RIDEV, an electric vehicle rental and leasing platform primarily serving gig workers and delivery partners, plans to double its hub network in Chennai and expand its fleet to 25,000 vehicles over the next few months.
The company announced the plans while launching its third hub in Chennai and 16th overall. RIDEV’s fleet has grown from 50 vehicles in April 2024 to 12,000 currently, founder Manish Kumar Jain said.
Chennai operations gain momentum
“Chennai has accepted the rental model, and we are getting 70-80 pick-up and drop-off orders daily. This is bound to increase as the number of hubs is set to double in the next few months,” Jain said.
Across India, RIDEV receives about 300 pick-up and drop-off orders a day. The company is also planning to expand into Tier-II and Tier-III cities to reach more delivery partners and gig workers.
Rental model covers maintenance
RIDEV’s rental package includes battery swapping, servicing and maintenance, roadside assistance, insurance and standby electric vehicle support, without additional charges for these services.
Vehicles can be picked up and dropped off at designated hubs between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., giving riders access to electric two-wheelers without the upfront cost of ownership.
Technology supports hub network
Hemant Kabra, Founder and Managing Director of Bgauss, said the Chennai hub marked another step in RIDEV’s expansion of its hub-led operating model.
The company uses in-house technology solutions to manage its fleet, hubs and rider operations. Its model is designed to reduce operational challenges for delivery partners, including battery access, maintenance, repairs and vehicle downtime.
Focus on earning opportunities
“At RIDEV, our philosophy is simple: we don’t just provide a vehicle; we provide access to an earning asset. For a delivery partner, a vehicle is more than transportation; it is the foundation of their livelihood and their family’s future,” Jain said.
RIDEV plans to continue expanding its fleet and hub network across key markets while strengthening its technology and operational infrastructure to support India’s growing delivery and gig workforce.