The Indian electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem is evolving faster than ever, and startups are racing to solve one of its most critical challenges — the resale and valuation of used EVs. Stepping into this high-potential segment, TrusTerra, an AI-driven used EV marketplace, has raised ₹9 crore in a pre-seed round led by Finvolve and India Accelerator, with participation from several angel and strategic investors.
This early funding marks the beginning of TrusTerra’s journey to bring trust, transparency, and technology into India’s fragmented pre-owned EV market.
A Vision Fueled by Trust and Technology
Founded in 2024 by Arjun Mehta, Ritika Sharma, and Rahul Bhatia, TrusTerra aims to simplify the resale and repurchase process for electric vehicles. The founders recognized a growing problem: while new EV sales in India surged by over 40% in 2024, the secondary EV market remained opaque, unorganized, and heavily dependent on guesswork.
Buyers hesitated due to uncertainties about battery health, charging history, and performance degradation. Sellers struggled to find fair prices and trustworthy buyers. Traditional used-car platforms lacked the technical framework to accurately assess EVs.
TrusTerra entered this gap with a clear vision — to create India’s first end-to-end verified marketplace for pre-owned EVs, powered by AI diagnostics and real-time data.
“We want to make buying and selling an EV as transparent as checking your phone’s battery health,” said Arjun Mehta, co-founder and CEO of TrusTerra. “EV adoption won’t scale sustainably unless the used market becomes reliable. That’s the problem we’re solving.”
What Makes TrusTerra Different
TrusTerra’s edge lies in its AI-powered diagnostic engine that assesses every EV listed on its platform. Instead of relying solely on manual inspections, the system uses on-board telematics data, battery management system (BMS) logs, and sensor analytics to evaluate a vehicle’s real-time health.
Every EV on TrusTerra undergoes a 45-point digital check-up, including:
- Battery health percentage and charge cycles
- Thermal management system efficiency
- Motor and inverter performance
- Charging port condition and software version
- Service history and warranty validation
Based on these parameters, the platform generates a “TrusScore”, a proprietary rating between 0 and 100 that reflects the vehicle’s reliability and remaining lifespan. This score helps both buyers and lenders make informed decisions.
In addition, TrusTerra offers certified listings, a seven-day return policy, and financing options through NBFC partners — features rarely seen in India’s used EV ecosystem.
Backing from Finvolve and India Accelerator
TrusTerra’s funding round drew strong interest from early-stage investors who see massive potential in the circular EV economy. Lead investor Finvolve, known for its focus on sustainability-led ventures, believes TrusTerra’s model aligns perfectly with India’s green transition goals.
“We backed TrusTerra because it combines technology, sustainability, and scalability,” said Ankit Jain, Partner at Finvolve. “The used EV market will explode over the next five years, and platforms like TrusTerra will define how trust gets built in this space.”
India Accelerator, one of the country’s top startup accelerators, co-led the round and plans to support TrusTerra with go-to-market strategy, partnerships, and operational scaling. Several angel investors with backgrounds in automotive and clean-tech also participated.
According to the founders, the ₹9 crore infusion will help TrusTerra expand its team, enhance product development, and pilot its platform across five major Indian cities, including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad.
The Timing Couldn’t Be Better
India’s electric vehicle revolution is gaining real traction. The EV market size crossed 1.6 million units in FY2025, with projections to hit 10 million annual sales by 2030. Government incentives under the FAME-II scheme, growing awareness of environmental benefits, and rising fuel prices have all fueled adoption.
However, experts believe the next wave of growth depends heavily on how efficiently the used EV ecosystem matures.
Currently, the resale value of electric vehicles is 25–30% lower than comparable ICE vehicles, mainly due to uncertainty about battery longevity and replacement costs. For buyers, this risk perception creates hesitation. For sellers, it results in unfairly low offers.
TrusTerra’s tech-led model addresses both sides of this equation. By introducing standardized health assessments and AI-verified valuations, it builds trust, improves resale value, and supports circular mobility — all of which are vital for long-term EV adoption.
The Business Model and Roadmap
TrusTerra operates on a commission-based model, earning revenue from verified listings, transaction fees, and financing partnerships. The platform plans to launch a B2B vertical later this year to help dealers, fleet operators, and ride-hailing services manage and liquidate their used EV inventories efficiently.
Over the next 12 months, TrusTerra aims to:
- Onboard 5,000+ certified EV listings across two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers.
- Launch its mobile app, integrating telematics for real-time health tracking.
- Partner with EV OEMs to access historical performance data and improve battery analytics.
- Introduce subscription and warranty extensions for pre-owned EVs.
The startup is also exploring integration with EV charging networks to offer buyers a complete ecosystem — from purchase and financing to charging and maintenance.
“Our platform won’t just list EVs; it’ll build a trust infrastructure around them,” said co-founder Ritika Sharma, who leads TrusTerra’s product and AI research. “We want users to know exactly what they’re buying, how long it’ll last, and what it’s truly worth.”
Investors Bet on the Used EV Boom
The global market for used EVs is expected to grow sixfold by 2030, according to a report by Deloitte. In India alone, the pre-owned EV market could reach $6–8 billion within the next five years, driven by rapid electrification of personal and commercial mobility.
Yet, the market faces three persistent challenges:
- Lack of verified battery data
- Fragmented dealer networks
- Low consumer confidence in resale pricing
Startups like TrusTerra aim to fix all three. By leveraging data-driven insights, TrusTerra’s approach mirrors successful models in other sectors — such as Cars24 for used cars and Ola Electric’s certified resale program for scooters — but adds a crucial layer of AI-backed transparency.
Building for a Sustainable Future
TrusTerra’s mission goes beyond commerce. The team believes that a robust used EV ecosystem reduces electronic waste, extends product lifecycles, and accelerates carbon neutrality goals.
Every verified EV that gets resold prevents another ICE vehicle from hitting the road. The company estimates that its operations could help avoid up to 25,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually by 2027.
“We’re not just creating a business; we’re building trust in clean mobility,” said Rahul Bhatia, co-founder and COO. “When people feel confident about resale, they buy EVs faster. That’s how we build a sustainable cycle.”
The Road Ahead
With ₹9 crore in its pocket and a clear vision in hand, TrusTerra stands at the intersection of data, trust, and sustainability. The company plans to launch its public beta in Q1 2026 and scale nationally by late 2026, aiming to become the default marketplace for pre-owned EVs in India.
As India’s mobility landscape electrifies, TrusTerra’s bold bet could transform one of the EV industry’s most overlooked yet vital sectors — the resale market.
By fusing artificial intelligence with transparency, the startup isn’t just building a platform; it’s powering the trust economy for India’s electric future.
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