EV Transformation Discussion Held between Stanford and Cambridge in India, Focusing on ThunderPlus Project
ThunderPlus: A Pioneer in India's Electric Vehicle Revolution
ThunderPlus, India's fastest-growing EV charging network, recently welcomed a high-profile academic delegation for a tour of its operations. The visit was part of a research study on the Indian electric vehicle ecosystem and ThunderPlus' role within it.
The delegation, led by Prof. Erica L. Plambeck from Stanford University, Prof. Feryal Erhun from the University of Cambridge, and Dr. Parshuram Hotkar from ISB Hyderabad, explored the key drivers of India's EV revolution and studied how startups and enterprises are navigating technological and infrastructural challenges.
ThunderPlus operates a flagship Dynamic Load Sharing Charging Station in Secunderabad, capable of charging 20 vehicles simultaneously with a 0.5 MW capacity. The delegation interacted with last-mile delivery agents using ThunderPlus' cashless, unmanned, and remotely operated charging infrastructure.
The company's commitment to expanding EV infrastructure in both urban and semi-urban areas is evident. ThunderPlus currently operates over 200 charging hubs across the country, supplying more than 10 megawatt-hours of energy daily and powering over 4,000 electric vehicles every day. This network contributes to an estimated reduction of 35 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions per day.
ThunderPlus is recognized as one of the fastest-growing EV charging companies in India and is forming key partnerships with public entities, such as railways, to scale its network further. The company positions itself as building the backbone of India's EV charging infrastructure, addressing critical gaps in EV infrastructure.
During the visit, Mr. Rajeev YSR, CEO of ThunderPlus, presented the company's journey and aspiration to be India's most reliable and accessible EV charging platform. Prof. Plambeck commended the innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability displayed by ThunderPlus and ETO Motors, another pioneering EV mobility player known for its social impact, particularly in women empowerment.
ThunderPlus launched the "Har Ghar Thunder" campaign, offering compact, affordable chargers for homes and small businesses. The campaign enables citizens to earn passive incomes of $100-200 per month through EV charging access in urban and semi-urban areas.
The visit to ThunderPlus was a significant part of Prof. Plambeck's research visit, which continued in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The stories from ThunderPlus and ETO Motors are global inspirations for reshaping mobility, as emphasized by Prof. Plambeck. In Kevadia, Gujarat, over 150 women manage the entire mobility operations around the Statue of Unity, setting a precedent for inclusive mobility in India.
Ms. Preethi Belinda Jasti, VP of Operations & Women Empowerment at ETO Motors, highlighted the company's success. Over 500 women are currently operating as EV drivers, or "pilots", under the ETO Motors platform. Prof. Plambeck emphasized the need for neighboring countries to transition away from lead-acid batteries toward modern LFP batteries or other lead-free technologies.
ThunderPlus's partnership with Ather Energy to integrate 140 ThunderPlus fast-charging stations accessible to Ather users across 50 cities in 15 states enhances interoperability within the EV ecosystem. Following the success of earlier collaborations at Hitec City MMTS station, they are replicating similar models across other railway premises in Hyderabad.
The company's recent developments include a new ultra-fast charging station at Necklace Road, Hyderabad, launched in partnership with South Central Railway. This station strategically serves high-demand areas such as Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, and Secunderabad. ThunderPlus's franchise-based model, supported by programs like the Assured Business Guarantee, has helped build investor confidence and expand their footprint efficiently.
In conclusion, ThunderPlus is currently a major player in India's EV charging market with a rapidly expanding network, impactful partnerships, and a strong environmental contribution through CO₂ emissions reduction, supporting the broader growth of electric vehicles in the country.
- ThunderPlus' commitment to renewable energy is evident in its role as India's fastest-growing EV charging network.
- The electric vehicle industry is experiencing significant growth, with ThunderPlus playing a pivotal role in this revolution.
- Finance and investments are crucial for the development of the electric vehicle industry, and ThunderPlus is forming key partnerships to scale its network.
- Entrepreneurship is thriving in the electric vehicle sector, with companies like ThunderPlus leading the way.
- The delegation's visit to ThunderPlus was part of a study on the Indian electric vehicle ecosystem and its impact on energy consumption.
- Cooking and preparing meals can contribute to reducing carbon emissions, making healthy cooking an important aspect of a sustainable lifestyle.
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- Relationships with our pets require responsible pet ownership, including choosing safe, fuel-efficient transportation options, such as electric vehicles.
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