Financing the Future: How Asset Finance Supports Autonomous Public Transport

Electric two‑wheelers are gaining real traction in last‑mile delivery in India, with major deployments showing they can support heavy usage and long routings for city deliveries. Motovolt Mobility’s recent deployment of 2,500 electric two‑wheelers across major urban markets is one of the clearest examples of this trend.  Working with logistics providers and digital marketplaces such as Zomato, Swiggy, Flipkart and Blinkit, these EVs are now serving in cities including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi and Gurugram. The vehicles have collectively logged millions of kilometres in busy urban environments, demonstrating their reliability and practicality under real‑world conditions. For delivery networks focused on cost‑efficiency and emissions, electric two‑wheelers offer several advantages. They typically cost less per kilometre than petrol scooters, and electric motors and batteries require less routine maintenance. Given high fuel prices and increasing regulatory pressure on emissions, these savings are more than incremental — they directly improve operating margins. Another operational benefit lies in range and uptime. Modern electric two‑wheelers can travel distances suited to typical urban delivery shifts, and many models feature removable batteries that speed turnaround times. High daily mileage figures from deployed fleets suggest that well‑managed EVs can keep pace with business demand. From a sustainability standpoint, replacing petrol bikes with electric models reduces local air pollutants and noise in dense city streets. This aligns with broader urban environmental goals and can also improve brand perception among consumers who value cleaner deliveries. There remain challenges: charging infrastructure, upfront costs, and battery health over time are all factors operators must manage. But the real‑world data emerging from large‑scale deployments shows that these two‑wheel EVs are not just concept vehicles — they work in tough conditions every day. For any business involved in last‑mile delivery — whether food, retail or parcels — watching how electric two‑wheelers perform at scale is important. They are increasingly a credible part of a cost‑effective, low‑emission fleet.

England’s NHS ambulance services have received more than 500 new vehicles as part of a £75 million investment to strengthen emergency care capacity. The rollout is one of the largest NHS fleet renewals in recent years and is aimed at cutting response times and boosting reliability during high‑pressure seasons. Breaking down the investment The new ambulances are double‑crew models equipped with updated safety technology to protect patients and paramedics. They replace older vehicles and have already reduced breakdown rates, meaning more vehicles are available to respond to 999 calls. The investment is part of a broader approach within the NHS to modernise urgent and emergency care and support frontline staff amid rising demand. An important part of this fleet upgrade is that many of the vehicles were converted or assembled in towns and cities across England. Local work in places such as Goole, Bradford, Sandbach, and Peterborough supports skilled jobs while ensuring the supply chain for ambulances remains robust and responsive. Operational impact For ambulance services stretched by seasonal spikes in respiratory illness and other pressures, having reliable, up‑to‑date vehicles makes a difference on the ground. Fewer breakdowns mean crews spend less time waiting for replacements and more time caring for patients. Early feedback suggests response times have improved compared to previous winter periods. These vehicles also play a role in non‑emergency ambulance workflows, supporting transfers between hospitals, discharges, and urgent care transport that does not require emergency lights and sirens but still matters to patient flow. What this means for the sector From the perspective of private providers, suppliers, and fleet partners, the scale and scope of this rollout send clear signals. First, NHS fleet renewal remains a priority for health planners. Second, modernisation is increasingly tied to reliability and staff safety features, not just replacement cycles. Manufacturers and converters that can deliver vehicles that match evolving NHS specifications and regulatory requirements are likely to see continued demand. Meanwhile, operators that manage maintenance and telematics well will be better positioned to support fleet uptime and reduce operational downtime. The bigger picture Investments in ambulance fleets are part of a wider strategy to improve urgent care and emergency services. Upgrading vehicles is one part; ensuring they are integrated into broader care pathways, supported by workforce planning, and backed by modern dispatch and tracking technologies will determine long‑term impact. Conclusion The deployment of over 500 new ambulances strengthens emergency response and everyday patient transport. It underscores the need for reliable, safer vehicles and signals sustained commitment to frontline care capability across the NHS.