1. Hopcharge expansion plans.
Gurugram-based mobile EV charging startup 'Hopcharge' is working on plans to triple its EV charging vans in Delhi-NCR by the end of 2025. The company plans to approach global climate funding organizations to raise funds around $10 million (approx Rs 83 crore) to support fleet growth and to expand its operations to Bengaluru.
Hopcharge currently has 25-30 kW chargers for all EV types. It plans to scale up to 90 kW as demand increases. Hopcharge has recently introduced a subscription model that allows customers access to unlimited charging sessions for Rs 50,000 per annum. The company also provides emergency charging services if a customer’s EV battery falls below 20% or is stranded, and does not charge the customer extra for such SOS situations.
2. Quench launches portable EV charger.
Pune-based Quench EV Chargers has introduced its latest innovation in the form of Quench Mini, a movable 30 kW EV charger.
With the Quench Mini, budding entrepreneurs can easily pilot and provide EV charging services without the need of complex installations. There is no need for grid connectivity permissions, step-down transformers, cable laying work, foundations or mounting platforms. This movable charger offers a smooth experience and can be connected to any industrial power socket.
The Quench Mini is already on sale in multiple regions across the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) as well as Southeast Asia.
Apart from bypassing the need of fixed charging stations and extensive infrastructure, the Quench Mini allows multiple EVs to be charged wherever required. The portable charger’s flexible 63-amp power line is available in 5m, 10m & 15m options. The charger also features auto charge functionality, POS integration and RFID access. The charger has wheels that makes it easy to move.
3. Audi launches India’s largest battery capacity electric car.
Audi India has launched the Audi Q8 e-tron electric SUV in the country. It comes with two battery options: the Q8 50 e-tron with a 95 kWh battery pack & the Q8 55 e-tron with a 114 kWh battery. The 114 kWh battery option is India’s largest capacity battery on an EV, surpassing the 107.8 kWh capacity Mercedes EQS which was launched in 2022 and the 101.7 kWh of BMW i7 launched this year.
The company gave a statement: “People usually have a petrol/diesel car for outstation travel, and an electric one for city usage, because of limited driving range of EVs. But with cars like the Q8 e-tron that have a long range to go from one city to another, we hope these will soon become the first car in a family.”
To further minimize range anxiety, Audi India recently launched the ‘Charge my Audi’ app, a one-stop app for multiple charging networks. Its charging station partners include Aargo EV Smart, Charge Zone, LionCharge, Relux Electric & Zeon Charging. Their entire infrastructure put together yields more than 1000 charging points. With the launch of the Q8 e-tron, Audi India is offering free charging for customers both via the recently launched app and at Audi dealerships till the end of this year, in addition to the complementary charger the company installs at the customer’s place when they buy the car.
Audi India is targeting 50% of its sales from EVs by 2030.
4. Presenting the EV charging robot, EVAR Parky.
The rising popularity of EVs has led to the need for convenient charging solutions around the world. Public EV charging stations have limitations, such as limited availability and the need for human intervention. However, a solution has emerged. A new EV charger called EVAR Parky aims to change the way EVs are charged by means of an autonomous robot that can charge your EV while you continue your daily activities. Unlike a conventional fixed EV charging station, the ESS-mounted Parky charges EVs when and where the EV driver needs.
EVAR Parky is a robot designed particularly for electric vehicle charging. It aims to address multiple challenges faced by EV users, such as finding parking spots with EV chargers, finding vacant charging points, waiting in-line for their turn, etc. With the Parky, all you need to do is park your vehicle in a designated spot. The robot will then receive a charging request and autonomously navigate to your car, avoiding pedestrians and other vehicles along the way.
This mini mobile charger is equipped with advanced sensors (LiDAR) and navigation tech that allows it to precisely navigate through parking areas. Its design is reminds of the much loved R2-D2 from Star Wars and adds a touch of wow to the charging process. Once it reaches your EV, the Parky will plug in the charging cable and begin the charging process. The charging capacity is 15 kWh. The ESS used is developed by reusing recycled batteries.
EVAR is a South Korean EV charging company. The above mentioned autonomous robot ‘Parky’ and the company’s van-mounted charger ‘VMC’ were awarded at CES 2023, the world's largest tech expo. EVAR became the first EV charger manufacturer to receive Innovation Awards from CES.
5. Statiq launches EV charging station in Gurugram.
EV charging company Statiq inaugurated two new DC fast-chargers at Bikanervala in sector 57, Gurugram. These chargers can juice up an electric car up to 80% in just 40 minutes.
The unveiling of these DC chargers in Gurugram took place alongside the company’s Independence Day EV Rally.The rally began from the Sector 57 Bikanervala and culminated at Savoy Suites in Manesar. Around 50 EV enthusiasts were part of this rally. Complimentary EV charging and RFID cards were provided to the drivers in the rally.
For complete EV charging solutions, explore the Kazam website.
