Amazon and TVS Motor Company have struck a partnership deal. As a part of this deal, Amazon will use electric two- and three-wheelers manufactured by TVS. They will induct these vehicles into Amazon’s delivery fleet. The electric two-wheeler as part of this program is the iQube electric scooter. Amazon’s delivery partner will find it a bit tricky with this scooter. The unavailability of the option of removable batteries will limit the range of these scooters.
Further, to add to that, only the range-topping ST variant of the iQube offers a fast charging option (1.5kW). And sadly, this version hasn’t yet been officially launched. The mid-level S variant, which is currently on sale, is compatible with both 650W and 950W portable chargers. This promises a charging time of 4.5 hours and 3 hours, respectively. This means Amazon will have a sizable amount of downtime in a last-mile delivery application. In addition to delivery applications, the two companies will also examine the EV use cases. This will include various Amazon business groups for its network and logistical requirements.
In 2020, Amazon India announced that it plans to include 10,000 EVs in its delivery fleet by 2025. This is part of its overall progress towards The Climate Pledge, which is a commitment to achieve net-zero carbon by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement. Moreover, the induction of these EVs is in addition to Amazon’s global commitment of 100,000 EVs by 2030. Thus the partnership with TVS Motor Company is an important step in Amazon India’s progress in the e-mobility industry and towards achieving its net-zero carbon goals.
This partnership is also in line with TVS Motors’ targets of aiming to have electric vehicles across segments like delivery, commuter, and premium. TVS Motor Company is working on introducing a full portfolio of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers over a period of eight quarters in the domestic and international markets. This will further play a major role in expanding and strengthening the company’s focus on presence across all major cities, charging solutions, and alternate ownership models in India.
Also Read: Amazon India will deploy EVs with battery swapping technology for transportation & logistics.