Honda & BMRCL Announce To Start Operation Of Battery Swap Service

Honda Power Pack Energy India (HEID), Honda Motor’s subsidiary for battery swap service, and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL), a joint venture of Government India and Government of Karnataka, held the opening ceremony of Honda e:swap services on 7th December 2022, which is operated by HEID at the BMRCL Metro stations. The inauguration ceremony has been held on 7th December 2022, where both companies celebrated the progress of the partnership and reaffirm mutual determination to realize carbon neutrality and a greener future for Bengaluru city by pursuing the electrification of small mobilities. 

HEID was established to begin battery swap service in India starting with electric auto rickshaws. HEID’s battery swap service will enable rickshaw drivers to stop by at the nearest battery stations being set up across the selected cities and swap discharged batteries (Honda Mobile Power Pack e:) with fully charged ones. The use of this service will significantly reduce drivers’ initial cost to purchase EV as well as reducing concern about range anxiety and running out of batteries.

“HEID would focus on three actions, which are expanding its battery swap network in Bengaluru, ensuring the reliable service with a highly integrated system monitoring every unique battery and exchanger, and supporting vehicle manufacturers who are developing EV that utilizes Honda Mobile Power Pack e:. Partnering with BMRCL in setting up the Honda e:Swap station network, would provide the comfort of cleaner and greener first & last mile connectivity to metro users,” said Kiyoshi Ito, President & CMD, Honda Power Pack Energy India.

HEID and BMRCL signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in the field of E-mobility and have affirmed the mutual commitment through developing its swap station network. HEID has already set up Honda e:Swap station at five BMRCL stations such as KR Market, National College, Banashankari, Trinity, Baiyappanahalli stations in Bengaluru and started its operation initially for electric auto rickshaws which are compatible with Honda Mobile Power Pack e:. This partnership would accelerate the penetration of e-mobility in the last and fast-mile connectivity and contribute into a cleaner & greener future.

“People will adopt to eco-friendly mobility services, if required setup are delivered. In line with Karnataka Electric Vehicle and Storage Policy 2017 and to encourage such setups, BMRCL is happy to have partnered with Honda Power Pack Energy India Private Limited (HEID) for providing the State of the Art Honda e:Swap stations at 5 Metro Stations. Such charging infrastructure will not only facilitate metro commuters to adopt to e mobility as their first and last mile connectivity, it will also facilitate other e mobility vehicle users to become partners for a Greener Bangalore,” said Anjum Parwez Managing Director, BMRCL.

HEID has vision is to create the battery swapping station network by setting up more than 70 stations in Bengaluru by July 2023. Furthermore, based on the success in Bengaluru city, the service will be expanded to other major cities in a phased manner.