David Pieris Group has an electric taxi service now

David Pieris Group, one of the most prominent players in the automobile space in Sri Lanka, has launched its taxi service. Dubbed “E-Drive,” the new service will be operated via electric three-wheelers as the company looks to enter an already competitive industry.

The initial run includes a fleet of 20 electric three-wheelers which will service Colombo and its suburbs with likely plans to expand to other areas. Interestingly, E-Drive will charge only a flat rate of LKR 65 per km and won’t have any peak hour charges in the pricing. While the service functionality of the service itself will be handled via Link Lanka’s YOGO app, all of E-Drive‘s fleet will be centrally monitored by the David Pieris Motor Company (DPMC).

As per the company, the taxis are easily identifiable by the green and white branding accompanied by the E-Drive logo. Additionally in an effort to offer transparency, the relevant driver details along with a service hotline number will be viewable in each taxi.

USAID and David Pieris

This operation is part of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) ” Sri Lanka Energy Program.” Last year, USAID partnered up with DPMC where the company was to convert existing combustion engine three-wheelers to electric versions while offering after-sales service. Under the partnership, USAID provides technical assistance to DPMC which includes helping establish a charging station network in a bid to grow and sustain the initiative. Incidentally, back in June 2022, USAID signed a similar agreement with VEGA Innovations to push for e-tuks and local battery design and manufacturing.

According to DPMC, it’s the first corporate entity in the country to gain approval to register the converted Bajaj three-wheelers.”We want to not only use this platform to allow the public to use this greener, cheaper means of transport but also to ensure passengers get a safer ride with disciplined, trained drivers,” comments Executive Director at David Pieris Holdings Jayantha Ratnayake on the launch of E-Drive.

Going electric

David Pieris Group’s announcement comes on the backdrop of taxi services having been prompted to explore alternate means of operating their fleet of drivers and delivery operators. Amid last year’s economic crisis, Uber Eats Sri Lanka started deploying bicycles for carrying out its deliveries. During the same period, PickMe opted to test Rhoda’s e-bikes to handle its deliveries before joining hands with Lumala early this year.

As of now, E-Drive is only focused on the taxi segment. Though, it will be interesting to see E-Drive’s own value proposition pan out in a space dominated by PickMe and Uber.

In case you’re looking to try one out, you can book an E-Drive taxi via the YOGO app, dialing 0777 606077, or simply by hailing one from the road. However, it’s worth noting that these three-wheelers only operate from 7 am to 7 pm, Monday to Saturday