EV ride-hailer BluSmart seeks $300 million for Delhi expanision
ECONOMY & POLICY

EV ride-hailer BluSmart seeks $300 million for Delhi expanision

BluSmart, India?s leading electric cab operator aims to secure over $300 million in the next three years to expand its car fleet significantly, challenging giants like Uber Technologies Inc. in the rapidly growing market. The company plans to boost its fleet of electric vehicles in India, supplied by various manufacturers, to 13,000 by March from the current 7,500, with a long-term goal of reaching 25,000 cars within the same period.

Part of the funding will facilitate BluSmart's expansion beyond Delhi and Bengaluru, targeting Dubai as its next market. The company intends to launch with approximately 100 Audi EVs, aiming to operate 300 Audi and Tesla Inc. vehicles in Dubai by December, according to Punit Goyal, Co-founder, BP Ventures-backed startup.

While Uber and Ola dominate India?s ride-sharing market, BluSmart sees an opportunity to provide a superior customer experience by exclusively leasing its fleet, distinguishing itself from competitors whose drivers often own their vehicles. The company emphasises quality over low pricing, anticipating that customers in major cities will value the enhanced service.

BluSmart's commitment to an all-electric fleet aligns with broader efforts to combat air pollution in urban centres. Despite the competition's initiatives toward electrification, BluSmart remains focused on its green mission, leveraging its $200 million equity and long-term growth debt to secure an additional $25 million in funding, expected to close by late June.

While Dubai presents an exciting opportunity, India remains BluSmart's primary focus due to its vast population density around cities like Delhi, offering immense growth potential. (ET Infra)

The 14th RAHSTA Expo, part of the India Construction Festival, will be held on October 9 and 10, 2024, at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai. For more details, visit: https://rahstaexpo.com

BluSmart, India?s leading electric cab operator aims to secure over $300 million in the next three years to expand its car fleet significantly, challenging giants like Uber Technologies Inc. in the rapidly growing market. The company plans to boost its fleet of electric vehicles in India, supplied by various manufacturers, to 13,000 by March from the current 7,500, with a long-term goal of reaching 25,000 cars within the same period. Part of the funding will facilitate BluSmart's expansion beyond Delhi and Bengaluru, targeting Dubai as its next market. The company intends to launch with approximately 100 Audi EVs, aiming to operate 300 Audi and Tesla Inc. vehicles in Dubai by December, according to Punit Goyal, Co-founder, BP Ventures-backed startup. While Uber and Ola dominate India?s ride-sharing market, BluSmart sees an opportunity to provide a superior customer experience by exclusively leasing its fleet, distinguishing itself from competitors whose drivers often own their vehicles. The company emphasises quality over low pricing, anticipating that customers in major cities will value the enhanced service. BluSmart's commitment to an all-electric fleet aligns with broader efforts to combat air pollution in urban centres. Despite the competition's initiatives toward electrification, BluSmart remains focused on its green mission, leveraging its $200 million equity and long-term growth debt to secure an additional $25 million in funding, expected to close by late June. While Dubai presents an exciting opportunity, India remains BluSmart's primary focus due to its vast population density around cities like Delhi, offering immense growth potential. (ET Infra)

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India, US to promote sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogen in buses

India and the United States have agreed to promote sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), electrification of medium and heavy-duty vehicles, and the use of hydrogen in buses, tractors, and heavy equipment. This decision came during the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP) dialogue between US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Indian Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri in Washington, DC. Both nations also encouraged increased investments in each other's clean energy markets. The joint statement emphasised the importance of a "just, orderly, and sustainable energy trans..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Tuticorin Airport upgradation set for December completion

Tuticorin Airport in Tamil Nadu is undergoing a significant upgrade, with an expected completion date in December 2024. The project, valued at Rs 3.81billion, is being carried out by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and involves the extension of the runway to accommodate A-321 type aircraft, construction of a new apron, a new terminal building, a technical block with a control tower, and a new fire station. The new terminal building, covering 17,500 square meters, will significantly enhance the airport's capacity, enabling it to serve 1,440 passengers during peak hours and handle up to 2 ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Airfare hike not tied to increased airport charges; ACI

The Airports Council International (ACI) stated that rising airfares are not linked to increased airport charges. Airport charges are crucial for infrastructure development within the commercial aviation ecosystem, but they remain a minimal part of the overall airfare. Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia Pacific & Middle East, emphasized that airports are infrastructure-intensive businesses, with costs dominated by maintaining essential infrastructure such as runways, taxiways, aprons, and terminal buildings. He noted that neglecting the capital expenditure needed to support future g..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000