Motovolt & Swobbee Partners To Plant 200 EV Stations In India
Motovolt Mobility, an e-mobility brand, has joined forces with German climate-tech firm Swobbee. To focus on battery charging time, cost and life to elevate the overall user experience in the country.
The goal of this collaboration is to set up 200 battery swapping stations across India within the next 24 months. This initiative is backed by a significant technological and financial investment in excess of seven figures USD.
With the opening of the first two Swobbee battery swapping and charging stations in Delhi and Kolkata, the first phase has begun. The long-term goal is to turn a profit in five years and earn more than USD 10 million in revenue.
India has witnessed a significant surge in EV sales, particularly in the two-wheeler segment, with around 15.6 million units sold last year, securing its place as the second-largest market in the world.
However, Indian Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) users continue to face challenges, such as the high upfront cost of batteries, limited range requiring frequent recharging, issues with battery performance and life, and end-of-life use of batteries, in addition to serious safety concerns.
Tushar Choudhary, Founder and CEO of Motovolt Mobility, said, “Swobbee’s battery swapping services offer a unique proposition wherein our customers can subscribe to a swapping solutions provider. This offers freedom from the necessity to purchase batteries upfront with the vehicle, ensuring optimal battery performance, safe and efficient charging, and proper disposal of end-of-life batteries. Additionally, Swobbee will gain access to our product portfolio and customer base, empowering them to establish a nationwide intelligent and multi-manufacturer battery swapping network."
Initially targeting business customers, including delivery and transport services, Swobbee stations will gradually become available to private customers. These stations are designed as a universal infrastructure solution capable of integrating various LEV battery types from different manufacturers, accommodating diverse technologies and cell chemistries.
“Removing access barriers to clean mobility solutions is imperative not only to cushion the impacts of climate change but also to ensure social equity in the ongoing green transformation. Nowhere is this more important than in the most populous country and the fifth-largest economy on the planet. Small businesses, delivery services, cabs—they all rely on two- and three-wheelers, which are on the roads by the millions. That is why we are very excited to partner with Motovolt to roll out an infrastructure solution that will democratise access to zero-emission LEVs for businesses and private consumers,” stated Thomas Duscha, CEO and co-founder of Swobbee.
The Swobbee stations are currently accessible to Motovolt's commercial customers in Delhi and Kolkata. Moving forward, the collaboration aims to onboard other LEV OEMs and establish a comprehensive battery swapping network for various vehicle makes and types across India.
