Sandeep Mukherjee, COO & Co-founder of B: Live on future of EV Bikes

In today’s rapidly changing world, Electric Vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a groundbreaking technological advancement that not only offers a solution for our growing concerns about climate change but also promises a revolution in the transportation industry. The transition from traditional internal combustion engines to electric powertrains represents a significant shift towards sustainable mobility, reducing our dependency on fossil fuels and reducing harmful emissions. Sandeep Mukherjee, COO & Co-founder of B: Live one of the leading platforms for E-bikes in India speaks with Anirban Dasgupta, Editor, of Travel and Environment magazine about the world of EV bikes and the idea behind B: Live.

Can you tell us more about the range of products offered by the BLive EV Store? What are the key features and benefits that set them apart from other electric vehicle manufacturers in the market?

BLive EV Store offers a wide range of electric vehicles (EVs) that cater to various segments of the market. Our product lineup includes a variety of options from well-known brands, differentiating them in the electric mobility space. The vehicles they provide encompass e-cycles, e-scooters, e-3Ws (three-wheelers), e-4Ws (four-wheelers), and agricultural vehicles. Some of the key features and benefits that set BLive apart are:

Top Premium Brands Selection:

BLive collaborates with an array of premium EV brands to offer customers a wide selection. Scooter brands like Revolt, Pure EV, Kinetic Green, Gemopai, BattRE, iVoomi, and eSprinto are part of their lineup. For e-cycles, they provide options from Emotorad, Hero Lectro, Tata Stryder, Astra (Reliance), Felidae, and more.

Expertise and Education:

BLive not only sells vehicles but also provides expert knowledge about EVs. This educational initiative assists customers in making informed decisions by understanding the nuances of electric vehicles, thus fostering greater confidence in the purchase process.

Flexible Ownership:

By offering both buying and rental options, BLive provides customers with flexibility in ownership. This versatility caters to various consumer preferences, whether they’re seeking a long-term commitment or a short-term experience with electric mobility.

Customer-Centric:

Programs like the Green Corporate Program and BLive EZY rental initiative demonstrate BLive’s commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience. These specialized programs cater to distinct customer segments, showcasing a personalized and customer-centric approach.

This comprehensive approach to electric mobility addresses the diverse needs of customers while positioning BLive as a holistic provider of sustainable transport solutions.

As the Co-Founder and COO of BLive EV Store, what was your main inspiration behind establishing this company? Could you shed light on the overall mission and goal you aim to achieve through your products?

The inspiration behind starting the BLive EV Store stems from a profound concern for the environment and a vision of creating a sustainable future for generations to come. As a Co-Founder, I have always been deeply committed to addressing the challenges posed by climate change and the growing need for sustainable mobility solutions. Witnessing the rapid pace of urbanization and the corresponding increase in pollution and carbon emissions, we recognized the urgency of transitioning to cleaner transportation alternatives.

As our dedication to sustainability deepened, we realized the need to accelerate the adoption of EVs. To fulfill this aspiration, BLive took a bold step by opening up EV stores in tier 1 and 2 cities across India. We now proudly operate 27 EV stores PAN India. This initiative was born out of our commitment to make EVs accessible to all, providing a one-stop destination where enthusiasts and curious minds alike can explore a variety of electric mobility options.

Our Vision

To accelerate the adoption of EVs for a cleaner future.

Our vision is centered around a collective commitment to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as a means of creating a cleaner and more sustainable future. We recognize the need to address the environmental challenges posed by conventional transportation methods, particularly the high carbon emissions associated with internal combustion engine vehicles. Our vision is not just about promoting a product; it’s about driving a paradigm shift in the way we think about mobility. We envision a world where EVs are the preferred choice for transportation, significantly reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to cleaner air and a healthier planet.

Our Mission

An EV in every home.

Our mission is brief but impactful: “An EV in every home.” We are committed to making electric vehicles accessible to every individual and family, regardless of their background or location. This mission is rooted in the understanding that a widespread transition to EVs is crucial to achieving a sustainable future. By bringing EVs into every home, we aim to revolutionize the way we commute while simultaneously lowering the environmental impact associated with traditional fuel-powered vehicles.

Sustainability has become a crucial aspect of the automotive industry. How does BLive EV Store emphasize sustainability in its manufacturing processes and how do your products contribute to promoting a greener environment?

In an era where sustainability has become a cornerstone of the automotive industry, BLive EV Store has carved a distinct path by championing environmental responsibility through its unique approach. While we don’t engage in direct manufacturing, our role as a multi-brand platform signifies a deliberate and impactful commitment to promoting sustainability and a greener environment by facilitating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).

Our role centers on providing a wide range of EV choices, guiding buyers with our EV expertise, and ensuring seamless ownership experiences. By bringing the entire EV ecosystem under one accessible umbrella, we streamline the transition to sustainable mobility. We aim to empower consumers to select greener transportation options. Focusing solely on EVs aligns with our mission of promoting a cleaner environment and curbing carbon emissions. It’s about catalyzing a movement towards a more eco-conscious tomorrow.

As the electric vehicle market is rapidly evolving, what are BLive EV Store’s future plans and strategies? Can you provide insights into any upcoming product launches or technological advancements that customers can look forward to?

BLive EV Store has outlined several strategic initiatives to solidify its position and cater to the evolving electric vehicle (EV) market in India. These strategies encompass both distribution and product development areas, ensuring a comprehensive approach to our future plans.

Grow digital distribution for EVs by bringing more dealers onto our online platform

BLive aims to expand its digital distribution platform by onboarding more dealers onto our online platform. This move enhances accessibility for customers by bringing the EV buying experience online, making it easier for them to explore, compare, and purchase EVs.

Create an affiliate network of EV sellers down to rural markets

To tap into the untapped rural markets, BLive plans to establish an affiliate network of EV sellers. This strategy not only helps in promoting EVs in remote areas but also generates employment opportunities within these regions.

Create an innovative omnichannel retail format that supports a digital-to-physical customer journey.

We’re developing a novel approach to this, integrating both digital and physical retail experiences. This omnichannel format supports a seamless transition from online browsing to in-person interactions, ensuring that customers can explore EV options through various touchpoints.

On the product front, BLive is committed to introducing innovative EV solutions that cater to various segments of the market. This includes:

Diverse EV Range- We plan to consistently expand our product portfolio, offering a wide range of EVs such as e-cycles, e-scooters, e-3Ws (three-wheelers), e-4Ws (four-wheelers), agricultural vehicles, and even drones in the future. This diversity will ensure that customers have choices across different vehicle types, allowing them to select an EV that suits their specific needs.

In terms of business model, how does BLive EV Store engage with its customers? Are there any initiatives or programs in place aimed at creating a more personalized experience or ensuring customer satisfaction throughout their journey with your products?

With regard to our business model, we’re deeply committed to engaging with customers at every stage of their journey, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience. We have implemented a range of initiatives and programs designed to cater to customers’ needs and enhance their experience throughout their interaction with BLive’s services.

Customer Engagement Across the Buying Journey

Awareness: BLive focuses on educating and informing customers about electric vehicles during the awareness stage. This approach involves providing expert knowledge about EVs and offering valuable insights to potential buyers. Additionally, we facilitate easy home demonstrations, allowing customers to experience EVs firsthand.

Purchase Stage: When customers are ready to make a purchase, BLive directs them to the nearest EV stores. These stores provide a diverse range of brands and offer attractive deals on electric vehicles. This setup ensures that customers have access to multiple options and can choose the EV that best suits their preferences and requirements. Moreover, the choice between buying or renting EVs provides flexibility to customers based on their needs.

Post-Purchase Experience: We’re developing a customer app that will serve as a valuable resource for EV owners. The app will assist users in locating the nearest charging stations, provide roadside assistance in case of emergencies, and even facilitate the sale of used EVs, promoting sustainability in the EV ecosystem.

Additional Customer-Centric Programs

Green Corporate Program: BLive has introduced a specialized program targeting corporate employees. This program offers end-to-end solutions for EV ownership, including options for choosing suitable EVs, easy financing, comprehensive post-sales support, and benefits such as free charging facilities. This initiative aims to make EV adoption seamless for corporate professionals.

EZY Powered By BLive: Recognizing that some individuals might not want to commit to purchasing an EV but still desire the experience of using one, BLive offers an EV rental program called “EZY.” This program allows customers to enjoy the benefits of electric mobility for shorter durations without the need for outright ownership.