INDIA: Development of Innovative Business Models for Implementation of Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure for Public Transportation in Kolkata

This activity supported the preparation of a rigorous upstream diagnostic allowing the identification of key challenges for the deployment of Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure for Public Transportation in Kolkata. The engagement resulted in India’s largest EV fleet operator in the business-to-business (B2B) sector to set up operations in Kolkata. The company—Lithium Urban Technologies—an IFC-funded entity, launched its services in September 2020. Debashis Sen, Chairman and Managing Director, Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) and Additional Chief Secretary, Govt. of West Bengal said: “The World Bank’s successful technical support for Kolkata’s EV buses created an ecosystem that went beyond the deployment of E-buses and leveraged $150 million, the largest private investment in EV infrastructure.” The activity provided critical evaluation of alternative business models for accelerated deployments of EVs for public transportation in Kolkata and recommendations for commercially viable solution(s); and as well as for appropriate policies and regulatory actions necessary from national and state governments to enable sustainable adoption and operation of low-carbon and energy efficient electrification of public transportation. The activity also supported capacity building to enable the client to undertake a sustainable EV planning program aimed at implementing cost effective and energy efficient transit options. Finally, the activity carried out a stocktaking of good global practices in suitable adoption of EVs and key stakeholders for strengthening the World Bank's portfolio and knowledge sharing.