IANS | 06 Dec, 2023
Hero MotoCorp and electric vehicle manufacturer Ather Energy on
Wednesday entered into a partnership for an interoperable fast-charging
network in the country, touted as the first-ever interoperable
fast-charging network for EV two-wheelers anywhere in the world.
Through the collaboration, EV users will be able to seamlessly
use both Hero VIDA and Ather Grids across the country. The combined
network will cover 100 cities with over 1,900 fast-charging points.
“This
largest charging network in the country will go a long way in providing
a seamless and convenient ownership experience to customers. This
fastest-growing network utilises the government approved
connector-standard, thus ensuring current and future customers will be
able to use and charge their vehicles without any hassles in the
future,” said Dr Swadesh Srivastava, Chief Business Officer, Emerging
Mobility BU, Hero MotoCorp.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
recently approved Light Electric Combined Charging System (LECCS),
India’s first-ever indigenously developed AC and DC Combined Charging
connector standard for light electric vehicles.
Customers will be
able to locate and navigate to the charging stations through the “My
VIDA” and Ather App. The interoperability will enable them to discover
only compatible locations, locate their nearest charging station, view
its availability, and navigate to the station.
“It’s a massive
win for Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to collaborate on
scaling up charging infrastructure. This partnership will pave the way
for consumers to access an extensive network of charging stations across
the country, alleviating range anxiety,” said Swapnil Jain, Co-founder
and CTO, Ather Energy.
Any OEM which adopts the LECCS standard will have access to Ather Grid across India, he added.
