Urja Mobility launched a battery leasing program, "Smart Opex Model," for e-rickshaw drivers in 10 Indian cities on Monday. The program offers lithium-ion batteries with better performance and lifespan than traditional lead-acid batteries, addressing the high upfront costs of battery ownership through affordable monthly payments. The initial rollout targets cities with high EV adoption and tourist traffic, including Agra, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Siliguri, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, and Puri. The program aims to make electric mobility more accessible and affordable while contributing to a greener future.

Smart Opex Model

The "Smart Opex Model" converts the significant upfront cost of lithium-ion batteries into manageable monthly payments over 12 to 24 months. The program offers enhanced battery performance and longevity compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. Urja Mobility has strategically chosen cities with robust EV adoption rates and considerable tourist activity, allowing drivers to maximise their earnings potential.

The selected cities for the initial phase are Agra, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Siliguri, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, and Puri. These locations offer high EV adoption rates and substantial tourist presence. This allows drivers to optimise their asset utilisation and income generation.

"This initiative represents a significant step forward in making electric mobility accessible and affordable for e-rickshaw drivers. By providing a cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable battery solution, we aim to empower drivers and contribute to India's vision for a greener future," said Pankaj Chopra, Founder and CEO of Urja Mobility.

A flexible choice for customers

The leasing program seeks to alleviate the financial burden associated with battery ownership. Drivers can opt for a flexible leasing period of 12 to 24 months, paying a predetermined monthly fee.

After the lease term is completed, ownership of the battery is transferred to the driver. This provides them with a dependable power source for their e-rickshaw for over five years. The long lifespan of the lithium-ion batteries ensures a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the drivers.

Urja Mobility has established service centers in each of the ten cities included in the program's launch. These service centers offer comprehensive support to drivers. Services include installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, ensuring vehicle uptime for at least 26 days per month.

The batteries provided under the leasing program are equipped with advanced battery management systems. These smart, technology-enabled batteries utilise data analytics and AI to monitor battery health, predict potential issues, and maintain optimal performance, ensuring reliability and safety. This proactive approach minimises downtime and maximises battery lifespan. The use of AI and data analytics contributes to the efficiency and safety of the batteries.