Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu: Shared electric vehicle (EV) mobility technology firm Yulu launched its service in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, in partnership with city-based Runa Motors.
The service was inaugurated in the presence of K.B. Kameshwaran, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Tirunelveli City, as well as N Rahul and C Gigin Durai, both Project Leads for Startup Tamil Nadu.
Tirunelveli is now home to the third operational Yulu Business Partnership (YBP). Following the launch, Runa Motors, which is helmed by local entrepreneur V. Nagarajan, will operate a fleet of DeX GR EVs across the city with support from Yulu.
Previously, Yulu had launched its leisure mobility services in Indore and Kochi, in collaboration with YBP partners in those cities. The introduction of its zero-emission delivery EVs in Tirunelveli marks another remarkable stride for Yulu as it rapidly scales up its service in non-metro cities.
To begin with, Runa Motors and Yulu will offer hyperlocal delivery EVs for food delivery partners. In addition to providing EVs, technology, and training, Yulu has also supported Runa Motors with brand partnerships, and is working closely with Swiggy and Zomato’s city-based teams to help Runa Motors onboard new riders.
With Yulu’s proposition of enabling 30-40 per cent higher savings, the partnership will unlock several gig work jobs, boost Tirunelveli’s local economy, and enable delivery companies and local businesses to easily switch to eco-friendly vehicles for their logistics needs.
Amit Gupta, Co-founder & CEO of Yulu says: “We are excited to introduce our EV mobility services in Tirunelveli in partnership with Runa Motors and V. Nagarajan.
This collaboration not only marks another milestone for the YBP initiative, but also underscores Yulu’s commitment to take the EV revolution to every city and town in the country.
Runa’s fleet, powered by Yulu’s cutting-edge technology stack, will revolutionize hyperlocal deliveries in Tirunelveli and chart a sustainable growth roadmap for this beautiful and fast-growing city.”
V. Nagarajan, Founder of Runa Motors Pvt. Ltd., says "The integration of Yulu’s proven end-to-end EV mobility solution and Runa’s local expertise will transform the mobility landscape of Tirunelveli.
We look forward to contributing to the community’s economic and environmental well-being and are excited at the prospect of expanding into further areas, such as personal mobility, and look forward to scaling up our business into as many cities as possible.”
Runa Motors has deployed the EVs at key spots in the city, including Thiyagarajanagar, Sambandhar Street, Megalingapuram Salai Street, Sindhupoondurai, Tirunelveli Junction and the Tirunelveli Corporation area.
The EV fleet’s energy needs will be met via three battery swapping stations powered by Yuma — a leading battery-as-a-service (BaaS) firm — at Thirugnanasambandar Kovil Town, Medhablock Pushpalata, and Udayarpattisalai Junction.
In addition, three Yulu Centres have been established across the city to serve as touchpoints for customer information, vehicle rentals and maintenance.
