Our Digital Green Regional Consultation organised by Centre of Excellence for Digital Transformation and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung- India Office and hosted by Icfai Business School, Pune brought some interesting stakeholders together.
Our Pune consultation was focused on automobile sector and role of digital technologies in fostering sustainable manufacturing in MSEs. We would like to invite you or any other expert in Digital Green to participate in our forthcoming regional consultations across the country. Please use the following form to let us know your availability.
https://forms.gle/14jX7wQ1Lr6YBozs6
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DTW
During the Week, Ola Electric published its annual financial results for the fiscal year ending March 2022 or FY22. According to a report by Kunal Manchanda & Harsh Upadhyay in Entrackr , Ola Electric has posted Rs 373 crore in operating revenue during FY22 as compared to Rs 0.86 crore in FY21, according to its annual financial statements filed with the Registrar of Companies.
Two more recent news should also shake up things in Indian Mobility Space. One, Mint reported that “billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) said it is committed to double its investment target for green energy to ₹1.5 trillion, as part of the company's initiatives to expand its renewable energy”. Two, while the other major Indian automobile players may claim an advantage but the market has shaken up with entry of TESLA in India after they signed an office rental lease in Pune so exciting days are ahead.
In today's rapidly evolving world, the landscape of transportation and logistics is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the convergence of technology and innovative business models. Multiple platforms have emerged which are catalysing this revolution while reshaping the way people move, connect, and experience their journeys. We are now looking at a future which blends convenience, sustainability, and technology to create a seamless and interconnected transportation ecosystem. For want of better noun/verb, I would like to call it TESLA- Transportation Ecosystem with Sustainable, Local, and Autonomous Mobility.
I envision three parts in this evolving transportation ecosystem- MultiModal Integration, Optimised Data driven Insights and Vehicles which are autonomous and electrified.
Multi-Modal Integration
Multi-modal integration is redefining the way transportation is approached within the platform business model, and India is witnessing a transformative shift in how people move around. Platforms like Ola and Uber have pioneered the integration of various modes of transport into a single app, allowing users to seamlessly switch from cabs to bikes, auto-rickshaws, and even public transit.
In Indian cities where traffic congestion is a significant concern, multi-modal integration offers a solution. Commuters can now combine different modes of transportation to reach their destinations more efficiently. For instance, a user can take an Ola cab to the nearest metro station, switch to the metro, and then hop onto a bike or auto-rickshaw for the last mile connectivity. This approach not only saves time but also reduces the stress associated with navigating through traffic.
Platforms are also partnering with local transportation authorities to integrate public transit systems into their apps. For example, apps like Google Maps provide real-time information about buses and trains, enabling users to plan their journeys effectively. This integration benefits both users and public transit agencies by increasing ridership and making public transportation more accessible.
Optimized Data-Driven Insights
Data-driven insights are at the core of India's burgeoning platform-driven transportation landscape. Platforms like Ola and Uber are leveraging data analytics to enhance user experiences and optimize their services. By analyzing user preferences, travel patterns, and traffic conditions, these platforms can predict demand, allocate resources efficiently, and even adjust pricing dynamically.
For instance, during festivals or peak travel hours, platforms often implement surge pricing to balance supply and demand. This pricing strategy helps to ensure that there are enough drivers available to cater to the increased demand, leading to shorter waiting times for users.
Moreover, data-driven insights are being used to enhance safety. Platforms are investing in AI technologies to monitor and analyze driver behavior in real-time. This allows them to identify potentially unsafe driving patterns and take corrective measures. In India, where road safety is a significant concern, such measures contribute to a safer transportation ecosystem.
In the realm of mobility platforms, a unique trend is the emergence of specialized platforms catering to specific demographics, such as women. These platforms address the unique needs and concerns of their target audience, providing enhanced safety measures, women drivers, and tailored services. For instance, newly launched service like "Bold and Beautiful" started by IBS Hyderabad Alumna Garima Gupta in NCR offer a safe and comfortable mode of transportation exclusively for women passengers, fostering a sense of security and empowerment.
This trend not only fills crucial gaps in the transportation sector but also exemplifies how platforms can adapt their services to cater to diverse segments of society, promoting inclusivity and creating a more personalized mobility experience.
Vehicles - Autonomous and Electrified
Third and the most important element of the TESLA Framework, is the integration of autonomous and electrified vehicles within the platform business model which may revolutionize transportation in India. While fully autonomous vehicles are yet to become mainstream, platforms like Ola and Uber are actively testing autonomous vehicle technology in various cities. This offers a glimpse into the future of transportation, where vehicles can operate without human intervention, reducing the risk of human errors and accidents.
India's push towards electrification aligns well with the goals of platform-based transportation. Platforms are increasingly adding electric vehicles (EVs) to their fleets, contributing to a reduction in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Many such initiative not only supports India's sustainability goals but also offers drivers lower operational costs due to the cheaper price of electricity compared to fossil fuels.
Within the realm of electrification, battery swapping options are gaining momentum through the platform approach. Platforms are collaborating with battery swapping providers to offer a convenient solution for EV users. Through the platform app, users can easily locate nearby battery swapping stations, eliminating the need to wait for extended charging periods. This addresses the challenge of charging infrastructure availability, making EVs a viable and convenient option for urban commuters.
On the flip side, as a single dominant platform gains a significant share of users and resources, it becomes a magnet for both service providers and customers, reinforcing its stronghold. In the mobility sector, this dynamic can lead to a monopolistic scenario, where one platform becomes the go-to choice for users, potentially limiting diversity and competition. However, this approach also has the potential to streamline services, reduce fragmentation, and enhance user experiences, presenting a double-edged sword for a developing economy like India that requires careful regulation and innovation for a balanced and thriving mobility ecosystem.
To conclude, the convergence of these technologies and business models presents an exciting prospect for India's transportation landscape. As multi-modal integration, data-driven insights, autonomous vehicles, and electrification, including battery swapping, synergize within mobility ecosystem, they collectively pave the way for a smarter, more efficient, and sustainable transportation ecosystem.
So, fasten your seatbelts, for the TESLA-Powered journey ahead is not just about reaching destinations, but about embracing a transformative ride towards a smarter and more sustainable tomorrow.
OTW
Over the Weekend, Aru celebrated her 19th Birthday with friends and family. She also published 50th issue of her substack titled “a Part From My Life“.
Though personally not a big fan of birthday celebrations, but I like the ritual part of reiterating our love and affection. Dates/events are also a great anchor for adjusting your compass and realigning to the TRUE NORTH.
If you want to read a more younger commentary on our lives, I would recommend that you subscribe to her newsletter. Let me quote something that she quotes frequently from her favourite hip-hop musical about Alexander Hamilton.
And there's a million things I haven't done
But just you wait, just you wait
And remember if you have to choose between right and kind- Being Kind is Right.
I Love You
Shailendra