Motovolt partners Germany’s Swobbee to set up 200 battery-swapping stations in India in next 24 months – Express Mobility News

Motovolt Mobility, an e-mobility brand, has joined forces with German climate-tech company Swobbee. The collaboration primarily focusses on improving battery charging time, cost, and life to elevate the overall user experience in the country. The partnership aims to establish 200 battery-swapping stations across India within the next 24 months.

This ambitious initiative is supported by a substantial technological and financial investment exceeding 7 digits USD. The initial phase has commenced with the launch of the first two Swobbee battery swapping and charging stations in Delhi and Kolkata. The long-term vision includes generating over $10 million (Rs 85 crore) in revenue and achieving profitability within 5-years.

The partners say while the electric two-wheeler segment in India is growing leaps and bounds, it continues to face challenges, such as the high upfront cost of batteries, limited range requiring frequent recharging, issues with battery performance and life, and end-of-life use of batteries, in addition to serious safety concerns.

Tushar Choudhary, Founder & CEO, Motovolt Mobility said, “Swobbee’s battery swapping services offer a unique proposition wherein our customers can subscribe to a swapping solutions provider. This offers freedom from the necessity to purchase batteries upfront with the vehicle, ensuring optimal battery performance, safe and efficient charging, and proper disposal of end-of-life batteries. Additionally, Swobbee will gain access to our product portfolio and customer base, empowering them to establish a nationwide intelligent and multi-manufacturer battery swapping network,”

Initially the partnership will target business customers, including delivery and transport services, with Swobbee stations gradually being available to private customers. These stations are designed as a universal infrastructure solution capable of integrating various light electric vehicle battery types from different manufacturers, accommodating diverse technologies and cell chemistries.

Thomas Duscha, CEO & Co-Founder, Swobbee said, “Removing access barriers to clean mobility solutions is imperative not only to cushion the impacts of climate change, but to also ensure social equity in the ongoing green transformation. Nowhere is this more important than in the most populous country and the fifth-largest economy on the planet. Small businesses, delivery services, cabs – they all rely on two- and three-wheelers, which are on the roads by the millions. That is why we are very excited to partner with Motovolt to roll out an infrastructure solution that will democratise access to zero emissions LEVs for businesses and private consumers.”

The Swobbee stations are currently accessible to Motovolt’s commercial customers in Delhi and Kolkata. Moving forward, the collaboration aims to onboard other EV makers and establish a comprehensive battery swapping network for various vehicle makes and types across India. The Motovolt-Swobbee partnership is poised to become a significant milestone in the Indian LEV ecosystem, prioritizing affordability and accessibility for all.

At present, Swobbee has set-up swapping stations from Berlin to multiple German cities and further into 10 European countries. It is claimed to have forged collaborations with the likes of Volkswagen, Total Energies, Galp, BP, and NIU 2 Wheelers. It has also undertaken a pilot project in Indonesia and is part of the SBMC (Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium) alongside players like Honda, Piaggio, and Yamaha, and LEVA-EU (Light Electric Vehicle Association – EU) featuring prominent entities such as Mahle, Dott, Van Moof, and Segway 9 Bot.