To explore the creation of EV products and services and identify synergies in low-carbon and conventional fuels, Mahindra Group announced a non-binding MoU with Reliance BP Mobility Limited (RBML), operating under the brand name Jio-bp.
According to the company, the MoU will also cover evaluating charging solutions by Jio-bp for Mahindra vehicles, including electric three and four-wheelers, quadricycles and e-SCV (sub-four tonne). These will include captive fleets and last-mile mobility vehicles of Mahindra Group.
The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both companies in the areas of EV products and services. Mahindra Group will evaluate its channel partner locations to set up Jio-bp Mobility Stations and EV charging and swapping points apart from utilising 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, for which Jio-bp could provide charging solutions to vehicles made by Mahindra Group, the company said.
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 to accelerate EV adoption in India with high-performance and swappable batteries, broadening the companies' horizons and helping realise India's net-zero emissions goals faster.