Sakshi Vij: Pioneering Electric Car Subscription to Drive India’s EV Revolution

As India accelerates towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future, Sakshi Vij is pioneering a movement that aims to democratize electric vehicles (EVs) through the power of subscription. Founder of Myles, an online car rental platform, Sakshi’s vision for “Myles Zero” is not just redefining car ownership but also breaking down barriers that have held back the adoption of EVs in the country.

The Drive to Electric:

For many, the transition from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles to electric ones is still a cautious journey. Electric two-wheelers in India come with a wide range of options and affordable price points, some as low as ₹50,000, making them accessible to a broad audience. However, the electric car market is a different story, with higher price tags that can be prohibitive for many. Sakshi Vij recognized this gap and found a solution in subscription services for electric cars. Subscription, as she points out, offers several advantages over traditional ownership, especially for EVs. One of the most significant benefits is the reduction of the total cost of ownership. With subscriptions, a ₹40 lakh car can suddenly become an affordable ₹40,000 per month proposition.

Removing Ownership Barriers:

Sakshi’s Myles Zero is designed to address three primary concerns for potential EV owners. The first is the high cost of owning an electric car, which subscription lowers significantly. Second is the uncertainty about the residual value of EVs, which isn’t a concern with subscriptions. And third, there’s often hesitation regarding battery life and charging infrastructure. Subscription neatly tackles all these issues, offering flexibility and peace of mind to subscribers. It simplifies the ownership experience by eliminating the need for a down payment, covering maintenance costs, and providing insurance coverage. This model makes owning an electric vehicle accessible and hassle-free.

Sakshi Vij understands that the transition to electric cars won’t be an overnight shift. Unlike technology changes like 3G to 4G or 5G, which only involve device upgrades, moving from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EVs requires more significant adjustments. Habits, preferences, and concerns must align for users to make the change successfully. Limited choices in EVs also contribute to hesitancy among consumers. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) need to introduce more options to cater to diverse needs and preferences, further driving adoption.

As of now, electric cars represent only a small fraction of EV sales in India, accounting for just 1,221 out of 34,316 units sold in September. In contrast, electric two-wheelers continue to dominate, with 16,641 units sold during the same period. Sakshi Vij is determined to change this landscape by promoting car subscriptions as a means to accelerate EV adoption. Myles Zero has partnered with renowned car manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, and MG, with discussions underway with at least five more OEMs. Some manufacturers are even considering producing electric cars exclusively for subscription services to overcome initial cost and hesitation concerns. Over the next three years, Sakshi believes there will be a significant growth in the EV segment, aided by platforms like Myles Zero. Moreover, her ambitious plans include expanding into electric two-wheelers, further broadening the accessibility and affordability of electric vehicles in India.

Sakshi Vij is spearheading an EV revolution, making electric cars more affordable, and ultimately driving India towards a cleaner and greener future. Her vision for Myles Zero embodies the idea that sustainable transportation should be within everyone’s reach.