What is the problem the social business is solving?

India has millions cycle rickshaws drivers, almost all of whom live below the poverty line. Furthermore, a majority of the country’s auto-rickshaw drivers don’t own the asset they use to earn their living. Lack of easy financing options and complex legal & licensing procedures makes it difficult for them to become asset owners. With the commercial vehicle industry largely dominated by non-electric vehicles, India’s environmental pollution woes continue to grow.

How does the social business solve this problem?

SMV Green is creating an ecosystem for clean last-mile transportation in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities of India by providing end-to-end solutions to enable ownership of electric rickshaws. SMV Green helps its customers obtain easy financing and supports them with licensing and registration. It is also ensuring safe transportation for women in these cities by empowering women from low income backgrounds to take up e-rickshaw driving (called ‘Vahinis’)

How does the social business generate revenue?

SMV Green charges customers for the sale of its e-rickshaws and services. By linking them to financing partners and enabling asset ownership, it increases their income from $3 (at the lowest end) to more than $12 per day. It is also bringing a behavioural change by empowering women to participate as drivers in a male dominated industry. SMV has enabled over 1000 e-rickshaw ownership, and estimates that it has reduced over 2000 tonnes of CO2 emissions since its inception.