The majority of cycle rickshaw and electric-rickshaw drivers in India do not own their vehicles and therefore are required to shoulder significant rental costs that eat away at their earnings.
SMV Green provides opportunities for marginalised people with the ability to own an e-rickshaw and create their own sustainable business. They help their customers obtain financing and also support them with the licensing and registration procedures. They are campaigning for behavioural change by providing opportunities for women to participate as drivers in a male-dominated industry.
SMV has enabled 1,400+ e-rickshaw drivers with financing and other support. A typical e-rickshaw driver working with SMV is able to boost their income by 140%. They estimate that they have reduced over 1,248 tonnes of CO2 emissions last year.