On Friday, SLMG Beverages, an autonomous franchise bottler, announced its intention to allocate around INR 100 crore towards expanding its electric vehicle fleet. The goal is to boost the current fleet of 2,000 vehicles to 5,000 by 2024 to enhance its distribution network.
SLMG Beverages stated in a press release that this investment will enable the company to fully transition its distribution to electric vehicles.
The company revealed that Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors will serve as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners for the three-wheelers responsible for distributing bottles across four states.
According to the company’s statement, SLMG Beverages is set to allocate roughly INR 100 crore to elevate its electric vehicle fleet from 2,000 to 5,000 units to strengthen its distribution network.
SLMG Beverages asserts its position as the largest independent Coca-Cola bottler in India and South West Asia.
“As concerns about carbon emissions, air pollution, and resource depletion increase, the spotlight is now firmly on green transport as a critical pathway for positive change,” said Vivek Ladhani, Executive Director at SLMG Beverages Pvt Ltd.
The company initiated the adoption of electric vehicles (e-vehicles) two years ago, and currently, its fleet operates in multiple states, encompassing UP, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. The company also expressed its intentions to further expand its presence.
“We are committed to equipping 80 per cent of our fleet with e-vehicles by 2025, in line with our vision of a greener and smarter future,” added Ladhani.
By investing in over 2000 battery-powered light trucks and three-wheelers, SLMG has not only reduced its environmental footprint but also increased its economic efficiency, the company said.