Pondicherry, 17th August 2024: Yulu, India’s leading shared electric vehicle (EV) mobility technology company, announced the launch of its eco-friendly mobility service in Pondicherry city in collaboration with Green Drive Pondicherry, a venture by local entrepreneur K. Prakathesh. The launch event, held at the Pondy Marina, was graced by esteemed guests including Sri. N Rangasamy, Chief Minister of Puducherry; Sri. Embalam R Selvam, Speaker – Puducherry Legislative Assembly; Sri. A Namassivayam, Minister for Home, Puducherry; and Sri. L Sambath, MLA – Mudaliarpet Constituency. Green Drive Pondicherry will operate the Miracle EVs across the city with Yulu’s support.
The collaboration will give a technologically smart and sustainable twist to the mobility experience of tourists and leisure riders in the capital of the union territory (UT) of Puducherry. This is the fourth consecutive launch under the Yulu Business Partner (YBP) initiative, which has helped establish Yulu’s highly acclaimed leisure and goods mobility services in Indore, Kochi and Tirunelveli.
Known for its French colonial architecture, tranquil beaches and the Auroville township among other attractions, Pondicherry is a top destination for domestic and international tourists. However, as its popularity grows, the region faces increasing pressures related to traffic congestion, pollution and access to mobility. Yulu’s EVs emit zero greenhouse gases, don’t need a driver’s licence, have a safe top speed of 25 kmph, and are so easy to ride that anyone over the age of 16 can use them with confidence. Thus, the launch of the new service will support the UT government’s efforts to promote green tourism and help preserve the city’s pristine charm.
Amit Gupta, Co-founder & CEO of Yulu, says: “The launch of Yulu’s shared EV mobility service in Pondicherry marks a milestone in our mission to sustainably transform non-metro cities in India. Pondicherry’s cultural heritage, pristine seafront and spiritual havens provide us the opportunity to unlock an accessible, affordable, smart and green alternative to conventional transport and enhance the experience for residents and visitors. In the cities we operate in, riding a Yulu is a unique experience that allows one to soak in the local culture at one’s own pace, and helps create very special memories and moments. And now, Yulu will add that experiential layer to sightseeing in Pondicherry, ensuring that people can come and appreciate the city’s beauty while minimising their carbon footprint.”
Even as it kicks off with people and leisure mobility services, Green Drive Pondicherry plans to eventually expand into goods mobility, further contributing to the city’s sustainable development. K. Prakathesh, Founder of Green Drive Pondicherry, says, “The launch of Green Drive Pondicherry’s shared EV service, in partnership with Yulu, marks a significant step towards making sustainable tourism a reality in the city. Yulu’s compact, stylish and eco-friendly EVs are the perfect solution for Pondicherry’s mobility challenges. We are excited about the positive impact this partnership will have and look forward to expanding it in the coming years.”
Yulu’s Miracle EVs will be strategically located at Central Bus Stand, Starbucks White Town, and Sea Gulls Restaurant at Rock Beach, and can be rented by tourists or leisure riders to explore prominent neighbourhoods like the Pondy Marina, White Town, Rock Beach, Paradise Beach, Serenity Beach, Matrimandir, and Chunnambar Boat House. In addition to providing the EVs, technology and training, Yulu has also supported Green Drive Pondicherry’s team by connecting them to hospitality players in the city, enabling them to start the service smoothly.
The fleet’s energy needs will be met by a battery swapping station set up by Yuma – a leading battery-as-a-service (BaaS) company – near Kamarajar Manimandapam at Karuvadikuppam. The station will cater to users from both Puducherry and Auroville.
With the launch of its service in its tenth city, Yulu is now present in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Delhi, Gurugram and Hyderabad (under the company-owned and operated model) and in Kochi, Indore, Tirunelveli and now Pondicherry (under the franchisee-owned and operated model).