In a major fillip to electric mobility in India, the Chinese-owned MG Motor and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) have joined forces to set up charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) across the country. Together, they will install EV chargers across highways and within cities, identify charging sites, garner consumer insights, devise loyalty programs, and create technology to manage charging systems.
The two companies, however, did not spell out any other specifics of their partnership.
MG Motor India had recently announced a new venture 'MG Charge'. Under this initiative, the carmaker is slated to install 1,000 AC fast chargers at residential localities across India. BPCL, for its part, has a similar tie-up with Hero MotoCorp which is into e-two-wheelers
BPCL, which has committed itself to setting up 7,000 EV charging stations across the country, has started rolling out fast chargers at its fuel stations, and in the process is converting them into energy stations providing multiple fueling options.
Era of strategic cross-industry collaboration
Rajeev Chaba, President and Managing Director, MG Motor India, said, "Our partnership with BPCL is yet another step to strengthening the EV charging infrastructure in India to energize and enhance customer confidence in EVs. BPCL's strong presence and vast network in India will ensure that existing and prospective customers across the country have convenient access to charging solutions. We aim to further expand the opportunities of charging an EV and educate consumers on the environmental benefits of the same."
Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, BPCL said, "This era calls for strategic cross-industry collaboration to reach new and important milestones in the EV charging ecosystem and at BPCL, we are excited to expand our ambit and create positive synergies with innovative brands like MG Motor India to usher in the era of best-in-class EV charging solutions. MG Motor India is known for creating differentiated customer experiences through its wide range of evolved Internet SUVs and is a leading player in EVs in India."
BPCL has more than 19,000 fuel filling stations across India, plans to provide EV charging facilities in 40% of those stations.
MG Motor India is gung-ho on the prospects of its EVs in India, and expects 25% of its total volumes to accrue from electric vehicle sales by next year. The company, which recently launched the latest iteration of the MG ZS EV, has also confirmed that it would be soon unveiling a mass-market EV in India. And India will be the first foreign market where this electric micro car will be first unveiled. The new EV will be pitted against India's bestseller Tata Nexon electric and the soon to be launched Mahindra XUV300 EV.
