Trevel: Jindal Group’s New Chauffeur-Driven Electric Cab Service

Trevel has emerged as Jindal Group’s entry into India’s urban mobility sector, offering a chauffeur-driven cab service specifically designed for city and airport journeys. This innovative service challenges industry leaders like Ola, Uber, and Rapido. Launched by Sahil Jindal, the Managing Director of Jindal Group, Trevel was conceived after identifying shortcomings in existing ride-hailing options available through major providers.

Operations and Vehicle Fleet

Based in Gurugram, Trevel began its operations discreetly over the past month, starting with a fleet of MG Windsor electric vehicles. Currently, it offers scheduled city rides and airport transfers, with plans to diversify its vehicle categories in the upcoming months. As per its website, Trevel focuses on pre-booked, chauffeur-driven electric cab services with fixed pickup times and transparent pricing. Presently, bookings can be made via the website, while mobile applications for both Android and iOS are anticipated shortly.

Pilot Phase and Operational Model

The initial pilot phase included over 50 rides, a figure that remains relatively modest. Trevel operates on a fleet-led model, utilising vehicles either owned or operated by partners adhering to its operational guidelines.

Competitive Landscape

Trevel’s introduction occurs at a pivotal time when the premium electric cab market is experiencing disruption due to BluSmart’s recent service suspension. BluSmart, which provided an all-electric ride-hailing service targeting premium users, had scaled to various cities before ceasing operations. This gap has created opportunities for new players like Trevel in the electric chauffeur-driven market.

Market Positioning and Strategy

Although Trevel is venturing into the electric mobility arena, it will also be competing directly with Ola, Uber, and Rapido in the urban taxi space, especially for airport transfers and scheduled rides. Unlike models based on app aggregation, Trevel is currently employing a booking-first strategy with a managed fleet rollout.

Preparation and Future Plans

According to Jindal, the company invested six months in aligning its fleet, technology, and operational frameworks prior to the launch. Further announcements regarding expansion, additional vehicle categories, and platform development are expected in the near future.

Learning from Past Models

Trevel appears to be adopting lessons from BluSmart’s successful strategies, leveraging its access to electric vehicles from the MG brand. Their focus on airport pick-up and drop-off services, which was a crucial part of BluSmart’s strategy, faces its own unique challenges. Observations will be made following personal experiences with the service, as well as growth projections within the market.

Challenges in the EV Cab Sphere

The electric vehicle cab sector encapsulates various challenges, including access to charging points, speed of charging, and the costs associated with charging. These factors have hindered many operators in recent months. With Jindal’s MG launching its subscription models starting at Rs 3.50 per KM to encourage adoption, Trevel’s recent launch is seen as a way to establish a solid business offering for current and prospective cab owners.