​Hero MotoCorp and HPCL to set up charging infrastructure for electric two-wheelers

Hero MotoCorp, which is set to launch its first electric vehicle – a scooter – under the recently trademarked sub-brand Vida  on October 7, has joined forces with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) to develop charging infrastructure for two-wheeled electric vehicles (EVs) in the country.

As a part of the initiative, the companies will set-up charging infrastructure for two-wheeled electric vehicles (EVs) across the country, thereby providing a fillip to mass mobility’s transition towards an electrified future.

This collaboration between the two majors is targeted towards enabling a successful transition of mass mobility towards EVs with the assurance of long-term solutions. Hero MotoCorp and HPCL will first establish charging infrastructure at HPCL’s existing network of nationwide energy stations, with the likelihood of subsequently broadening the collaboration for supplementary business opportunities.

In the first phase, charging stations will be set up in select cities, which will then be expanded to other key markets with the aim of establishing a high density of EV charging station network across India.

Hero MotoCorp will lead the infrastructure development for the charging network. Each charging station will feature multiple smart and fast chargers, including DC and AC chargers that will be available to all two-wheeled EVs. The entire user charging experience will be controlled by a Hero MotoCorp Mobile-App, based on a cashless transaction model.

Commenting on the new development, Dr Pawan Munjal, chairman and CEO, Hero MotoCorp said: “We believe that a smooth and rapid adoption of EVs will be possible only when the customers have easy and convenient access to the supporting infrastructure, especially public charging, and our collaboration with HPCL will go a long way in meeting this requirement.”

“HPCL as a key player in the energy sector is committed to providing sustainable energy solutions to our valued customers. With our vast network comprising more than 20,000 retail outlets and Hero MotoCorp having its strong presence in the two-wheeler segment bring a unique strategic partnership to create a pan-India electric charging infrastructure and providing end-to-end EV charging solutions. This is significant, as more than 60% of the EVs sold in India are two-wheelers and therefore, a robust charging ecosystem for them is the need of the hour so that there is no range anxiety among the owners of the electric two-wheelers,” said Dr. Pushp Kumar Joshi, Chairman & Managing Director, HPCL.

ALSO READ: Electric two-wheeler sales set for record FY2023, surpass 225,000 units in April-August 2022