Hero Motocorp, Ather join hands for interoperable EV fast-charging network

Indian two-wheeler giant Hero MotoCorp and electric vehicles manufacturer Ather Energy have entered  into a partnership to build an interoperable fast-charging network for EV scooters in India, the two companies announced. 

Hero MotoCorp started producing electric two-wheelers under the VIDA brand name in 2022 while Ather Energy launched its first electric scooter in 2016. 

Through this collaboration, EV users will be able to use both VIDA and Ather fast-charging stations. This combined network, the first-ever for EV two-wheelers anywhere in the world, will be the largest EV charging ecosystem in the country with over 1900 fast-charging points across 100 cities. 

The interoperable network will accelerate EV adoption by strengthening the overall segment and promoting a convenient ownership experience, the companies said. 

“VIDA’s brand promise is building a “Worry-free EV ecosystem”, and this largest charging network in the country will go a long way in providing a seamless and convenient ownership experience to customers,” Swadesh Srivastava, Chief Business Officer – Emerging Mobility BU, Hero MotoCorp, said.

Congratulating the two companies on the partnership, Srivastava said, “This fastest-growing network utilizes the government-approved connector standard, thus ensuring current and future customers will be able to use and charge their vehicles without any hassles in the future too.”

“It’s a massive win for Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to collaborate on scaling up charging infrastructure. This partnership will pave the way for consumers to access an extensive network of charging stations across the country, alleviating range anxiety,” Swapnil Jain, Co-founder and CTO, Ather Energy, said. 

Ather’s indigenously developed AC and DC combined charging connector standard for light electric vehicles—the Light Electric Combined Charging System (LECCS)— was recently approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). 

Touting the technical superiority of ‘Made in India’ LECCS, Jain said he believes that more OEMs will find it lucrative to adopt this standard.

“Today we are also committing that any OEM that adopts the LECCS standard will have access to Ather Grid across India. With this interoperability, we are already demonstrating how it is beneficial for all OEMs to be on one standard. We believe that public charging infrastructure for two-wheelers is now set for collaborative expansion,” he added.