Reliance BP Mobility Limited (RBML), operating under the brand name Jio-bp and The Mahindra Group, announces a non-binding MoU for exploring the creation of EV products and services, alongside identifying synergies in low-carbon and conventional fuels.
The MoU also covers evaluating charging solutions by Jio-bp for Mahindra vehicles including electric 3 and 4 wheelers, quadricycles, and e-SCV (Small Commercial Vehicles – sub 4 ton). This would include captive fleets and last-mile mobility vehicles of Mahindra Group.
Jio-bp is an Indian fuels and mobility joint venture between Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and UK’s bp plc. Jio-bp aims to expand its fuel retailing network to 5,500 over the next five years.
The Mahindra Group is one of the largest and most admired multinational federations which is a leadership position in farm equipment, utility vehicles, information technology, and financial services in India.
The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both companies in the areas of EV products and services. Mahindra Group and its channel partner locations will be evaluated for the setting up of Jio-bp Mobility Stations and EV charging and swapping points apart from utilizing existing Jio-bp stations.
Jio-bp recently launched its first Mobility Station in Maharashtra, offering multiple fueling choices, including EV charging infrastructure, while providing a world-class retailing experience. Additionally, business models like Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and Battery as a Service (BaaS) will be explored wherein Jio-bp could provide charging solutions to vehicles made by Mahindra Group.
The EV market in India is still in a nascent stage and through this MoU, various possibilities and orientation of database, operations support systems, software, pilot and commercial-scale business model and types of charging and swapping facilities are proposed to be explored and implemented subject to techno-economic feasibility and necessary approvals.
The partnership aims at accelerating EV adoption in India with high-performance and swappable batteries that will help in dispelling range anxiety. The solutions would afford great convenience to customers who can ideally bring in a depleted battery to their nearest swapping station and within minutes move on with fully charged batteries by paying a nominal fee. Such innovative solutions will broaden the horizon for both companies and help realize India’s net-zero emissions goals faster.
