Hero MotoCorp and Ather Energy have partnered to create an interoperable EV charging network in India.
More than 1900 fast charging stations spread across 100 cities will be part of the merged network which will users nationwide will be able to use VIDA and Ather Grids seamlessly.
Customers can use the “My VIDA” and other Apps to locate and navigate to charging stations, ensuring compatibility and availability.
This is the world’s first interoperable fast-charging network for electric vehicle two-wheelers, not just in India. By bolstering the market as a whole and encouraging a convenient ownership experience, the interoperable network will accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
It must be noted that the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recently approved the Light Electric Combined Charging System (LECCS), India’s first-ever locally developed AC and DC Combined Charging connector standard for light-electric vehicles. With the use of the authorized charging system, this combined network will be the biggest EV charging ecosystem in the nation.
Dr. Swadesh Srivastava, Chief Business Officer, Emerging Mobility BU, Hero MotoCorp, said, “VIDA’s brand promise is building a Worry-free interoperable EV charging ecosystem. This largest charging network in the country will go a long way in providing a seamless & convenient ownership experience to customers. This network utilizes the government-approved connector standard, thus ensuring customers will be able to use and charge their vehicles without any hassles.”
Swapnil Jain, Co-founder and CTO, Ather Energy, said, “The partnership is a massive win for Indian OEMs to collaborate on scaling up charging infrastructure. It will pave the way for consumers to access an extensive network of charging stations across the country, alleviating range anxiety. Given the technical superiority of LECCS and the fact that it was Made in India for India, we believe more OEMs will find it lucrative to adopt this standard.”
Ather also committed that any OEM that adopts the LECCS standard will have access to Ather Grid across India. “With this interoperability, we are already demonstrating how it is beneficial for all OEMs to be on one standard. We believe that public EV charging infrastructure for two-wheelers is now set for collaborative expansion.”