka set out to create a solution that is transforming the future of electric mobility.
The duo founded Battery Smart in 2019 to make EV adoption simple, economical, and accessible. The company has scaled rapidly to become India’s largest battery-swapping network for electric two-and-three wheelers.
Addressing the Challenges of EV Adoption
Pulkit and Siddharth noticed that over 2.5 million electric rickshaws in India were powered by lead-acid batteries, serving nearly 70 million people for first and last-mile commutes. They realized that high upfront costs were a significant barrier to adopting electric vehicles in a cost-conscious market like India. Lead acid batteries require replacement every six months, making it a recurring capital expenditure problem for drivers. Moreover, drivers often spend 10-12 hours every night charging their batteries and another 3-4 hours to top it. The goal then was to upgrade the existing solution with better technology. Battery swapping emerged as the solution, as it eliminates the need for end users to own the battery, reducing upfront costs by as much as 40%.
This approach not only boosts incomes for drivers and partners but also improves livelihoods and strengthens India’s commitment to sustainability.
Driver Impact
By subscribing to Battery Smart’s network, drivers get easy access to fully charged batteries on the go, which translates to increased earnings, as drivers spend less time charging and more time on the road. The cumulative impact of Battery Smart’s operations extends beyond mere numbers. The increased earning potential allows drivers to enhance their living conditions and support their children’s education and well-being. Additionally, over ₹600 crores in additional income has been generated for drivers, enhancing their quality of life.
Battery Smart has a higher than industry average percentage of female drivers, providing them with financial independence and employment opportunities in the growing EV sector.
Partner Impact
Battery Smart has a unique partner-led approach enabling the company to leverage existing infrastructure by partnering with small businesses and corner shops to rapidly expand its network and help boost the partners’ incomes. This has enabled Battery Smart to expand its network to tier 1, 2, and 3 regions in India, where charging infrastructure is often limited.
Currently, Battery Smart does over 1 lakh swaps a day and has generated over ₹150 crores in additional income for its partners.
Environmental Impact
Battery Smart is dedicated to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions in India. Since launching its first swapping station in June 2020, the company has completed over 55 million battery swaps, saving more than 280,000 tonnes of CO2. We have powered over 2,000 crore emission-free kilometers to date. By promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption, Battery Smart is committed to promoting a greener India.
By reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting the adoption of electric vehicles for two and three-wheelers, Battery Smart is making significant strides toward India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. This commitment not only supports the transition to cleaner energy but also lays the foundation for a sustainable future, fostering environmentally responsible mobility solutions across the nation.
Key Achievements and Impact:
- Over 55+ million battery swaps completed
- 1400+ live swap stations across 40+ cities
- Serving over 60,000+ customers
- Saved over 280,000 tonnes of CO2
- Powered over 2,000 crore emission-free kilometers to date.
- Generated over ₹600 crores in additional income for drivers & over ₹150 crores for its partners
- Empowering female drivers, promoting gender equality in the EV sector
- Expanded network through partnerships with local businesses, strengthening community ties
