CM Yediyurappa launches electric vehicle battery swapping network in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: The State government on Tuesday launched a unique electric vehicle (EV) battery swapping network in Bengaluru, which addresses fast discharge and supporting infrastructure, one of the key concerns of potential users of the cleaner technology.

After inaugurating, Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa said "Consumers are ready to adopt electric vehicles and now there is a need to ensure that the supporting infrastructure is in place. The indigenous solution and commercial model of battery swapping with quick interchange stations, made possible by SUN Mobility is a welcome measure."

He added that once people like e-vehicles, they will start using them. The EV battery swapping project is meant to ensure clean last-mile connectivity for Bengaluru. "As the government is encouraging usage of electric vehicles, these battery swapping units, besides cutting down charging time, will also help reduce the weight of vehicles, increase mileage, and make it possible to drive for longer hours" Mr Yediyurappa added.

According to reports, Karnataka is the first State in the country to introduce an EV policy to reduce pollution. "The support extended by the government of Karnataka for manufacture of the first electric vehicle in the country is highly appreciative," said Uday Khemka, Vice Presidents, Sun Mobility.

Sun Mobility will work with BESCOM and BMRC to enable a robust network of battery swapping infrastructure in the city, and has partnered with MetroRide for clean last-mile connectivity. An electric vehicle (EV) runs 80 km on a fully charged battery. The battery swapping stations will enable e-vehicles to run for a longer period of time as you can just swap the discharged battery in two minutes and travel another 80 km. The company plans to create 100 battery swapping stations across Bengaluru city.