Nikhil Nahar

Thanks to Priyakshi Gupta from EVreporter.com for giving me the opportunity to share my views on recently announced consolidated guidelines on charging infra issued by Ministry of Power. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (ऊर्जा दक्षता ब्यूरो) My view is while guidelines is directionally positive, there are operational challenges to implement this guidelines. Recommending to have 150KW as LT threshold across country is very favourable for developing public charging infrastructure. We hope this will be implemented. I and Indian Charge Point Operators Association are not in favour of capping service fee to end user as this has potential to adversely impact the consumer experience. However, implementing in the suggested form would also be challenging… How fixed demand charges and land lease would be passed through as this would vary as per utilization of chargers, is not clear… Tune into my conversation with Priyakshi Gupta Glida India

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Hemant Gyanchandani, living in Pune recently faced Apartment EV Charging issue🚘🔌 Despite his enthusiasm to embrace sustainable mobility, the RWA was hesitant to approve his individual charging point. But Why's that ⁉️ The fact is, older residential buildings were not designed with EV infrastructure in mind, And RWAs face valid challenges: ● Multiple common areas between meter rooms and parking spots ● Outdated circuits struggling to handle loads beyond 15 Amps ● Risk of electrical panel and transformer overloading ●Need for additional permissions from electricity suppliers ●Capacity upgrades for diesel generators ● Financial constraints for RWAs ● Insurance policy breaches due to unplanned installations To address these challenges, RWAs in some communities have partnered with builders and third-party vendors to install charging stations in common areas. For now, this shared solution works. But as EV adoption grows, RWAs will need to proactively manage: ■ Electrical infrastructure upgrades ■ Increased electricity demand ■ Fair distribution of installation and maintenance costs Now Let me tell you how we as a StartUp are Solving these problems- 1️⃣ Dedicated EV Zones: 1st of All, We recommend RWAs allocating 20% of the parking area to EV owners, based on current demand projections. Install a common EV meter(Specifically for EV Charging) with 25% higher capacity than the projected load to handle future needs. Many states offer these meters on a tariff-only basis, with no fixed monthly costs. The tariff cost of EV Meter is 30% less than Domestic Meter Tariff. 2️⃣ Lease Charging Model: Now there are two ways RWAs can apply Lease charging model. To control standard and maintain EV Charging infrastructure- 🅰️ Offline Lease Model: Install simple 3-pin or industrial sockets (3.3kW) at each charging spot, costing Rs 250–1000 per unit. These spots can be leased to EV owners for a year or two. 🅱️ Smart Lease Model: We provide Smart chargers connected to our app for individual session monitoring or RFID cards for leased users. This model also handles guest vehicles and tenant needs efficiently. Why Leasing Works??🤔 ✅️RWAs retain control over maintenance and operation, ensuring standards and avoiding insurance issues. ✅️It simplifies managing rentals, tenants, and guest vehicles. ✅️A portion of the tariff savings (30%) can be used as maintenance fees, with the rest passed to residents at nominal domestic rates. This leasing model is already being implemented across our projects in Madhya Pradesh, and the response so far has been great! ⭕️ Let me know you thoughts on this..... Is anyone facing the same challenge? How is your community preparing for the future of EVs? Let's explore more viable solutions to solve this problem. #Sustainability #EVChargingSolutions #ResidentialCommunities #Apartment #HousingSociety #RWAs #EVInfrastructure

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For a change this one is not about smartphones😃 As per #GfK urban india in H1 2024 has seen a significant purchase of TV's and large appliances through mainline. The value, over Rs 60,000 crores. For rural India the figure is Rs 3,000 crores. The report from GfK indicates that India is currently the fastest-growing market for consumer technology and durable goods. The Enablers 1. Strong Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) and decreasing inflation rates. 2. The middle class in India is expected to surpass the upper class in spending by 2030. Though rural India's has a smaller purchase value, its large population presents significant growth opportunities for consumer tech and durables. The Enablers: 1. Improving infrastructure, increased consumer awareness, and rising aspirations. 2. The rise in disposable income. The report highlights that retail networks are expanding rapidly in rural areas. 1. Over 20 outlets per 100 villages are involved in selling televisions and refrigerators. 2. Washing machines have a network of 15 outlets per 100 villages. 3. Air Conditioners have around 7 outlets per 100 villages. This proliferation of retail channels indicates a growing opportunity for the tech and durable sector in rural India. According to the GfK report, rural markets offer a promising opportunity. The 2011 census shows there are over 6 lakh villages in India, with 10% having populations exceeding 3,000. These villages account for 42% of the rural population. The expanding retail network is crucial for reaching these consumers effectively. This growth trajectory underscores the potential for both urban and rural markets in India's consumer tech and durables sector. As infrastructure improves and consumer awareness increases, both regions are set to experience continued expansion.

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In particular, investments made for creating physical infrastructure such as machinery and plants, charging stations and other assets will also qualify for incentives The report also added that up to 10% of the building cost can also be billed as an investment towards setting up EV-making capacity The government announced the new EV policy called the Scheme for Manufacturing of Electric Cars in March #EV #FAME #mobility #automobile https://lnkd.in/gui7fbwt

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Bla Etech Pvt. Ltd. is teaming up with Google Maps to make charging your electric vehicle more convenient and stress free. Soon, you'll be able to see all BLA ETECH charger locations right on Google Maps. You'll know in real-time if a charger is available or in use. This partnership is a win for everyone involved. EV drivers can now locate chargers without the usual headaches, saving time by knowing which ones are free and planning their trips before hand. Charging station owners benefit too - their stations get more exposure, attracting more customers, and they can manage their facilities more easily. As for EV manufacturers, they can now offer improved charging options to their customers, which will boost EV adoption overall. It's a practical solution for drivers and businesses alike. Our chargers meet world standards and undergo rigorous quality checks. BLA ETECH is the only company in India to hold TUV, CE, ARAI, and CB certifications for safety against fire and harmful radiation. They have robust safeguards against overcurrent, overvoltage, short circuits, and power surges. Our chargers are designed to be waterproof and heat-resistant, making them suitable for various environmental conditions. Our chargers work with every electric car in India, offering power from 30kW all the way up to 480kW. We're proud to say that everything – from design to manufacturing, installation, and maintenance – happens in-house. We're the only Indian company exporting EV chargers to over 25 countries! By keeping everything under one roof, we offer you top-notch quality at the best price. With 18 years of electronics expertise under our belt, we're on a mission to make EV charging safer, smarter, and more user-friendly. For free samples, contact [email protected] or call +919899700886 Visit www.blaetech.com to learn more. #ElectricVehicles #EVCharging #CleanEnergy #GreenTechnology #SustainableTransportation #Electrification #ElectricMobility #EVRevolution #ElectricVehicleCharging #EnergyEfficiency #SmartMobility #SustainableEnergy #GreenInnovation #EVInfrastructure #VehicleElectrification #AutomotiveIndustry #EVIndustry #ElectricVehicleInfrastructure #ChargingSolutions #GreenEnergy #EVTech #EVChargingNetwork #EVChargingStations #MadeInIndia #SustainableDevelopment #Tesla #TataMotors #MahindraElectric #Olectra #Exicom #IonEnergy #AtherEnergy #AshokLeylandEV #RevoltMotors #OkinawaAutotech #HeroElectric #PiyushGoyal #NitinGadkari #RKSingh #BhupenderYadav #AnuragThakur #RajnathSingh #AshwiniVaishnaw #NirmalaSitharaman #ManufacturingInIndia #EVManufacturers

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Could the PM E-Drive Scheme Incentivize Electric Vehicles? Let’s Discuss! I have high expectations from the government’s new PM E-Drive scheme, which has an outlay of Rs. 3,679 crore and aims to incentivize electric vehicles. Under this progressive scheme, electric two-wheelers, electric three-wheelers, e-trucks, e-buses, and e-ambulances are expected to benefit the most. According to reports, I learned that the scheme would support nearly 25 lakh electric two-wheelers, 3 lakh electric three-wheelers, and 14,028 electric buses. I am particularly pleased with the structured incentive plan for e-rickshaws, e-autos, and cargos. To elaborate, under this new scheme, e-rickshaw buyers would be eligible for a subsidy of Rs. 25,000 in its first year and Rs. 12,500 in its second year. This promised subsidy benefit could encourage more individuals to own an electric auto or e-rickshaw and become self-employed. In addition, the financial support could make switching to electric vehicles more viable.  I believe this scheme could prompt a positive change in the public transportation segment and promote sustainability on a broader scale. And, as a part of the EV industry, I intend to support this vision through our customer-centric products and tailored services. Do you think the PM E-Drive Scheme could shape the future of India’s public transportation system?  #ElectricVehicles #PMEDRIVE #TerraMotors #Innovation #GreenMobility #TerraFinance https://lnkd.in/gvUYRicz 

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Can FICCI's Mandatory EV Charging in Housing Societies Proposal Be a Catalyst of Change? I recently came across an article that said the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has proposed that Municipal Committees should grant building permission on condition that residential societies integrate charging facilities, including fast charging stations and points compatible with all EVs.   According to my understanding, if implemented, it could accelerate electric mobility adoption in the country. Additionally, real estate developers could emerge as a key player in amplifying the push for efficient charging infrastructure at residential hubs. From a business and investment perspective, such an initiative could create more opportunities for investors, government bodies, and EV-charging ecosystem developers like Terra Charge to explore. However, I believe such a move to boost home charging options could gather the required steam if a real estate policy that is in line with India’s vision for e-mobility is implemented on a broader scale, especially in Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities. Needless to say, a welcome reform backed by amplified momentum could help real estate developers attract more eco-conscious tenants and prompt growth in the EV charging segment. As an industry player, I think it is a lucrative idea that should be explored. What’s your take on this? Let’s discuss it! https://lnkd.in/gqS8TRBg

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How do we enable Charge Point Operators in India to go from 10K chargers to 100K chargers in the next 2 years? There are 9 different layers of friction when it comes down to setting up an EV charger. The question we are asking is 1. Can we unbundle all these 9 layers and make it easily accessible to CPOs? 2. Can we empower or incentivise real estate agents across India to start listing sites that are interested in setting up an EV charger? 3. Can we convince utility providers to publish their grid capacity maps publicly? 4. Can we enable all EPC vendors across India with a verifiable credentialing system so CPOs can access / discover them via an open network? If you are a charge point operator and if this resonates with you, please do reach out using the link in comments We need more people working on this mission. UEI is not just about charger interoperability anymore, it's about helping the EV charging industry with a digital public infrastructure to accelerate their business, that is 1. Easy access to sites, 2. Easy access to verified installers and maintainers 3. Easy access to hardware with a good track record 4. Easy access to interoperable payments software for your chargers Nikhil Kamath Susmit Patodia sujith nair

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In 2018, Smart Garage by Pikpart embarked on an ambitious journey to establish a multibrand network aimed at bridging the gap in the IC and electric vehicle (EV) service ecosystem in India. As the electric vehicle market gains momentum, many have raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of such networks. The apprehension stems from the belief that as electric vehicles become more prevalent, traditional service infrastructures may no longer be necessary. However, I believe that this transition presents an invaluable opportunity to educate and empower the Indian user community, which is often not fully equipped to tackle or analyze the complexities surrounding vehicle maintenance and service. The creation of a comprehensive service network is not something that can be achieved overnight. Established leaders in the two-wheeler industry, such as #Hero, #Honda, and #Bajaj, have taken decades to cultivate their service frameworks. Surprisingly, over 80% of servicing in India is conducted by local mechanics, highlighting a significant gap in official service provision. This raises critical questions about the model we must adopt for the future of electric vehicle maintenance. To address this issue, #pikpart are developing an #O2O (Online to Offline) network for service while incorporating a franchising model that will allow local entrepreneurs to become part of our multibrand service ecosystem. By creating a franchise network, we can tap into the knowledge and skills of local mechanics and small business owners, providing them with the training and resources they need to deliver high-quality electric vehicle servicing. This approach not only incentivizes local participation but also creates jobs and strengthens the community. Through our O2O #franchise network, customers will benefit from seamless online access to #services, including booking, inquiries, and information about their electric vehicles, all supported by reliable offline service centers operated by our franchise partners. This integration will ensure that our network is both accessible and efficient, addressing potential customer concerns and enhancing their confidence in #electricvehicles. Our goal is to collaboratively build a community that educates users about the advantages of electric vehicles while addressing any service-related concerns they may have. With a strong O2O network coupled with an effective franchise system, we can ensure that Indian customers are well-informed and adequately supported as they make the shift towards a more sustainable future. By #investing in a #multibrand network and establishing a reliable service infrastructure through franchising, we can ease the transition to #electric #mobility and ensure that our customers feel confident and supported in their journeys. Together, we can pave the way for a more sustainable #automotive future in India. #ola Bhavish Aggarwal Ratan Kumar Singh The Lallantop

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#Bajaj_CNGBike It's an engineering excellence to develop a CNG run bike which would actually reduce a lot of operating cost to users. It seems companies like Rapido ( bike ride renting) can have more associate CNG bike having mileage of 200 kM in 2 kG can actually boost rural economy a lot. #Startup_Idea 1. Bike CNG filling station 2. Small Bio CNG plants (upto 500kg/day) near agricultural fields / STP

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Privileged to actively contribute to Industry Stakeholder consultation on Accelerating Adoption of Electric 2 and 3-Wheelers in India. Wonderful engagement with diverse stakeholders from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Testing Agencies, Charge Point Operators (CPOs), Battery Swapping Operators (BSOs), Fleet Aggregators, First and Last-Mile service providers, Financial Institutions, EV Retrofitters, Policy Think Tanks, Industry Experts and Practitioners. Key meeting discussion points revolved around identifying policy and regulatory measures to tackle challenges such as high upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, range anxiety and consumer awareness with aim to facilitate widespread adoption of electric vehicles in India. Discussion agenda also included strategies and initiatives to develop comprehensive charging and battery swapping infrastructure, addressing factors such as funding mechanisms, regulatory frameworks, public-private partnerships, and technological advancements. IESA is privileged to lead ACC roadmap under MHI chairmanship for preparation of inclusive roadmap for EV ecosystem in India Looking forward to continued engagement with Industry stakeholders at India Energy Storage Week (IESW), 1-5 July 2024, New Delhi

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EV start-up Raptee.HV unveils its T30 electric motorcycle, featuring advanced high-voltage technology In the process of raising $20 mn to scale up operations and fund growth plans Chennai-based EV start-up Raptee.HV, founded in 2019, has launched its electric motorcycle, the T30, which embraces high-voltage technology usually reserved for electric cars. Priced at ₹2.39 lakh, this sleek, futuristic machine is set to hit the roads by January 2025. As Raptee.HV charts an ambitious course, it seeks to raise $20 million to expand its horizons and scale up operations, all while the T30 promises an IDC-estimated range of 200 km and a real-world range of over 150 km on a single charge. With the power to accelerate from 0 to 60 kmph in under 3.5 seconds, the T30 promises a thrilling union of performance and cutting-edge technology. Dinesh Arjun.HV, Co-founder & CEO of Raptee.HV, told businessline that Raptee is not merely launching an electric motorcycle—they are unveiling a high-voltage architecture, a cutting-edge technology that took the company five years to develop. Arjun foresees that the electric motorcycle industry will shift towards high-voltage systems within the next five years. He also highlighted three key advantages this high-voltage architecture brings to the T30. Here’s a quick feature on Raptee’s new electric motorcycle and the company’s ambitious growth plans. Jayapradeep Vasudevan.HV Keerthivasan Ravi Thiru Srinivasan Gaurav Batra Suraj Ghosh Ashim Sharma Shamsher Dewan Kaushik Madhavan Puneet Gupta Harshvardhan Sharma Saket Mehra Hemal N Thakkar Kavan Mukhtyar

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All the states are in the race to electrify the transport system inside their boundaries. If you live in #DelhiNCR you must have seen the #electricbuses carrying passengers from one place to another. The transportation sector is driven by the increasing adoption of #electricvehicles (EVs). Surprisingly, #WestBengal is carving a unique niche by focusing on a crucial but often overlooked segment: #electrictrucks and #electricbuses. The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles FAME India has helped a lot in providing a push for EVs. However, the real game-changers are robust state-level policies that complement national initiatives. ╰┈➤ West Bengal has taken some commendable steps in this direction by formulating strong #policies specifically aimed at promoting electric trucks. This focus is significant because electric trucks have the potential to make a massive dent in transportation-related emissions, considering the vast network of commercial vehicles traversing the country. The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) is another key player in this electric mobility play. This non-profit research organization is leading the charge in creating a national action plan for electric truck adoption. With the current number of electric truck registrations in India being relatively low (𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝟐𝟓𝟎), there's immense potential for infrastructure development. This is precisely where West Bengal's #EVpolicy shines, placing a strong emphasis on building the necessary charging infrastructure to support a large-scale shift to electric trucks. ☛ Kolkata, the vibrant capital of West Bengal, presents another compelling case study. The city is actively working to curb its greenhouse gas emissions, with transportation accounting for a significant portion (18%) of its total CO2 emissions. Projections paint a concerning picture, with vehicle emissions expected to rise sharply from 378 tons/day in 2008 to a staggering 749 tons/day by 2025, primarily driven by buses. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for widespread adoption of electric buses to effectively combat #climatechange and air pollution. The #electrification of both buses and trucks is a critical step towards achieving India's clean transportation goals. By prioritizing these segments, West Bengal is demonstrating its commitment to a #greenerfuture. The state's comprehensive policies focus on infrastructure development, and Kolkata's proactive approach positions West Bengal as a true leader in India's EV revolution. ⮞ What are your thoughts on the future of EVs in India? ⮞ you think West Bengal has the potential to become a frontrunner in electric truck adoption? ⮞ What are the steps that other states can take? Share your insights and let's keep the conversation going! #ElectricVehicles #IndiaEV #EVinWestBengal #ebuses #etrucks #IndiaEVRevolution #FAME #EVindustry #Emobility #gogreen #goelectric #electriccars #electricbike #ebike

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Here's a timeline of how major things around Battery Energy Storage has progressed in India. I also present a contrasting view from across the globe later. * Dec 31, 2021: MoneyControl: Reliance New Energy Solar acquires 100% stake in Faradion Limited. Article says "The sodium-ion technology developed by Faradion provides a globally leading energy storage and battery solution which is safe, sustainable, provides high energy density and is significantly cost competitive." * June 6, 2023: Reuters: India to offer $455 million in incentives for battery storage projects. The target set in Jun 2023 was 4GWh. * Aug 2023: National framewok for promoting Energy storage systems released by Ministry of Power. The framework proposed this; "The VGF may be up to 40% of the capital cost of the project, with the condition that the projects must be commissioned within 18 to 24 months." * Feb 22, 2024: Economic Times: Power minister finalises funding mechanism for battery energy storage system projects * May 08, 2024: Global Energy Alliance: India’s First Commercial Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage System Project Receives Regulatory Approval with GEAPP’s Support (this was 40MWh) * July 14, 2024: Investor Presentation of JSW Energy: 1GWh of Battery Energy Storage capacity reported. (I assume this was started even before the national framework was proposed) Contrast this with the below data: * 2nd July 2024: Twitter: "In the first half of 2024 alone, Tesla deployed 13.45 GWh of battery storage. This almost equals the company's total battery storage deployments for the entire year of 2023, which were 14.72 GWh. 2024 is turning out to be a much bigger year for Tesla Energy than most thought". Also, "Tesla also reported that energy deployments were 9.4GWh in the quarter, a record high." (Check out graph below for how deployments have grown) Let's look at costs: * Cost of deploying 1GWh: $246M (Quoted delivery time is 1 year) (https://lnkd.in/gw9PSyWf) * Viablity gap funding announced for 4GWh: $455M. So, that's 46.2% as per above said cost. Am I being unduly frustrated here in seeing how slowly we are progressing? We have a great opportunity to progress quickly on this front. There are many other energy storage systems too. For example, the same above quoted JSW Energy Investor Presentation says they already have 2.4GWh of Pumped Hydro. There are other technologies like Thermal Storage and Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries, Gravity energy storage and so forth. I have seen that many companies reporting working on those in the India Energy Week that's happening as of today. Am focusing on just one form here (as I am more familiar with it). I am all for adding others. Lithium / Sodium based batteries only serve the short duration systems mostly. Other technologies are better suited for Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES). We need more of all as we scale up our grid. What can speed up our progress on this front? Thoughts?

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Residing in Delhi, the #airpollution and traffic feel painful sometimes. I was wondering how the government target for 30% #EV adoption by 2030 works. Here is the answer. The road to #sustainability starts with electric vehicles. 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐮𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐮𝐦-𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. https://lnkd.in/d_CXq9sb #electricvehicles #lithiumionbatteries #batterymanufacturers #evindustry #indianevmarket #carbonemissions #futureiselectric #ecars #ebikes #governmentinitiatives #makeinindia #nitiaayog #EVrevolution #climatechange #sustainability #futureofmobility

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Revisiting Strategies of Sokudo to Compete in Global Market   Looking back at the journey of Sokudo Electric, I believe our well-thought-out business model has been crucial for our success. In this rapidly changing electric vehicle landscape, our clear roadmap and strategy helped us navigate both challenges and opportunities while positioning the company for success. As an electric two-wheeler manufacturer, I credit a significant share of my company’s growth to our timely integration of technological advancement and innovations. And, at Sokudo, we see these trends as indicators of a promising future for sustainable development. Additionally, government policies such as tax incentives and emission regulations, continue to play an important role in shaping the EV market and helping companies like us to advance India’s mobility goals on the world stage. Last but not least at Sokudo Electric India | Official we aim to achieve Zero Quality Defects in our electric scooters. To achieve this goal, we are increasing our R&D efforts by including next-generation technologies, design optimization, and finding different and efficient recycling ways. I believe these fundamental strategies will continue to help us grow and support our domestic EV ecosystem. In our journey of building a sustainable future, I look forward to your continued support to deliver on the promise of clean mobility in India. #SokudoElectricIndia #Sustainability #ElectricVehicle #BusinessStrategies #EMobility https://lnkd.in/dEfrnaf7

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The Future of EV Charging: Portable DC Fast Chargers for India In a rapidly growing EV market like India, the need for a robust charging infrastructure is critical to overcoming range anxiety and boosting adoption. Highways demand swift charging solutions to support long-distance travel, while cities require adaptable setups to address parking and grid constraints. Portable DC fast chargers emerge as a game-changer in this scenario. Companies like Cargar & CEO & founder Raj Anupam have pioneered innovative solutions that bring charging flexibility to where it’s needed the most, ensuring reduced downtime for EV users and optimizing infrastructure costs. By providing efficient, scalable, and mobile charging options, they pave the way for a seamless transition to green mobility in a country as diverse and dynamic as India #EV #infrastructure #Portable #longdrive

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