As air quality levels in major Indian cities plummet to alarming lows, BluSmart, South Asia’s electric ride-hailing service, has unveiled the fifth edition of its MyBluKms challenge. The campaign, part of the #FightPollutionWithEVolution initiative, encourages citizens to opt for electric vehicle (EV) rides as a step toward combating air pollution.
The timing is telling. With AQI levels breaching hazardous zones, the call for sustainable mobility couldn’t be louder. Yet, whether initiatives like these are sufficient to address the scale of India’s pollution crisis remains debatable. The contest, running from November 19 to December 18, 2024, dangles an iPhone 16 and premium hampers worth Rs 1 lakh as incentives for participants. Users earn points for every kilometre travelled using BluSmart services, tracked via an in-app leaderboard.
While BluSmart’s effort is commendable, the move raises questions. Is incentivising EV rides with consumer rewards a sustainable solution, or does it merely scratch the surface of a deeper environmental issue? BluSmart claims riders can reduce emissions with every ride, yet systemic challenges—like inadequate EV infrastructure and limited adoption of clean energy—persist.
“With AQI levels spiking across India’s metros, this is a moment for each of us to do our part. Through MyBluKms, we’re encouraging people to take direct action by choosing sustainable transport options, supporting a cleaner environment while reaping rewards. Our goal is to inspire everyone to make every kilometer count toward a healthier, greener city. Together, we can #FightPollutionWithEVolution and make a meaningful difference,”Anirudh Arun, co-founder and CEO, BluSmart Fleet said.