Zingbus has partnered with Jio-bp pulse, a joint venture between Reliance and bp focused on electric mobility. bp Ventures led a Series A funding round, investing USD 9 million in Zingbus, a Delhi-based start-up. Zingbus provides a technology platform for electric bus operators and their passengers traveling between Indian cities. This investment aims to support the transition to electric buses in India, addressing challenges in intercity mobility while capitalizing on the growing EV market. Zingbus plans to utilise Jio-bp pulse's EV charging network, furthering bp's broader energy and mobility strategy in India.
Zingbus offers a digital platform that includes pricing, fleet management, route optimisation services, and a ticketing marketplace. The company aims to make intercity travel more accessible and reliable, addressing issues like unsafe boarding points and unreliable service. This investment aligns with the Indian government's goal of a 100% electric bus fleet by 2030.
India has the second largest road network globally, spanning 6.4 million kilometers, with around 50 million people traveling between cities daily. Zingbus was founded in 2019 to address the existing challenges in intercity mobility. The company has served over two million users across 300 Indian cities by partnering with small and medium-sized bus operators.
Zingbus tech platform
Zingbus’ technology platform is designed to help traditional bus operators switch from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs). This transition is supported by the lower operating costs of electric buses compared to diesel buses in India.
“Electric buses in India are cheaper to run than diesel ones, and with the Indian Government targeting a 100% electric bus fleet by 2030, we saw an opportunity to not only make the transition from ICE to electric more streamlined and cost efficient, but to also make life easier and safer for people travelling between cities,” said Zingbus CEO and co-founder Prashant Kumar.
“We’ve created a best-in-class tech platform that addresses the major challenges of running an electric bus, empowering bus operators with the tech they need to transition. This approach makes the model highly scalable and could allow us to support over 3000 electric buses on Indian highways in the next 5-6 years. That’s what we see as being our superpower,” he added.
Zingbus with Jio-bp pulse
Zingbus has partnered with Jio-bp pulse, a joint venture between Reliance and bp focused on electric mobility. This agreement allows Zingbus to utilise Jio-bp pulse's EV charging network and convenience sites across India for the bus operators on its platform. Jio-bp pulse operates India’s largest EV fleet charging hubs and public fast charge points in various cities and major highways, recently installing its 5,000th charge point.
“Zingbus’ end-to-end tech platform looks to benefit both bus operators and customers, providing an affordable solution to intercity travel. Our investment and Jio-bp pulse’s commercial agreement could help bus operators in their transition to electric fleets whilst delivering a service that is reliable and lower cost,” said Gareth Burns, vice president of bp Ventures.
Burns further emphasised bp Ventures' commitment to innovation in the energy sector, aligning with bp's broader strategy. The investment is part of bp's larger plan to expand its energy and mobility offerings in India, including electric vehicle options.
bp expresses its support for Zingbus's continued growth. The collaboration aims to provide enhanced energy and mobility solutions aligned with the needs of the Indian market.
“At bp we are excited to further enhance our suite of energy and mobility offerings in line with the aspirations of the people of India. Enabling the rapid expansion of electric vehicles in addition to providing top class active fuels and convenience offerings, furthers our ambition to provide our customers with e-mobility options said Kartikeya Dube, Head of Country (HoC), bp India.
