Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India launches sustainability assessment framework for e-mobility startups to become more sustainable

The framework provides tools for tracking, measuring, and maximizing the impact of startups while increasing their social and environmental contributions

 Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) has launched an assessment framework, in association with Villgro and World Resource Institute India (WRI India), to raise awareness on maximizing impact beyond zero tailpipe emissions while also facilitating the creation of a uniform standard for socio-economic and environmental impacts within the electric mobility sector. It also provides enterprises an opportunity to track and manage their impact from the early stages of development, allowing deeper integration of sustainable practices into their business.

Spurred by conducive policies and increasing consumer awareness, the domestic e-mobility industry has been growing rapidly in the last few years. Many start-ups are actively supporting the e-mobility transition, with over 550 start-ups working on various aspects of the EV value chain, as of mid-2021. As startups struggle with the integration of impact management amidst constraints of limited capital, resources, and time, this unique impact assessment framework, based on the widely recognized Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and targets, will encourage building products and services that contribute to a more equitable, clean, and inclusive mobility ecosystem.

Commenting on the launch of this report, Manu Saale, Managing Director, and CEO, MBRDI said, “Sustainable mobility requires a holistic approach, and the direct and indirect impact of this assessment framework will influence a wide range of socio-economic and environmental outcomes in the industry. With rapid global growth in e-mobility and massive investments expected over the next decade, there is a unique opportunity to maximize the positive impact of this sector across the value chain. We are confident that this report will create newer employment opportunities, while reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transport sector.”

It is estimated that $180 billion of investments are required to meet India’s 2030 EV targets. This framework will prove to be an equally important instrument for impact investing firms to base their investment decisions on a holistic, comparable, and standardized framework that prioritizes social and environmental impact besides financial viability and growth metrics.

Chaitanya Kanuri, Senior Manager – Electric Mobility, WRI India, said, “In addition to the emissions benefit of electric vehicles, this framework will encourage enterprises to adopt sustainable manufacturing practices and ensure circular economy of resources in the sector. With a growing number of investors applying ESG and impact lenses in making investment decisions, this framework will help companies in aligning their economic and environmental sustainability.”

MBRDI currently supports e-mobility startups such as Sheru and Ziptrax with battery swapping infrastructure and battery packs utilized by their e-rickshaw drivers. This has helped increase the daily operating hours of e-rickshaws and contribute additional income of up to INR 500 per day for the drivers.

Ananth Aravamudan, Sector Lead, Climate Action at Villgro Innovations Foundation added, ” Many e-mobility start-ups are integrating impactful initiatives in their evolving business models, be it in manufacturing, sales, or services. This framework will be of immense help to the startups we incubate, helping them to align their impact measurement to global standards and attract more investment.

36