Honda Enhances Battery Swapping Network
EVs are quite new in India. Swapping batteries can be a daunting task, especially when the network in India is not that well-developed, batteries are rather expensive, and since EVs are new, there isn’t an organized infrastructure for dealing with the servicing and battery-replacement of electric vehicles. However, Honda Power Pack Energy India Ltd. (HEID) has something that might solve those problems.
Honda Power Pack Energy India Private Limited (HEID), Honda Motor Co., Ltd.’s subsidiary for battery swap service, and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), a joint venture of Government India and Government of Karnataka, held the opening ceremony of Honda e:swap services on 7th December 2022, which is operated by HEID at the BMRCL Metro stations.
In November 2021, HEID was established to begin battery swap service in India starting with electric auto rickshaws. HEID’s battery swap service will enable rickshaw drivers to stop by at the nearest battery stations being set up across the selected cities and swap discharged batteries (Honda Mobile Power Pack e:) with fully charged ones. The use of this service will significantly reduce drivers’ initial cost to purchase EV as well as reducing concern about range anxiety and running out of batteries.
New Swap Points
HEID and BMRCL signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in the field of E-mobility and have affirmed the mutual commitment through developing its swap station network. HEID has already set up Honda e:Swap station at 5 BMRCL stations (KR Market, National College, Banashankari, Trinity, Baiyappanahalli stations) in Bengaluru and started its operation initially for electric auto rickshaws which are compatible with Honda Mobile Power Pack e:. This partnership would accelerate the penetration of e-mobility in the last and fast-mile connectivity and contribute to a cleaner & greener future.
HEIDs vision is to create the largest battery-swapping station network by setting up more than 70 stations in Bengaluru by July 2023. Furthermore, based on the success in Bengaluru city, the service will be expanded to other major cities in a phased manner.
An inauguration ceremony has been held on 7th December 2022, where both parties celebrated the progress of the partnership and reaffirm mutual determination to realize carbon neutrality and the greener future of Bengaluru city by pursuing the electrification of small mobilities.
Official Statements
President & CMD, Honda Power Pack Energy India, Mr. Kiyoshi Ito expressed his opinion by saying that “HEID would focus on three actions, which are expanding its battery swap network in Bengaluru, ensuring the reliable service with a highly integrated system monitoring every unique battery and exchanger, and supporting vehicle manufacturers who are developing EV that utilizes Honda Mobile Power Pack e:. Partnering with BMRCL in setting up the Honda e:Swap station network, would provide the comfort of cleaner and greener first & last mile connectivity to metro users.”
Managing Director, BMRCL, Mr. Anjum Parwez, commented- “People will adopt to eco-friendly mobility services, if required setup is delivered. In line with Karnataka Electric Vehicle and Storage Policy 2017 and to encourage such setups, BMRCL is happy to have partnered with Honda Power Pack Energy India Private Limited (HEID) for providing the State of the Art Honda e:Swap stations at 5 Metro Stations. Such charging infrastructure will not only facilitate metro commuters to adapt to e-mobility as their first and last mile connectivity, it will also facilitate other e-mobility vehicle users to become partners for a Greener Bangalore.”