

Mint Explainer | Why Uber is making a second startup bet in India
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Uber India is shifting its fleet strategy. Until now, the company had invested only in Everest Fleet, backing the operator with a $20 million funding round in June 2023, followed by around $30 million in 2024 and another $20 million in 2025.
That single-partner approach is changing. Uber has invested $7 million in Carrum, the CarDekho Group–backed fleet startup managing about 3,000 electric and CNG vehicles, according to two people familiar with the matter. Mint breaks down what this means for Uber, drivers, and fleet operators.
Uber India relied heavily on Everest Fleet to supply professional vehicles, particularly electric vehicles (EVs). But ride demand has surged—growing roughly 25% in 2025 across large metros, according to Praxis Global Alliance estimates—while fleet supply has lagged. Shortages have emerged in Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
“As Everest emerged as Uber’s dominant organised fleet partner, concentration risk increased," said Ram Soni, partner, Mobility, Energy and Transportation at Praxis Global Alliance. “Diversifying fleet partners allows Uber to scale supply faster and maintain service levels." Commuters have increasingly reported longer wait times, particularly at airports and IT hubs during peak hours. Everest Fleet focuses on mass-market EV deployment, while Carrum offers a different mix.
Backed by the CarDekho Group, Carrum operates about 3,000 CNG and electric vehicles, with an emphasis on CNG-first operations and premium categories. Carrum has also carved out a niche by deploying SUVs for Uber Black in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai, targeting higher-margin rides, notes Soni. This helps fill a void in the premium segment after the BluSmart disruption,
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