India’s major cities are choking due to severe air pollution. Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, and many more are facing an air pollution crisis. Awadhesh Kumar Jha faced this problem when he was returning to Delhi from a business trip to Helsinki. In an interview, he mentioned that it was visible how much the air was polluted and that something had to be done.
Under Jha’s leadership, Fortum launched Glida India, formerly known as Fortum Charge and Drive India, in 2017. At that time, the electric vehicle (EV) market was relatively small, and there was a low level of awareness.
Customers were reluctant to buy EVs because there weren’t enough charging stations. Companies were uncertain about investing in the charging infrastructure. The EV option was very limited at the time.
However, GLIDA took the initiative to change the scenario and bring charging stations to life in India. Selling electricity in India requires a licence. GLIDA faced uncertainty about whether their activities constituted selling electricity or providing a service. GLIDA collaborated with government agencies to establish the guidelines and lay the groundwork for the EV charging industry.
To understand the customer behaviour and modify their services, GLIDA made their services free for a whole year. Within a year, the company built a loyal base of customers.
Standing today, the GLIDA has 50,000+ registered customers all over India. GLIDA has established its presence in over 38 cities with 950+ charging points, positioning the company as the leading Charge Point Operator (CPO) in India. The company is not only promoting green mobility but also broader environmental objectives.
Today, India is moving fast towards sustainability. The EV market is booming with multiple options for customers to choose from. GLIDA took the first step several years before, and it’s now giving fruitful results. The journey of the company portrays a futuristic vision and collaborative partnerships, transitioning India for the better.
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