New Delhi, Dec 2 (UNI) Honda Power Pack Energy India, a new subsidiary of Honda Motors, Japan has been established in India to offer battery sharing service for small mobility which will accelerate the penetration of electric vehicles.

The initiative aims at solving three issues of electric vehicles -- limited range, long charging time, and high cost of batteries. Honda Power Pack Energy India is looking at encouraging the use of renewable energy and contributing to carbon neutrality in India through utilisation of batteries made in India and increased electrification of small mobility.

The new subsidiary plans to start battery sharing service for electric auto rickshaws (e-auto) from the first half of 2022 in Bengaluru, Karnataka and expand operations in other Indian cities in a phased manner. The new company has been set up with a capital of Rs 135 crore. Honda’s battery sharing service subscribers can avail the services from nearest battery swapping station located in the city to exchange ‘Honda Mobile Power Pack e’, Honda’s all-new portable and swappable batteries with fully charged ones. This will also cut down waiting time for charging. Honda’s battery “Mobile Power Pack e” will be made in India.

In addition to offering battery sharing service, the new company will closely work with multiple vehicle OEMs who wish to integrate Honda’s battery into their vehicles, by providing necessary technical information for interface.

UNI NMJ SHK1901