Uber said on Monday that it will launch electric vehicles (EVs) for ride-sharing in India. This is the firm's first step towards adopting clean automobiles.

In response to the Indian government's desire for more electrification of shared mobility and public transportation, Uber Technologies said on Monday that it will launch electric vehicles (EVs) for ride-sharing in India. This is the company's first step towards adopting clean automobiles.

Uber is ramping up battle with local rival BluSmart, an electric mobility start-up funded by BP's fund, which has gained the lead in India's electric taxi market, by planning to launch 25,000 EVs over three years.

The largest electric vehicle manufacturer in India, Tata Motors, will sell the vehicles to Uber's fleet partners, according to Prabhjeet Singh, head of Uber India and South Asia, in a phone conversation on Monday.

While considering significant shifts, Singh cautioned Reuters, "you also don't want to rush into things without necessarily really grasping the economics and trade-offs."

BluSmart also purchases EVs from Tata Motors.

According to Singh, a number of elements must come into play for electric ride-hailing to become popular. A wide-spread charging infrastructure, a developed financial environment, and reasonably priced long-range automobiles are all requirements for the auto industry.

Singh added that this is the largest sale for EVs made by a ride-sharing firm, and "we feel we are beginning to see early signs of it coming together."

25,000 electric vehicles will still represent a small portion of Uber's 300,000-vehicle active fleet in India, according to Singh.

Uber has declared a goal that by 2040, all of its trips would be made using micromobility, public transportation, or zero-emission cars. This goal includes trips made in India.

The Softbank Group-backed ride-hailing titan is in "active" discussions for its EV push with other automakers, charging businesses, fleet operators, and financiers, Singh continued.

Only one other Indian carmaker, Mahindra & Mahindra, produces electric vehicles in-country. Moreover, BYD and MG Motor from SAIC offer imported EVs in India.

Singh stated, "We are going to be a major catalyst in driving the (EV) ecosystem."

(Investing.com, Reuters.com)