Battery swapping services begin in Bengaluru via Honda’s energy subsidiary and BMRCL’s joint venture

Honda India’s energy subsidiary, Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt Ltd (HEID) in a joint venture with the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has begun operations for its battery swapping services in the state capital. The Honda e:swap battery services will promote e-mobility and will be operated by HEID at BMRCL Metro stations across the city.
Honda India had set up HEID in November 2021 to establish a battery swapping ecosystem for electric auto rickshaws. Rickshaw drivers operating ‘Honda Mobile Power Pack’ enabled rickshaws can stop at any HEID station and swap discharged batteries for fully charged ones. Honda says that this helps in reducing the initial cost of an EV borne by the drivers and tackles concerns of range anxiety.

“HEID would focus on three actions, which are expanding its battery swap network in Bengaluru, ensuring the reliable service with a highly integrated system, monitoring every unique battery and exchanger and supporting vehicle manufacturers who are developing EVs equipped with Honda Mobile Power Pack.” President & CMD, Honda Power Pack Energy India, Mr. Kiyoshi Ito said.
As part of the ongoing collaboration, HEID has successfully set up five e:swap stations across Bengaluru, at KR Market, National College, Banashankari, Trinity, Baiyappanahalli Metro stations. The subsidiary plans to set up over 70 battery swapping stations by July 2023 in Bengaluru alone. Based on its success, HEID will expand to other cities in a phased manner.

Managing Director, BMRCL, Mr. Anjum Parwez said that “People will adopt eco-friendly mobility services, if the required setup is delivered. Keeping in line with the Karnataka Electric Vehicle and Storage Policy 2017 and to encourage such setups, BMRCL is happy to have partnered with Honda Power Pack Energy India Private Limited (HEID) for providing the State of the Art Honda e:Swap stations at 5 Metro Stations.”