In a recent regulatory filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on December 6, Hero MotoCorp, a leading two-wheeler manufacturer, announced a strategic partnership with Ather Energy to establish an interoperable fast-charging network across the country. This collaboration aims to enable electric vehicle (EV) users to seamlessly access both VIDA and Ather Grids in over 100 cities, encompassing a network of more than 1,900 fast-charging points.
The Light Electric Combined Charging System (LECCS), recently approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), plays a pivotal role in this venture. Capable of functioning with both AC and DC, the LECCS is designed for charging light electric vehicles. Leveraging this government-approved charging system, the joint effort between Hero MotoCorp and Ather Energy is set to establish the most extensive EV charging ecosystem in India.
This strategic partnership holds great promise for the growth of electric vehicle adoption in the country. The charging stations will be conveniently accessible through dedicated applications, namely “My VIDA” and the Ather App. These apps will not only help users locate compatible stations but also provide real-time information on station availability and navigation assistance to the nearest charging point.
Swadesh Srivastava, Chief Business Officer (CBO) of Emerging Mobility BU at Hero MotoCorp, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are happy to extend our association with Ather Energy through this interoperable fast-charging network. VIDA’s brand promise is building a ‘Worry-free EV ecosystem,’ and this largest charging network in the country will go a long way in providing a seamless and convenient ownership experience to customers.”
Adding to this sentiment, Swapnil Jain, Co-founder and CTO of Ather Energy, highlighted the significance of the interoperable fast-charging network. “It’s a massive win for Indian 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 Jain. He also emphasized the technical superiority of LECCS, which is made in India for India, making it an attractive standard for more OEMs to adopt.
Furthermore, Jain announced Ather Energy’s commitment to offer access to Ather Grid across India for any OEM adopting the LECCS standard. This interoperability not only facilitates a unified standard for public charging infrastructure for two-wheelers but also sets the stage for collaborative expansion in the future.
