Honda-HPCL battery swapping services have commenced in Bangalore. The JV aims to spread itself up to 70 cities pan India in the coming 12 months.
Honda-HPCL battery swapping services has begun for EVs in Bangalore. This service has been jointly developed by both companies. These battery swapping stations are called 'Honda e:SWAP'. The JV has used the HP fuel pumps in the city to provide this service. However, this service is limited to the electric three-wheelers for now. The JV aims to expand the services for two-wheelers soon.
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Honda e:SWAP Details
Both of these companies have formed this new joint venture. The aim is to allow the users to swap their drained EV battery for a fully charged one on the go. These swapping stations have been set up at the 5 HP fuel stations in Bangalore. However, the plans are to expand the number of swapping stations soon. The expansion will depend upon the success of this venture.
According to the services, users will be charged a subscribtional amount annually or monthly. This will allow the customers to avail a fully charged battery at any time. One can easily approach to a swapping station and drop their drained battery for a charged one.
Currently, the service is only for three-wheelers. As there are numerous electric rickshaws, the JV aims to provide support to the operators. Additionally, the electric two-wheelers will also be soon included to avail of this service. However, the swapping service is only limited to Bangalore city but the future expansion estimate suggests that up to 70 cities will be included in the coming 12 months.
Honda's interest in this venture also indicates some interesting theories. We think that Honda is working on a premium electric scooter under the name of Activa itself. This e-scooter will rival Ola S1, Ather 450 Plus, and TVS iQube. The swapping service means that this upcoming scooter might also feature a swappable battery pack. But, for now, there is no detail available about this scooter.
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