Jaipur-based HOP Electric Mobility, an integrated electric mobility start-up has launched a network of battery charging / swapping stations under the brand Hop Energy Network.

The company says it had started a pilot network with 5 Swapping stations and 50 Batteries in Jaipur earlier this year. And in just six months it has already swapped over 2,000 batteries adding more than 140,000 clean kilometres.

This will allow its customers to charge their HOP e-scooters at home or swap to a fully charged battery when outside in less than 30 seconds. 

Ketan Mehta, CEO and founder, HOP Electric Mobility said, "Today, we are living in a hyper-aware society which is concerned about climate changes and global warming. Electric scooters have already proven that they are sustainable, renewable and economical. With HOP energy network customers will be able to save both time and money. Our charging stations are equipped with cutting-edge technology where users will be able to replace their batteries within 30 second with hassle-free replacement. Only a handful of companies are enabling users in such a drastic manner and we are one of them."

HOP Energy Network is betting on a decentralised energy distribution network. The company will be setting up charging cum swapping stations at existing petrol pumps, malls, parking lots and general stores so that the same infrastructure can be used to take a step towards a greener future.

The battery swapping cum charging stations are fully automated capable of churning out over 150 fully charged batteries on a daily basis. Equipped with NFC (Near-field Communication) and a 15-inch HMI touch screen, the battery swapping stations are designed for easy self-use and round the clock operations.

The EV start-up says with Hop energy network subscription its customers will benefit from a unique ownership experience with distinct benefits such as no hassle of owning batteries, upto 40% less upfront cost, access to the latest battery technologies and a lifetime warranty on their batteries. In this way, owning electric scooters will become cost-effective, time-effective, and more convenient than ever before.

HOP customers can opt for the monthly battery plan and enjoy unlimited battery swaps at any station at just Rs 2,500 per month or ‘pay as you go service’, where consumers use the service at Rs 1/km only for the kilometres they ride.  

On top of all that, the battery swapping cum charging stations are engineered to keep batteries cool while charging, resulting in long durability and optimal performance. The company says it has received positive feedback in Jaipur, and now it aims expand the charging stations network across India, starting with Tier-I cities like Delhi, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Gurgaon and Noida.