With our support, Loadshare is reshaping India’s logistics sector, by cutting emissions and creating green jobs.
‘Last-mile’ logistics is the final step in delivering a product to the customer, usually from a local hub to their home or business. India’s last-mile logistics sector has grown rapidly in recent years, driven by e-commerce. But last-mile deliveries make up an increasingly large share of total CO₂ emissions from major e-commerce firms.
Loadshare uses technology to create a nationwide network connecting small and medium logistics firms with local suppliers and rural customers. In 2024, we provided Loadshare with a £4 million loan to scale up its pilot project to collect real-world data on electric vehicle (EV) performance and driver earnings. EVs eliminate CO₂ emissions and have lower running costs. The company’s groundbreaking model uses India’s existing EV battery-swapping network to eliminate the upfront cost of buying batteries, reducing the cost of an electric two-wheeler from 100,000 to 50,000 rupees. While EV riders may travel more slowly and spend time swapping batteries, their running costs can be as low as 1.25 rupees per kilometre, about half that of standard vehicles, boosting overall profits.
Loadshare is proving the commercial viability of EV fleets through real-time data on vehicle and driver profitability, along with successful pilot results. This will boost lender confidence and unlock broader private sector investment in India’s sustainable logistics sector.
