As India accelerates toward an electric future, the need for innovative and accessible EV charging infrastructure is more pressing than ever. In an exclusive interview with Machine Edge Global, Rajeev YSR, the dynamic CEO of ThunderPlus and CMO of ETO Group, delves into his mission to revolutionize EV charging in India. From addressing “charger anxiety” to integrating cutting-edge IoT and data-driven solutions, Rajeev discusses the challenges and opportunities in building a sustainable and inclusive EV ecosystem. Through strategic collaborations and a commitment to innovation, ThunderPlus is empowering India’s EV users and shaping the country’s electric mobility landscape.
What inspired you to venture into the EV charging infrastructure space in India?
Unlike the western market, the Indian EV Ecosystem embraces electric vehicles that are smaller and smarter with shorter range. This will ensure mass adoptability. However one big challenge with vehicles of short range is that they would look for charging facilities everywhere. This is the problem statement that excited us, so we shifted from solving the problem of range anxiety to Charge anxiety and derived our own problem statement on how we eliminate “Charger Anxiety”. This we have been solving through our innovative products and business models by converting every wall, house, building, shop in to a potential EV charging station.
The growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in India, driven by the need for sustainable transportation solutions, presented a unique opportunity to build a robust and reliable EV charging infrastructure. At ThunderPlus, we were inspired by the vision of making EVs a mainstream solution for India’s transportation sector. We recognized that charging infrastructure plays a crucial role in accelerating EV adoption, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. Our goal is to empower EV owners and users by providing them with seamless access to fast, reliable, and cost-effective charging stations, helping to reduce range anxiety and improve the overall user experience.
What role does data and IoT play in the efficiency and management of your charging stations?
Data was the oil once and now the new avatar is energy for the EV industry. All our decisions are data driven. For example, we have launched our public charging station in Hitech-city, a suburb in Hyderabad that has got the maximum number of electric vehicle penetration in all form factors.
We started with a 125 KWH charging station and are currently dispensing more than 18,000 units per month which boils down to more than 5 hrs of engagement at average; which is the highest in the industry right now. Taking clues from here, now we are expanding the capacity of that charging station to 1 MWH.
Among different highways that originate from Hyderabad, data shows us that Hyderabad – Vijayawada highway has the highest number of electric vehicles passing and especially so the buses and hence now we are building bus bays at Hyderabad, Vijayawada and the appropriate intermediate location.
We also change the configuration of chargers in a chagrin station and shuffle between protocols such as CCS2 and GB/T products again based on data.
In your view, what are the key barriers to accessibility in the EV ecosystem, and how is ThunderPlus addressing them?
One of the key barriers to accessibility in the EV ecosystem is the lack of sufficient charging infrastructure, particularly in rural, semi-urban, and tier 2-3 cities. Range anxiety and the fear of running out of battery due to limited charging stations are significant concerns for potential EV owners.
ThunderPlus is addressing this by focusing on expanding our network of fast-charging stations across these underserved areas, offering a convenient and reliable solution for everyday EV users. Additionally, we are working on providing affordable and easy-to-use charging options that are accessible to a broader range of users, including gig workers and small businesses.
As we speak today, we have more than 100+ hubs in 65+ cities with 2000+ chargers installed and dispense more than 200,000 units every day through our established charging infrastructure.
Are there any partnerships or collaborations ThunderPlus has undertaken to promote inclusivity in the EV space?
We always believe in a collaborative and partnership approach while solving such a bigger problem as “eliminating charging anxiety” from the Indian EV Eco system. Very recently we partnered with Delta and developed a fast charging solution for 2W and 3W. Similarly we have also developed “ A Retractable cable 7.4 KW Charger” which literally occupies no space at all and can be installed everywhere like bollards or barriers on walkways and foot paths.
In addition, ThunderPlus has forged several strategic partnerships to promote inclusivity in the EV space. Notably, the company has launched India’s first EV-ready post office in Hyderabad. Additionally, ThunderPlus has teamed up with TATA Motors to install 250 fast-charging stations and partnered with Bharat Petroleum to set up fast chargers at their petrol pumps. Furthermore, ThunderPlus is working with South Railway stations to install EV charging stations, with the first phase seeing 30 out of 150 stations set to be operational by December 2024.
What is your long-term vision for ThunderPlus in India’s evolving EV landscape?
We aim to be India’s leading manufacturer as well as charge point operator in the Indian EV landscape. Our long-term vision for ThunderPlus is to be a key enabler in India’s transition to an electric future. We aim to expand our presence in both urban and underserved rural areas, providing accessible, reliable, and fast-charging infrastructure to millions of EV users across the country. As the Indian EV market grows, ThunderPlus will continue to innovate and introduce new solutions to meet the evolving needs of users, from fast-charging technology to integration with renewable energy sources. Our ultimate goal is to support a sustainable, clean, and efficient transportation system that contributes to India’s environmental and energy goals.
How do you stay ahead of the curve in such a fast-evolving industry?
The EV industry is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead requires continuous innovation and a keen understanding of market trends. ThunderPlus invests heavily in research and development to stay at the forefront of EV charging technology. We actively monitor developments in battery technology, renewable energy integration, and smart charging solutions, ensuring that our stations are future-proof and adaptable to new technological advancements. Additionally, we prioritize customer feedback and work closely with industry partners to ensure that our solutions meet the needs of the market. Our proactive approach helps us stay ahead of the curve and deliver value to our customers.