Honda Power Pack Energy India, a new subsidiary of the Honda Motor Company Ltd, has signed a memorandum of understanding and commercial agreement with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). Through this collaboration, the two brands will provide battery-swapping services in HPCL’s retail outlets in major cities across India. Previously, HPCL had signed a similar agreement with Hero MotoCorp.
At the 46th Tokyo Motor Show, Honda introduced its Honda e:Technology program on October 23, 2019. The company called it a collective name for its “high-efficiency electrification technologies including electrified two- and four-wheeled mobility products as well as Honda’s energy management technologies.” In October 2021, Honda Motor Company Japan established its new subsidiary, Honda Power Pack Energy India, and announced its plan to begin battery sharing service in India starting with electric three-wheelers. This move aims to help electric rickshaw drivers to stop by at the nearest battery swapping stations in select cities and swap discharged batteries with fully charged ones. This service will greatly reduce the initial cost to purchase electric vehicles as well as lower concerns like range anxiety.
This service will commence on a commercial basis from Bengaluru in the first half of 2022. Honda intends to set up a robust network of battery swap stations at strategic locations like HPCL’s retail outlets. The assistance will be extended to other major cities in a phased manner. The company has stated that this service will initially focus on the three-wheeler segment. It’s theoretically easier to centralize charging docks for those swappable batteries among the much smaller, less widespread delivery community. Once those systems are in place and running smoothly, it should then be easier to take what Honda learns and develop a strong, smooth charging station infrastructure for regular two-wheeler and three-wheeler customers in India.
Please Login / register to post your comments!!
0 Comments