Flipkart and Bajaj Auto join forces to accelerate EV adoption in last-mile delivery operations, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
Bajaj Auto, the world’s most valuable two-wheeler and three-wheeler company, and Flipkart, one of India’s leading e-commerce marketplaces, announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the latter’s last-mile delivery operations. This collaboration signifies a significant step towards a greener future for the Indian e-commerce landscape.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on May 10 by Bajaj Auto and Flipkart spokespersons Samardeep Subandh, President (Intracity Business Unit, Bajaj Auto), Prabhu Balasrinivasan, Vice President, Commercial, Flipkart Group, and Hemant Badri, Senior Vice President and Head of Supply Chain, Customer Experience & Re-Commerce, Flipkart Group, laying the foundation for a long-term business partnership between Bajaj Auto and Flipkart. The initial, non-binding commitment of supplying a minimum of 1000 technologically advanced electric three-wheeler cargo vehicles to Flipkart paves the way for further collaboration and potential fleet expansion in the future.
Enhancing efficiency and sustainability
Adopting Bajaj’s best-in-class EV technology will empower Flipkart to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of its last-mile delivery operations. This collaboration positions both Bajaj Auto and Flipkart at the forefront of adopting sustainable solutions for India’s evolving e-commerce logistics landscape.
Driving Sustainability
Samardeep Subandh, a spokesperson from Bajaj Auto, stated, “As e-commerce continues to scale up rapidly, the impact of last-mile logistics will increase significantly in India. Driving sustainability in last-mile logistics has been a key agenda for Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace. Bajaj Auto, the global leader in 3-wheelers, and Flipkart will now join hands to drive this transition towards a 100 percent sustainable last-mile fleet for Flipkart. As a part of this partnership, Bajaj Auto will provide 1000+ electric cargo vehicles over the next two years. The Bajaj Cargo ETEC products will provide the best-in-class performance and reliability driven by their innovative design and features, which are gaining rapid acceptance in the market.”.
Commitment to Sustainability
Hemant Badri, Senior Vice President and Head of Supply Chain, Customer Experience & Re-Commerce, Flipkart Group, said, “As India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, we recognize the profound impact our operations can have on the environment and society. Our alliance with Bajaj Auto Ltd. marks a pivotal moment for Flipkart and the entire landscape of Indian e-commerce, underscoring the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainable supply chains. We are taking significant strides towards a more sustainable future by consistently integrating electric vehicles into our last-mile delivery operations. This is also mission-aligned with our commitment to transition our 100% last-mile delivery fleet to EVs, a pledge Flipkart took as a member of Climate Group’s global electric mobility initiative, EV100. By leveraging the latest technology and forging strategic partnerships like these, we enhance operational efficiency and pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.”
This collaboration showcases Bajaj’s EV technology and paves the way for the broader adoption of electric three-wheelers in logistics.
Key Highlights of the MoU
- Long-Term Partnership: Establishes a framework for a long-term business relationship between Bajaj Auto and Flipkart, fostering EV adoption in the logistics sector.
- Improved Last-Mile Delivery: Integration of Bajaj’s electric three-wheelers will enhance the efficiency and sustainability of Flipkart’s last-mile delivery operations.
- Greener Deliveries: This signifies a commitment from both parties to transition Flipkart’s last-mile delivery fleet to electric vehicles. Bajaj Auto will supply Flipkart with a minimum of 1000 technologically advanced electric three-wheeler cargo vehicles.
