Japanese technology giant Panasonic has joined forces with last-mile e-mobility startup Eto Motors to introduce an efficient last-mile-mobility IT infrastructure in New Delhi. The collaborative effort, in association with Japan’s NEDO and the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), commenced with a pilot project on October 17, aimed at demonstrating the potential of this IT system to enhance last-mile transportation.
The pilot project will be conducted along a select Delhi Metro route that covers four stations: Nehru Place, Nehru Enclave, Kalkaji Mandir, and Okhla NSIC, situated in the South East district of the national capital. Eto Motors will deploy 40 L5 e-passenger carriers for an 18-month demonstration period.
Passengers using the Delhi Metro will be able to check the availability of an Eto Motors e-rickshaw via Panasonic’s ‘Sojo’ mobile application and book a ride for their last-mile commute. The ride-sharing service will facilitate cashless payments and offer a quick two-tap booking process.
The data collected during the pilot project will be utilized by Panasonic and Eto Motors to generate a final report for the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO), a Japanese government organization that invested in this e-mobility pilot project.
Panasonic India, the developer of the Sojo mobile application, emphasizes its commitment to providing first- and last-mile connectivity. The application encompasses driver, passenger, and fleet operator components, all underpinned by cloud technology.
Upon the completion of the technology demonstration, Panasonic plans to assess the value created by the platform and scale it both horizontally and vertically. Horizontal scaling will include extending coverage to more Metro station routes and collaborating with other last-mile e-mobility providers. Vertically, the project aims to involve all ecosystem partners, including battery- and energy-management firms and charging infrastructure providers, in a common network.
Panasonic India envisions the potential expansion of this initiative to other cities, such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, and more.
The project reflects the shared values between India and Japan, particularly as both countries focus on electric vehicles, hydrogen, and biomass solutions. NEDO is supporting similar projects in Indonesia, California, and the Philippines, and its collaboration with the Delhi Transport Corporation further underscores the commitment to these efforts.