Mumbai: In a strategic move aimed at accelerating India’s electric mobility transition, the Adani Group, ranked third in market value among Indian conglomerates, is poised to join forces with Uber Technologies. The collaboration seeks to introduce Adani’s electric passenger cars onto Uber’s ride-hailing platform while enhancing the conglomerate’s super app, Adani One.
Discussions between Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi during their recent meeting on February 24 laid the groundwork for this partnership. Adani Group, headquartered in Ahmedabad, plans to expand its presence into electric passenger vehicles, complementing its existing portfolio in electric commercial vehicles such as buses, coaches, and trucks.
Although not engaged in vehicle manufacturing, Adani’s significant in-house requirements in its ports and airports businesses position it uniquely for this venture. The conglomerate intends to procure cars, brand them, and integrate them into Uber’s network, aligning with Uber’s global strategy to transition to zero-emission mobility by 2040.
The collaboration between Adani and Uber holds promise for accelerating the adoption of electric four-wheelers in India, potentially becoming one of the world’s largest electric vehicle fleet partnerships for Uber. This initiative aligns with Uber’s vision to replace its entire fleet with electric vehicles worldwide.
Moreover, the widespread adoption of electric vehicles could significantly bolster the gig economy in India. Uber, present in over 125 cities since its entry into India in 2013, has facilitated over 3 billion trips, empowering over 800,000 Indians to earn a livelihood through its platform.
The partnership with Uber also complements Adani Group’s renewable energy efforts, as it plans to establish a network of charging stations across India to power the electric vehicle fleet with clean energy. Adani’s commitment to investing $100 billion in India’s green energy transition over the next decade underscores its dedication to sustainability.
Furthermore, the collaboration enhances Adani One’s suite of services, integrating Uber bookings with flight reservations, holiday packages, and airport services. This expansion aligns with Adani Group’s broader vision to offer comprehensive solutions in the digital space.
In India’s evolving electric mobility landscape, Uber’s rival, Ola, is also investing in electric vehicles and gearing up for an initial public offering (IPO). As both Uber and Adani Group navigate this transformative journey, their partnership holds the potential to reshape India’s mobility sector and drive sustainable growth.
