New Delhi: The Bharat Charge Alliance (BCA), an initiative by the leading companies in the EV charging infrastructure, plans to set up standardized, accessible, and reliable charging infrastructure for light electric vehicles (EVs) in the country.
It seeks to promote interoperability so that EV owners can seamlessly charge their vehicles across a network of stations, regardless of the vehicle’s make or model. With this collaboration, the stakeholders plan to set up 5000-plus public charging stations across the country by the end of next fiscal year.
The BCA partners include Log9, Trinity Cleantech, Altigreen, ETO Motors, Pulse Energy, ChargeZone with its mobility platform Billion Electric & EVnnovator and Tork Motors.
This collaboration is aimed at establishing an interoperable charging network that promises to transform the EV landscape, particularly for two and three-wheelers, across the country. Adding to the momentum, Log9, a pioneer in advanced battery technology, and Trinity Cleantech, a leader in sustainable energy solutions, have already announced their partnership as members of the Bharat Charge Alliance.
Trinity, under its brand name Thunder+ , will set up 2000 public charging stations across India by the end of next fiscal year. This collaboration is aimed at promoting the Type 6 (IS 17017-2-6) DC fast chargers, building an interoperable charging network under BCA’s LEV DC (IS 17017-25 adopted) standard and Unified Energy Interface (UEI) based payment mechanism powered by Beckn protocol that not only supports the growing demand for EVs but also aligns with India’s sustainability goals, the media release stated.
Recently, on the occasion of National Science Day (February 28), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, released a whitepaper titled “Evolution: Catalysing Technology-Led Ecosystem for e-Mobility: Contexts, Challenges, and Imperatives”. This paper also endorsed the collaboration for interoperable charging infrastructure and mentions IS 17017-25 and UEI adoption.
Type 6 connector which can support up to 125A continuous charging current is also gaining popularity among e3W (L5) OEMs like Altigreen, ETO Motors & Surja Automotive whose vehicles have larger battery packs. Moreover, this connector which is globally approved, is now locally manufactured by top connector makers in the country which is helping in reducing the cost.
ARAI, India’s leading testing and certification Agency, has already built the validation and testing capability for IS 17017-2-6 connector and IS 17017-25 protocol.
Earlier, Tork Motors had joined hands with Log9 to enable customers of both brands to utilise their chargers and charging network, which is also based on BCA’s LEV DC interoperable standard, further endorsing the interoperable charging framework. Moreover, Pulse Energy, a key player in smart charging solutions, has partnered with ChargeZone, a network of over 20 charging networks, to provide unified and seamless charging experience and expand the reach and capability of the Bharat Charge Alliance.
This collaboration underscores the Alliance’s commitment to making EV charging more accessible and convenient for users, thereby encouraging the shift towards electric mobility. With this collaboration, the stakeholders plan to set up 5000-plus public charging stations across the country by the end of next fiscal year. Previously, BCA and CHAdeMO Association had joined hands to promote interoperable charging infrastructure for LEVs in India, a media release said.
