BK Modi, an Indian
entrepreneur now based out of Singapore, has announced his entry into the electric
vehicles industry under the brand ‘Smart Dreams’. Smart Dreams is a conscious
attempt to provide affordable, completely pollution-free, world-class
transportation on Indian roads. While making the announcement, Dr. M (as he
wants to be called) said, “I have a dream to see a healthy and happy India.”
BK Modi is known to have been associated with ventures
such as Modi Xerox, Modi Telstra and
Spice Telecom. Along with e-vehicles, his fund is currently investing in areas
like clean energy, smart cities, and healthcare. On the bus launch occasion
Modi unveiled plans for a first-of-its-kind electric bus manufacturing facility
at ModiCiti (next to Muradabad), India.
‘Smart Dreams’ aims to take a lead in the
pure-electric vehicles segment, by being the first and only Indian corporation
to delve into production of pure-electric vehicles, with a primary focus on
public transportation. They plan to enter public transportation through e-bus and
e-taxi with pure-electric offerings.
Smart Dreams has tied up with
BYD (Build Your Dreams) Auto Industry Co. Ltd. - the world’s leading electric
vehicle manufacturer, and an investee company of investment guru Warren
Buffett. BYD has set up an electric bus manufacturing plant in southern
California in 2014 and has a contract to supply electric buses to Los Angeles
County. In the past two years, its electric buses or cars have gone into
service from Montevideo(Uruguay) to Jakarta.
Given the rising concern about
pollution and public health in the Indian capital, and to realise the
government’s vision of a clean and pollution free India, Smart Dreams is one of
the first automobile industry player to display its commitment and offer two
pure-electric buses to Delhi Government for free trial. These buses are
currently being tested on a commercial route pre-allocated by the Delhi
Transport Corporation.
The bus is completely
air-conditioned with first class comfortable seating facilities, and has a
battery life of more than 4000 recharging cycles. It can cover a distance of
250 Kms with a fully charged battery. Further, the battery used is recyclable,
and addresses this environmental concern as well. In line with the government’s
‘Make in India’ initiative, the vehicles will be manufactured in India.