Drivn, a Gurugram-based electric mobility platform, has secured a funding commitment of up to $80 million (about ₹650 crore) from global financial services firm Nomura to accelerate deployment of electric buses and trucks on inter-city and industrial routes, supporting India’s shift toward low-emission commercial transport.
Funding to unlock large-scale commercial electrification
Nomura’s capital commitment will primarily fund the first phase of nearly 1,000 electric buses and trucks, enabling fleet operators to transition from diesel without shouldering the high upfront costs of electric vehicles. Drivn offers long-term asset ownership and operational support designed to lower financial and operational barriers that slow EV adoption in the commercial segment.
Full-stack model tailored to heavy commercial fleets
Founded in 2025 by Manav Bansal and Alpna Jain, Drivn operates as a full‑stack electric mobility provider focused on large commercial fleets rather than personal vehicles. Its service suite covers vehicle ownership and leasing, charging infrastructure planning, fleet management and battery lifecycle optimisation—an integrated approach intended to deliver predictable operations and improved asset utilisation.
Combining finance, operations and data
One key challenge for electrifying heavy transport is the absence of integrated solutions that combine financing with operational expertise. Drivn’s model addresses this by pairing customised financial structures for asset-heavy businesses with technology-driven fleet optimisation. Real-time monitoring of battery health, vehicle usage and lifecycle costs helps operators achieve a lower total cost of ownership over time.
OEM-agnostic approach and operational efficiency
Drivn’s platform is OEM-agnostic, allowing partnerships with multiple manufacturers while ensuring efficient charging schedules and high utilisation rates. The company’s data systems support predictable performance and maintenance planning, reducing downtime and enabling fleet operators to maintain service levels during the transition to electric powertrains.
Supporting India’s clean mobility and corporate sustainability goals
The expansion complements India’s broader policy aim to accelerate EV adoption and cut fossil-fuel dependence. Heavy commercial vehicles—buses and trucks—are a high-impact target for emissions reduction because of their significant daily mileage and fuel consumption. By focusing on Scope 3 emissions from logistics and transport, Drivn offers corporates and logistics firms a practical route to meet sustainability targets without disrupting operations.
International investor confidence in commercial EV opportunity
Nomura’s commitment signals growing global investor confidence in India’s electric mobility market beyond passenger cars. The investment underlines the importance of scalable, asset-backed, technology-led business models to electrify large fleets across emerging markets. As Drivn moves from funding commitment to deployment, its execution over the coming months will be closely watched for its impact on cleaner transportation and the wider EV ecosystem in India.
