ANI Technologies-owned Ola is in talks with India’s top automakers to procure custom-made electric and connected vehicles as the ride-hailing platform plots an aggressive expansion into eco-friendly modes of transport.
These so-named “Special Purpose Vehicles” would, to some extent, be designed by Ola, three people aware of the plans said, seeking anonymity.

The talks are also focused on efficient battery management systems that are key to operating such vehicles, especially on a mass scale, the people said.
Ola wants to replicate China’s top cab-hailing platform, Didi Chuxing Technology Co., which has tied up with companies such as Volkswagen AG for custom-made vehicles.