The Hero-Ather combined network, which utilises the approved charging system, will be the largest EV charging ecosystem in the country. Hero MotoCorp has around 35 per stake in Ather Energy
Hero MotoCorp has entered into a partnership with Ather Energy to establish an interoperable fast-charging network for two-wheelers in India. This collaboration aims to allow electric vehicle (EV) users to seamlessly utilise both VIDA and AtherGrids charging points across the country, creating a unified network covering 100 cities with over 1,900 fast-charging points.
In a regulatory filing, Hero MotoCorp highlighted that this joint effort will result in the largest charging network in India, significantly enhancing the convenience and ownership experience for EV customers. The network will adhere to government-approved connector standards, ensuring compatibility for current and future electric vehicle models.
Swadesh Srivastava, Chief Business Officer (Emerging Mobility BU) at Hero MotoCorp, emphasised that this collaboration represents a significant step towards providing a seamless and convenient charging experience for customers. The interoperable network is expected to ease concerns related to range anxiety, contributing to the broader adoption of electric two-wheelers.
Ather Energy's co-founder and CTO, Swapnil Jain, sees this collaboration as a substantial win for Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) aiming to scale up the charging infrastructure. He expressed optimism that this partnership would enable consumers to access an extensive network of charging stations, promoting collaborative expansion of the public charging infrastructure for two-wheelers.
The recent approval of the Light Electric Combined Charging System (LECCS) by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) marked India's first domestically developed AC and DC combined charging connector standard for light electric vehicles. The Hero-Ather combined network will leverage this approved charging system, establishing the largest EV charging ecosystem in the country.
Hero MotoCorp holds approximately a 35 percent stake in Ather Energy, and this collaboration underscores their joint commitment to fostering the growth of electric mobility in India. The interoperable charging network is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing infrastructure challenges and driving the adoption of electric two-wheelers across the nation.