Believe it or not, more and more businesses are becoming environmentally conscious. Recently, Swiggy, the food delivery giant allied with Reliance BP Mobility Limited (RBML). This deal will increase the mobilizing of Electric Vehicles in its delivery fleet. A transition that makes Swiggy a more sustainable and eco-friendly food delivery partner. Reliance BP Mobility Ltd (RBML) has agreed to develop mobility for Swiggy with EV ecosystem and battery-swapping stations pan India. Test runs are in the pipeline even as pilot projects have already started. The plan is for Swiggy to reach a delivery area spanning 8 lakh km per day via EVs within four years.
The impact
Unquestionably, this pact makes Swiggy a viable food delivery partner who is ecologically responsible while also lowering input costs for the company. An estimated 40% of running costs will get reduced with EV usage. Each Swiggy delivery partner in the fleet averages around 80-100 km every day. The EV system of distribution will surely be a boon for Swiggy.
RBML has committed to install Jio-bp battery swapping stations at several locations supported by Swiggy. Swiggy delivery partners and assigned Swiggy staff will be trained and provided with necessary technical support related to battery swapping from RBML.
Reliance BP Mobility Statement
Proud to set a benchmark Harish C. Mehta, Chief Executive Officer – Reliance BP Mobility said, “Leveraging the best of BP’s global learnings in electrification, RBML is setting up a robust and sustainable infrastructure comprising of EV charging hubs and battery swapping stations offering digitally enabled services to all stakeholders. Our collaboration with Swiggy has the potential to bring disruption and increase EV adoption among delivery and transportation companies in the country. We are confident Swiggy and their delivery partners will immensely benefit from our widespread network of battery swap stations”.
RBPL initiatives
Image: reliancepetroleum.com
Back in June, Reliance BP Mobility Ltd focused its aim on achieving a net carbon zero target. RBPL is a combined venture between Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) and UK’s leading energy company BP Plc. The launch in India has driven infrastructure development at supply locations with pilot testing of battery swap stations across 24 earmarked locations, the company had announced in its annual statement.
The Company had also announced the deployment of a mobile fuel bowser in Gurgaon for providing fuel free of cost to ambulances on COVID-19 duty.
Swiggy’s comments
In a powerful statement Sriharsha Majety, Chief Executive Officer – Swiggy said, “Swiggy’s fleet delivers millions of orders each month with our partners traveling an average of 80- 100kms daily. As we continue to work towards providing our consumers with greater convenience, we are also mindful of the environmental impact of our operations and are taking the necessary steps to make our journey more sustainable. Transitioning to EVs is an important step in this direction. It will have a positive impact not only on the environment but also empower our delivery partners to earn more”.
Swiggy’s growth in one year
Swiggy is tied up with 120,000 partner restaurants and takes 1.5 million orders each day delivered by 200,000 drivers. It has been noted that the number of orders has risen by approximately 2.5 times in 1 year, revenue has grown by 2.8 times in a year. Sometime back, Softbank made a $1.26 billion investment in Swiggy, bringing its estimated value to over $5 billion.
How Swiggy wants to use EV
Image: news18.com
Swiggy had confirmed the commencement of tests with increased deployment of EVs. The trials are intended to attest to the food delivery giant’s promise to reach deliveries covering 800,000 kilometers each day through EVs by 2025.
Other deals with Hero Lectro and fast despatch
Swiggy has also joined hands with Hero Lectro and Fast Despatch Logistics, a leading last-mile distributor in the UK. This pact has allowed Swiggy to provide end-to-end delivery on orders. Swiggy will use electric cycles for last-mile deliveries. The trials are presently underway in Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Hyderabad.
These e-cycles are designed for last-mile deliveries. They have a top speed of 25 kmph with a range of 70-75 km per charge. E-bikes are indeed ideal for short-distance deliveries.
E-cycles are pollution-free. Their maintenance and costs are negligible. They do not require urgent swapping or recharging if the battery runs out. Moreover, charging can be done at regular plug points or remain moving on pedal power.
Over the last two years, Swiggy has determinedly explored several models. This has helped Swiggy define how EV adoption can be simpler and more lucrative for its delivery partners.
As strange as it may seem, historians trace food delivery services right back to ancient Rome, circa 753 B.C. – 476 A.D. Early Romans loved ordering from fast food joints called “Thermopolium” in cities such as Pompeii. During British rule, the dabbawala meal delivery system got incorporated in bustling metropolitans like Mumbai. Today, we could suddenly crave a late-night snack, ordering food is just a delivery partner away, think Swiggy!
