Partnership offers health and accident coverage to over 40,000 drivers and station partners, boosting confidence in India’s EV transition.
Battery Smart, India’s battery swapping network for electric two- and three-wheelers, announced a partnership with Bharatsure, a prominent Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Insurtech company. This collaboration aims to provide health and accidental insurance coverage to over 40,000 drivers and station partners within Battery Smart’s network.
The insurance program offers beneficiaries access to emergency treatment, medical hospitalization, day-care treatments, and accidental benefits in case of unforeseen circumstances. This includes accidental OPD (outpatient department) coverage, lump-sum payouts for fatalities, hospitalization benefits, and permanent or partial disability coverage arising from accidents.
With electric vehicle (EV) adoption, particularly in the two- and three-wheeler segment (constituting roughly 95% of the Indian EV market), witnessing a surge, the number of gig workers and delivery drivers on the roads has also grown significantly. Recognizing this, Battery Smart has undertaken several safety initiatives alongside the insurance program. These include a 24/7 support helpline, in-app reporting features, practical training sessions on battery handling and charging, and emergency response protocols. Additionally, the company offers free EV health checkups to proactively address potential safety concerns and minimize the risk of breakdowns or accidents.
Anuj Parekh, Co-founder & CEO of Bharatsure, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are delighted to partner with Battery Smart to design comprehensive programs that safeguard their expanding network of EV drivers and station partners across India. This insurance coverage will provide essential financial security and encourage timely access to healthcare.”
Ankur Jhavery, VP-Business at Battery Smart, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “We recognize the need for robust insurance to protect our delivery drivers, gig workers, and small business owners. We believe Bharatsure’s insurance policies will be instrumental in achieving this goal and fostering a sense of security that will propel the switch to electric vehicles.”
A Pivotal Step Towards a Secure and Sustainable Future
This partnership goes beyond offering a safety net for gig workers and delivery personnel. It represents a significant stride towards building trust and confidence in the transition to electric mobility. Battery Smart’s commitment to safety is further highlighted by their collaboration with Zomato in 2023 to organize a first-of-its-kind electric two-wheeler expo in Delhi, aiming to raise awareness about the positive impact of EVs.
As India’s gig economy flourishes, with an estimated 10-15 million people employed, many state governments are prioritizing accident, health insurance, and retirement benefits for gig workers. Battery Smart’s partnership with Bharatsure sets a new benchmark for user safety and well-being within the Indian electric mobility industry.