Earlier this month, the government announced that India would soon get a master app that would serve as a one-stop-shop solution for all electric vehicle-related details. The EV Super App is slated to be able to reduce range anxiety and hence help promote usage of EVs in the country. State-run Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) is in the process of collating information from various sectors for the app, scheduled to be rolled out in the coming weeks.
What does the EV Super App entail?
The app would offer information on the availability, location, types and tariffs of EV charging stations around them and allow them to make or change reservations for the same. The app will also feature information shared by OEMs, which would in turn enhance visibility and traffic at private charging stations.
The EV Super App will not only act as a location service for chargers but also a platform that will promote the use of electric vehicles whilst also offering benefits to not just EV users but all stakeholders of the EV ecosystem.
CESL has accordingly designed a service procurement model to involve the private sector for setting up a charging ecosystem. CESL will partner with companies whose job will be to invest in and operate these stations across the expressways and highways, which will enable owners to take their EVs for long inter-state journeys. Overall, CESL plans to establish 10,000 charging stations in the next three years under the FAME II Initiative.
What do OEMs think?
We got in touch with a couple of electric vehicle startups to learn what the likes of them think about the Ev Super App and its benefits.
Sushant Kumar, Founder & Managing Director, AMO Electric Bikes –
The EV Super App’s launch will be advantageous for everyone. Yes, it’s a fantastic idea since the app will improve EV usage in general, deal with range anxiety, and support the ambitious plan for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in India.
AMO Electric Bikes stands to benefit greatly from such app-based features since they are consistent with the goals of our company. Our electric bike customers will appreciate considerably when the app discusses the availability of charging stations, charger models, and rates of charging.
The introduction of the EV Super App will be valuable for both the brand AMO Electric Bikes and its partners as AMO Mobility Solutions is in the process of partnering with a modest number of services, including last-mile delivery, bike taxis and bike rental.
Rajiv K Vij, Founder of Plug Mobility –
GOI decision to come up with a Super App through CESL to provide Availability, Charge Types, Traiff and allowing users to make bookings for same to charge their vehicles will go a long way in addressing concerns of EV vehicle owners about the Battery Range and help in faster adoption of Electric Vehicles across India.
Along with the Super App, CESL’s announcement of setting up 10,000 charging points and involving Private Charge Point Operators in this initiative to set up and manage the same, is also a welcome step.
It is also hoped that all the charging stations will actually become functional as many of the current charge stations are installed but not functional making them of no use to the EV owners. It is critical that all Charging Stations are in a fully functional state at all times and are also Easy to locate so that EV owners can actually reach the locations where they are installed easily and use them for charging their vehicles.