Homegrown automaker Tata Motors has announced a collaboration with Delta Electronics India and Thunderplus Solutions Pvt Ltd to improve electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the country. The aim of this partnership is to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, especially in the commercial sector, by expanding the availability of charging stations on busy roads.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the three companies describes their respective roles in this initiative:
- Tata Motors will identify locations for new charging stations and recommend dealers.
- Delta Electronics supplies the required charging hardware.
- Thunderplus Solutions will oversee the installation and operation of the stations.
The aim is to promote the introduction of electric vehicles
Vinay Pathak, Vice President and Business Head, SCV & PU, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, pointed out that the availability of these charging stations would encourage customers to opt for electric commercial vehicles.
“Our goal is to make zero-emission freight transportation easily accessible. Expanding available charging infrastructure on busy routes will encourage more customers to choose electric commercial vehicles and improve vehicle availability, leading to higher revenues and better profitability while contributing to a cleaner, greener environment,” Pathak said.
“By installing rapid chargers at our dealerships, they have convenient access to a familiar location with a reliable charging option,” he said.
Further development of charging technology for electric vehicles
Commenting on the partnership, Niranjan Nayak, Managing Director, Delta Electronics India Pvt Ltd, said, “Delta is committed to providing innovative, clean and energy-efficient solutions for a better future. By collaborating with Tata Motors and Thunderplus, we can make a significant contribution to India's electric freight ecosystem. Our advanced charging technology will play a critical role in enhancing the electric commercial vehicle experience for users across the country.”
“Our focus is to provide best-in-class charging solutions to electric commercial vehicle customers that ensure convenience and reliability. This collaboration is perfectly aligned with our mission to drive sustainable transportation solutions across India. This initiative is in line with our #HarGharThunder campaign to make charging affordable for every household; make electric vehicle charging available in bulk, thereby eliminating charging anxiety,” added Rajeev YSR, CEO, Thunderplus Solutions Pvt Ltd.
Strengthening the charging network
The partnership is designed to strengthen the charging infrastructure required for Tata Motors' Ace EV, a small commercial vehicle (SCV) designed for last-mile deliveries. Built on Tata's EVOGEN platform, the Ace EV features advanced technology including a battery management system, Fleet Edge telematics and robust components to ensure optimal performance. It has a certified range of 154 km on a single charge and is powered by a single electric motor that delivers 36 hp and 130 Nm of torque. The vehicle also features a lightweight container with a cargo volume of 208 cubic feet and can climb gradients of up to 22 percent when fully loaded.
Tata Motors has already made significant progress in promoting the Ace EV by signing MoUs for its launch with major companies such as Amazon, BigBasket, City Link, DOT, Flipkart, LetsTransport, MoEVing and Yelo EV. With over 150 electric vehicle service centers across India, Tata Motors is well positioned to cater to the growing demand for electric commercial vehicles.
First published: 21 August 2024 | 3:35 p.m. IS
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