ElectroRide, India’s leading multi-brand chain for electric vehicles, is spearheading a paradigm shift in the e-mobility market. Co-founder & Director Mr. Rahul Goenka shares insights with AutoEV Times on the company’s technological advancements, customer-centric initiatives, nationwide infrastructure development, strategic vision, and anticipated trends in 2024.
Read the full interview here:
AutoEV Times: Can you highlight key technological advancements that set ElectroRide apart in the e-mobility market, emphasizing their contribution to sustainable transportation?
Mr Rahul: ElectroRide stands out as more than just a typical e-vehicle distributor; it’s recognized as one of India’s fastest-growing multi-brand chains for electric vehicles. With a broader vision, ElectroRide aims to integrate vehicles, technology, and people to foster a greener and sustainable world. Through our in-progress technological platform, we seek to enhance vehicle and rider utilization, operating across various service providers. This platform will help us to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce environmental impact by minimizing the number of vehicles, and establish a robust economic model that improves the quality of life for riders, our most valued stakeholders.
How does ElectroRide enhance customer satisfaction through after-sales support, and are there specific initiatives for electric vehicle user needs?
Mr Rahul: Catering to the needs of first-time users and young buyers acquiring their initial vehicles requires special attention. ElectroRide’s aftersales services prioritize customer satisfaction by offering amenities on par with those available to high-end luxury vehicle owners, including Roadside Assistance, Cashless Insurance, Extended Warranty, Retail Finance, and Maintenance Contracts. Additionally, we provide driver training programs aimed at enhancing professionalism among 3-Wheeler (Rickshaw & Auto) drivers, focusing on driving proficiency, vehicle maintenance, and customer service etiquette. ElectroRide is committed to establishing an extensive network of dealerships and workshops for electric vehicle users, unparalleled in the country’s automotive landscape. Leveraging over 50 years of dealership experience, we are uniquely positioned to deliver on this promise.
Could you elaborate on ElectroRide’s role in nationwide e-vehicle charging infrastructure development and how it aligns with promoting electric vehicle adoption?
Mr Rahul: ElectroRide envisions deploying 10,000 battery swapping stations and 1,00,000 charging stations across India within the next five years. This ambitious goal will be realized through strategic partnerships with existing industry players, coupled with collaborative efforts alongside our extensive dealer network present in every city. By adopting a profit-sharing model, we aim to efficiently manage the operation and maintenance of these stations, leveraging the collective strengths of all stakeholders involved. This initiative not only enhances the profitability of our dealer network but also ensures their long-term viability in the market.
What is ElectroRide’s strategic vision for the next two years, especially concerning the plan to roll out 10,000 vehicles for last-mile mobility?
Mr Rahul: ElectroRide is dedicated to optimizing Last Mile Mobility through technological innovation, enabling seamless collaboration between electric vehicles and riders across various platforms and service providers. Recognizing the challenges faced by large ride sharing or food delivery platforms in achieving unit economics profitability, we envision a multi-platform approach under the ElectroRide brand. By empowering our riders to operate across platforms, we aim to increase the number of trips per day, thereby maximizing their return on investment and elevating their living standards.
What trends and changes do you anticipate in the Indian electric vehicle landscape in 2024, and how is ElectroRide positioned to contribute to this evolution?
Mr Rahul: We believe that Electric Vehicle adoption in India will surge rapidly. ElectroRide is poised to seize this opportunity by expanding its presence nationwide through an extensive network of dealers capable of managing a diverse ecosystem. Our focus on enhancing efficiency by fostering closer collaboration among stakeholders will drive ElectroRide’s endeavors in the industry. In addition to the traditional business of delivering electric vehicles to customers, ElectroRide will leverage technology to facilitate this integration.
How has venturing into Last-mile Mobility Solutions with major brands contributed to ElectroRide’s success, and are there upcoming partnerships to strengthen the company’s market position?
Mr Rahul: The alliances forged by ElectroRide have been and will continue to be crucial to our success. They are expected to drive job creation and boost the adoption of electric vehicles. ElectroRide dealers will see a rise in electric vehicle sales and revenue from aftersales services. This concerted effort will contribute to overall economic improvement, benefiting every stakeholder involved.
