EVs Set to Reshape India’s Urban Transport, Says BluSmart CTO
Electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy are poised to revolutionise urban transport in India over the next decade, with a significant reduction in pollution, according to Rishabh Sood, co-founder and chief technology officer (CTO) at BluSmart Mobility. Speaking at the Technovate for India event, Sood highlighted how rapidly advancing EV technology and increasing public awareness will reshape the country’s urban transport landscape.
Sood stressed that India’s growing renewable energy capacity—now at 46% of the total—when combined with widespread EV adoption, will drastically reduce urban pollution. However, he acknowledged that this transformation requires significant investments in both infrastructure and EV technology. BluSmart, an EV-only ride-hailing service founded in 2019, aims to offer a reliable and eco-friendly alternative to the traditional ride-hailing model. Operating in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Dubai, BluSmart focuses on tackling common urban mobility issues such as unreliable drivers, surge pricing, and poor vehicle conditions.
Despite the higher upfront costs of EVs, Sood pointed out that their per-kilometre operating cost is much lower than traditional petrol, diesel, or CNG vehicles, making them an ideal option for high-usage fleets. To support its operations, BluSmart has developed its own charging infrastructure, which not only supports its fleet but is also available to other EVs. Technological advancements have been crucial to BluSmart’s success. The company has developed patented AI systems that optimise fleet operations, accurately predict vehicle range, and ensure punctuality. These innovations have resulted in a 97% on-time performance rate, significantly higher than the industry standard.
Beyond technology, Sood emphasised the importance of empathy in solving real-world problems. By encouraging new recruits to experience roles as drivers or customer support agents, BluSmart ensures its solutions effectively address the needs of both drivers and passengers. An example of this is the introduction of a ‘pause’ functionality in their app, allowing drivers to take breaks during long shifts. Sood also shared advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, encouraging them to embrace versatility and adaptability in startups. In a constantly evolving landscape, he advised entrepreneurs to step outside their domains, learn new skills, and focus on long-term visions. He cited EVs as a prime example of a technology-driven opportunity with significant future potential. As India moves towards a greener future, the role of EVs in reshaping urban transport is becoming increasingly clear. With the combined forces of innovative technology, renewable energy, and evolving infrastructure, India’s urban mobility landscape is set for a transformative shift in the years to come.