Kolkata-based ride-hailing app SnapE, which specialises in electric cabs, is gearing up for substantial growth in the upcoming financial year, with plans to more than double its current fleet. The company, operating under the SnapE brand and managed by EC Wheels, has objectives to extend its presence in smaller cities and increase the number of women drivers in its workforce.
SnapE intends to enhance its fleet size from the current 400 vehicles to 1,000 by the end of this financial year. The company will explore untapped markets in smaller cities such as Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Varanasi, Raipur, Indore, Bhopal, Jaipur and Ahmedabad. SnapE is eager to provide affordable and eco-friendly transportation options for tourists.
Furthermore, the company is committed to promoting women’s participation in the transportation sector. SnapE aims to ensure women passengers feel more comfortable in their cabs, with the long-term goal of having more women drivers in the workforce. Currently, SnapE has a limited number of women drivers, approximately 10-12.
The company is planning to operate 5,000-7,000 cars across India within the next five years. The bulk of the fleet, around 3,500 vehicles, will be stationed in Kolkata, with the remainder serving other smaller cities.
Despite its growth prospects, the company currently grapples with the challenge of establishing and maintaining physical infrastructure for vehicle charging. To address this issue, SnapE has established hubs in the northern and southern regions of Kolkata, where vehicles are stored, cleaned and charged before they embark on trips.
SnapE’s unique selling points include a commitment to not employing surge pricing even during peak hours, maintaining high vehicle standards with clean, well-monitored cars and courteous drivers. SnapE currently receives around 15,000 daily ride requests for its 400-cab fleet.
