In response to the recent developments involving electric mobility startup BluSmart and regulatory action initiated against it by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Vikas Bardia, Founder and CEO of Shoffr, has shared his perspective on the state of the EV mobility sector and Shoffr’s approach to sustainable growth.
Amid heightened attention from the industry and investors, Shoffr has seen a wave of support encouraging the company to scale quickly and fill the market gap. However, Vikas Bardia emphasized a more measured and pragmatic approach. “When we started, we knew we had the second-mover advantage — the opportunity to learn from the missteps of the early entrants,” he said in his recent LinkedIn post.
Vikas Bardia’s Vision for Sustainability
Bardia outlined how Shoffr’s founding thesis was rooted in strong unit economics, strategic fleet selection, and a clear go-to-market plan. Unlike others in the space, the company intentionally opted not to enter the EV charging business and focused instead on building what he termed a “solid core business.”
Now over two and a half years into operations, Shoffr remains focused on balancing growth with operational discipline. “Scaling without maintaining quality or matching supply with demand can lead to a downward spiral of discounts, fare cuts, and brand erosion,” Vikas Bardia noted. He also highlighted the importance of building a committed network of drivers aligned with Shoffr’s service standards rather than relying on short-term incentives.
Referring to the current moment as a validation of their initial strategy, Bardia reiterated that the EV ride-hailing sector remains challenging and operations-heavy. “Our thesis has only solidified. If we can set the right processes, empathize with our stakeholders, and maintain healthy financials, scale is inevitable,” he added.
Looking ahead, Vikas Bardia underlined that Shoffr’s goal is not to be the largest or most widely valued player, but to become India’s most loved ride experience. The company is currently expanding its team in Bengaluru, with open roles across technology, operations, and fleet management, including driver partnerships.
