Karnataka has launched a unique electric vehicle (EV) battery swapping network in its capital Bengaluru, addressing one of the key concerns of potential users of the cleaner technology – fast discharge and lack of supporting infrastructure.
Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa inaugurated the city’s first EV battery swapping network on Tuesday. To encourage the use of electric vehicles, he also took a ride in the indigenously developed e-autorickshaw driven by Kokila Rajesh.
“We are launching Sun Mobility Battery Swapping Network for electric vehicles in Bengaluru. This e-autorickshaw, which was developed in the city, will help reduce pollution. The government will give a subsidy of ₹ 42,000 on its cost,” Mr Yediyurappa said.
He added that once people like the e-vehicles, they will start using them.
The EV battery-swapping project is meant to ensure clean last-mile connectivity for Bengaluru.
“A full battery allows each e-vehicle to run for 80km. The battery swapping stations will enable e-vehicles to run for a longer period of time as you can just swap the discharged battery in 2 minutes and travel another 80km. We plan to create 100 battery swapping stations and this infrastructure is going to be spread across the city,” Sandeep Maini, the Director of Sun Mobility, said.
