Vadodara, India, 9th July 2024 – Charge Zone, India’s leading electric vehicle (EV) charging network, has announced a substantial investment of $360 million (INR 3,005 crore) over the next four years to expand its supercharging infrastructure across the country. This ambitious initiative aims to establish 25 new supercharging stations in the current fiscal year, with a long-term goal of reaching 500 stations. These stations will offer capacities ranging from 360KW to 1.2MW, significantly enhancing the charging network’s capacity by a ratio of 6:1 compared to existing fast charging models.
“Our new supercharging network marks a significant step towards a sustainable and electrified future integrated with micro-grids comprising Solar PV and energy storage,” said Kartikey Hariyani, Founder and CEO of Charge Zone. “By pushing the boundaries of EV supercharging technology, we aim to deliver innovative solutions across industries.”
The expansion strategy involves meticulously selected routes based on factors such as geographical location, traffic volume, land availability, and grid connectivity. Key routes include highways in the Southern and Western zones of India, including Bangalore-Chennai, Bangalore-Hyderabad, Bangalore-Pune-Mumbai, and Mumbai-Ahmedabad, among others.
Reflecting on the pilot phase results, Hariyani shared, “Our six-month pilot rollout of the supercharging network yielded remarkable results with strong utilization by inter-city electric cars and buses. We received excellent customer feedback, with power utilization exceeding previous levels and significant traffic volumes recorded. The average charging time at the new supercharging stations is between 15 to 20 minutes, significantly shorter than the 45 minutes required at fast DC charging stations, enhancing user convenience and process efficiency.”
Hariyani emphasized the broader impact of this rollout: “This signifies a significant milestone in our journey towards sustainable transportation. By expanding our supercharging network, we not only meet current EV user needs but also pave the way for a cleaner, greener future. Our commitment to renewable energy and strategic partnerships ensures that our infrastructure remains robust, reliable, and ahead of the curve for electric cars, buses, and trucks.”
Charge Zone’s supercharging stations will utilize renewable energy sources, with integrated solar rooftops and battery storage ensuring a green power supply. This network is expected to significantly influence the adoption of electric buses, trucks, and personal mobility vehicles by enhancing range, reliability, efficiency, and cost savings. The company aims to transform national highways into renewable corridors, promoting sustainability through widespread awareness and utilization facilitated by signage, PlugShare, Google Maps, and the Charge Zone app.
In the coming months, Charge Zone plans to further expand its reach, increasing the number of stations and deploying superchargers to boost charging speed for all types of 4W EVs. The company’s intercity charging strategy includes strategic station placements, meticulous route planning, and offering high-speed capabilities to ensure a seamless experience with mobile app integration and multiple payment options. Safety remains a priority with 24/7 surveillance and emergency support, complemented by efficient maintenance through remote monitoring and regular inspections.
Charge Zone is committed to its ambitious goal of electrifying 150,000 kilometers of highways, targeting key routes, installing 1,000 stations, and optimizing based on user feedback. Supported by partnerships with government bodies and private entities like Audi, Gentari, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, MG Motors, Tata Motors, and others, Charge Zone ensures station reliability through maintenance schedules, remote monitoring, customer support, and continuous upgrades.
