Yuma Energy, MMRC to install 22 battery swapping stations on Mumbai metro line 3

Yuma Energy has partnered with Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) to install 22 battery swapping stations at nine metro stations along Mumbai Metro Line 3. The initiative targets electric two-wheeler users, aiming to improve urban mobility and reduce vehicle downtime for gig workers, delivery partners, fleet operators, and daily commuters.

Key Highlights

• Yuma Energy to install 22 battery swapping stations at nine Mumbai Metro Line 3 stations
• Stations will serve electric two-wheeler users, including gig workers and daily commuters.
• Project operates under MMRC's Non-Fare Box Revenue initiative for urban mobility.
• Yuma Energy manages over 20,000 battery swaps daily in Mumbai
• Battery swapping model reduces vehicle downtime and lowers EV ownership costs

Battery Swapping Stations Rollout

The new stations will be located within the MMRC network, integrating electric vehicle charging infrastructure into one of Mumbai's main public transit corridors. The project operates under a revenue-sharing arrangement as part of MMRC’s Non-Fare Box Revenue (NFBR) initiative. This program allows the metro corporation to generate income from station infrastructure beyond ticket sales, including retail and commercial services.

By placing battery swapping stations inside metro premises, the partnership enables riders to combine public transport with electric mobility. This integration helps reduce the time lost to charging and supports the city's broader urban mobility goals.

Operational Details and Urban Impact

Yuma Energy currently operates over 13,000 vehicles in Mumbai and manages more than 20,000 battery swaps daily. The company uses a battery-as-a-service model, where users pay for energy consumed rather than purchasing batteries. This approach lowers the upfront cost of electric vehicle ownership and is especially beneficial for riders who rely on two-wheelers for their livelihood.

Muthu Subramanian, General Manager and Managing Director of Yuma Energy, stated that the metro corridor provides the network density needed for expansion in Mumbai. R. Ramana, Director of Planning and Real Estate Development at MMRC, highlighted that the collaboration aligns with MMRC’s commitment to commuter-friendly and sustainable infrastructure. The battery swapping stations are expected to serve as feeder services for metro users arriving by electric two-wheelers.

Mumbai Metro Line 3 and EV Adoption

Mumbai Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line, is a fully underground corridor spanning about 33.5 kilometres from Aarey Colony in the north to Cuffe Parade in the south. The line, operated by MMRC—a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra—opened in phases between 2023 and 2024. It is one of the city’s busiest transit corridors, designed to ease congestion on Mumbai’s road and rail networks.

Battery swapping allows electric vehicle riders to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones at designated stations, avoiding long charging times. This model has become popular among commercial riders in India, especially in the gig economy, where vehicle downtime affects income. The partnership between Yuma Energy and MMRC extends this model into high-traffic public spaces, supporting the city’s efforts to expand EV infrastructure as electric two-wheeler adoption grows.

CarBike 360 Says

The installation of 22 battery swapping stations along Mumbai Metro Line 3 marks a significant step toward integrating sustainable mobility with public transport. By enabling seamless last-mile connectivity for EV users, the Yuma Energy and MMRC partnership not only supports cleaner urban transit but also strengthens the city’s growing electric mobility ecosystem for the future.