Our B2C battery leasing program is designed for rapid scalability: Urja Mobility

Urja Mobility is revolutionizing India’s electric vehicle (EV) landscape with its innovative battery and vehicle leasing solutions. By eliminating high upfront costs, the company is accelerating EV adoption through flexible Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) and Vehicle-as-a-Service (VaaS) models.

Co-founder & CTO Anagh Ojha has been instrumental in driving this transformation, integrating AI, IoT, and data analytics to optimize battery performance and fleet efficiency. In this conversation, he shares insights on Urja Mobility’s strategic partnerships, latest innovations, and vision for large-scale electrification in India.

IBT: Urja Mobility has been a pioneer in EV and battery leasing. How does your model help overcome high upfront costs and accelerate EV adoption in India?

Anagh Ojha: Urja Mobility eliminates the biggest barrier to EV adoption—high upfront costs—by offering flexible battery and vehicle leasing models. Our Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) and Vehicle-as-a-Service (VaaS) solutions ensure that businesses and individual drivers can access high-quality EVs without heavy capital investment. Instead of purchasing batteries outright, users pay a nominal subscription or pay-per-use fee, significantly reducing their financial burden. This model enhances affordability, accelerates adoption, and ensures seamless operations for fleet operators, delivery services, and ride-sharing companies. By optimizing asset utilization and reducing downtime through predictive analytics, Urja Mobility guarantees maximum efficiency and cost savings.

IBT: Your recent partnership with Eastman Auto aims to revolutionize the e-rickshaw sector. How will this collaboration enhance the accessibility and affordability of EVs?

Anagh Ojha: Our partnership with Eastman Auto is a game-changer for the e-rickshaw industry, bringing together Urja Mobility’s cutting-edge leasing solutions and Eastman Auto’s robust manufacturing expertise. By integrating our high-performance lithium-ion batteries into Eastman Auto’s vehicles, we create a cost-effective, high-efficiency solution for last-mile connectivity. The collaboration reduces ownership costs for drivers while offering longer battery life, faster charging, and superior vehicle performance. This synergy will empower micro-entrepreneurs, delivery executives, and urban transport operators to transition seamlessly to electric mobility, driving large-scale electrification in India.

IBT: With the launch of your B2C battery leasing program in 10 cities, how do you plan to scale this initiative and cater to a wider audience?

Anagh Ojha: Urja Mobility’s B2C battery leasing program is designed for rapid scalability. By leveraging digital onboarding, localized distribution networks, and franchise models, we aim to expand to 50+ cities within the next two years. Our cloud-based energy management system ensures efficient tracking, remote diagnostics, and proactive maintenance, enhancing user experience and maximizing uptime. Additionally, strategic partnerships with NBFCs, OEMs, and logistics companies enable us to offer affordable financing, ensuring that even grassroots-level operators can benefit from our solutions. With aggressive expansion plans and a strong technology backbone, we are on track to revolutionize urban mobility and empower millions of drivers.

IBT: Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) and Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) are gaining traction in India. How is Urja Mobility leading this transformation, and what are the key benefits for fleet operators?

Anagh Ojha: Urja Mobility is at the forefront of India’s BaaS and EaaS revolution, offering fleet operators a seamless, cost-efficient alternative to battery ownership. Our innovative leasing solutions eliminate CAPEX, optimize OPEX, and provide predictable energy costs, making fleet electrification financially viable. Our AI-powered platform enables real-time battery health monitoring, smart charging, and predictive maintenance, ensuring higher uptime and lower operational disruptions. By integrating renewable energy sources and battery second-life applications, we further enhance sustainability and profitability, giving businesses a competitive edge in the evolving mobility landscape.

UM105e, 5KWHr battery for E-rickshaw, Source: Urja Mobility

IBT: Urja Mobility’s lithium-ion battery solutions promise faster charging (2-4 hours). How does this technology help mitigate range anxiety and improve fleet efficiency?

Anagh Ojha: Our advanced lithium-ion battery solutions are designed to minimize downtime and maximize productivity. With ultra-fast charging capabilities (full charge in just 2-4 hours), fleet operators can seamlessly integrate charging into daily schedules without significant interruptions. Our proprietary thermal management system ensures superior battery health and longevity, reducing replacement costs. Additionally, our smart-charging algorithms dynamically optimize charging cycles based on usage patterns, enhancing battery efficiency and ensuring drivers can operate with confidence. By mitigating range anxiety and boosting fleet performance, we enable businesses to achieve greater profitability and sustainability.

IBT: How is Urja Mobility integrating IoT, AI, and data analytics to optimize battery performance, enhance safety, and extend battery life?

Anagh Ojha: Urja Mobility is redefining EV asset management with AI-driven predictive analytics and IoT-based real-time monitoring. Our proprietary platform continuously assesses battery health, usage patterns, and environmental conditions, optimizing performance and preempting failures before they occur. AI-powered diagnostics enable proactive maintenance, reducing unplanned downtime and extending battery life. Our smart BMS (Battery Management System) enhances safety by detecting anomalies and preventing thermal runaway. With end-to-end data insights, we empower fleet operators with actionable intelligence, enabling them to optimize routes, reduce energy wastage, and improve overall cost efficiency.

IBT: With INR 100 Cr in funding secured, what are your immediate investment plans to expand your leasing and energy solutions?

Anagh Ojha: With INR 100 Cr in funding, Urja Mobility is poised for exponential growth. Our immediate focus is on scaling our leasing portfolio, expanding our footprint across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and strengthening our AI-driven energy management infrastructure. We are aggressively investing in R&D to enhance battery life, charging efficiency, and second-life applications. Strategic partnerships with OEMs, financial institutions, and logistics players are also in the pipeline to accelerate adoption. Additionally, a portion of the funds will be allocated to marketing, talent acquisition, and operational enhancements to solidify our position as the leader in the EV leasing ecosystem.

IBT: What role do battery leasing models play in supporting India’s EV infrastructure and achieving large-scale electrification goals by 2030?

Anagh Ojha: Battery leasing models are crucial in making EV adoption financially viable and sustainable. By removing the high upfront cost of battery ownership, we enable businesses, drivers, and fleet operators to transition to EVs effortlessly. This model also accelerates infrastructure development by ensuring efficient battery circulation and reducing dependency on extensive charging networks. Our leasing approach aligns with India’s 2030 electrification goals by democratizing access to clean mobility, driving economic inclusion, and reducing carbon emissions at scale.

IBT: Battery technology is evolving rapidly. What innovations in lithium-ion batteries or alternative solutions do you foresee impacting the EV landscape?

Anagh Ojha: The future of EV energy storage lies in solid-state batteries, fast-charging ultra-capacitors, and next-gen lithium-silicon technologies. Urja Mobility is actively researching alternative chemistries such as sodium-ion and metal-air batteries, which promise higher energy densities and lower costs. AI-driven energy optimization and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) integration will further enhance grid stability and reduce operational costs. As battery innovation accelerates, we remain committed to adopting and integrating the latest advancements to offer the most efficient, cost-effective solutions for our customers.

IBT: What’s next for Urja Mobility? Are there any upcoming innovations, partnerships, or expansion plans that will redefine the EV leasing ecosystem?

Anagh Ojha: Urja Mobility is gearing up for major expansion and technological breakthroughs. We are actively working on the development of lithium-ion cells under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, focusing on circular economy principles, second-life battery applications, and lithium-ion recycling. Our commitment extends to e-waste collection management, ensuring sustainable disposal and repurposing of energy storage systems. Additionally, we are in discussions for futuristic joint ventures with technology companies and research centers to drive innovation in battery chemistry, AI-driven energy optimization, and advanced energy storage solutions. With these initiatives, Urja Mobility is set to lead the next wave of EV adoption, making sustainable mobility accessible, affordable, and efficient for all.

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Anagh Ojha is a disruptive force in the clean energy sector, driving Urja Mobility to redefine how India consumes and stores energy. As the co-founder of MTOW Mobility Pvt. Ltd., Anagh is leading the charge with bold, innovative solutions like Battery as a Service (BaaS) and Energy as a Service (EaaS), all aimed at delivering scalable, cost-efficient energy for the masses. With a game-changing vision for a cloud-based energy storage platform, he is set to democratize energy access while ensuring reliability at scale. Every challenge fuels my commitment to redefine the future of clean energy. I believe transformative solutions arise from a blend of passion and persistence. By 2026, Urja Mobility will be capable of storing and supplying 1 GWh of energy daily, accelerating India’s journey toward net-zero pollution. Anagh’s keen business strategies have kept Urja profitable through volatile times, anticipating future industry disruptions and creating loss-proof solutions in advance. For investors, this is a rare opportunity to back a visionary who’s not just adapting to the future—he’s shaping it.