Two-wheeler maker Hero Electric plans to set up 10,000 e-bike charging stations across the country over the next two years.
NEW DELHI: In a bid to provide infrastructure in promoting eco-friendly electric vehicles, two-wheeler maker Hero Electric plans to set up 10,000 e-bike charging stations across the country over the next two years.
"One of the major reasons for people not opting e-bikes is lack of infrastructure support when battery charge runs out on the way and where to charge the same. To overcome this, we have decided to set up 10,000 charging stations in the country by the end of 2009-10," Hero Electric Chief Executive Officer Sohinder Gill said.
These stations would charge all two-wheelers irrespective of their brands, he added.
"The stations will be installed in conjunction with garage owners termed as Hero Electric PGOs (Preferred Garage Owners) and the cost will be shared equally," Gill said, adding about Rs 6,000 is required in setting up one charging station.
Later the company would consider setting up the stations in several places like parking lots, malls, schools and other convenient places throughout the country to help develop transportation infrastructure needed to support electric vehicles, he said.
Hero Electric today launched 11 charging stations in the national capital and planned to open 100 such outlets in the city by the end of next month.
"We hope the move will help accelerate adoption of electric vehicles, while providing current owners with more convenient charging options around the city. By the end of current fiscal, we will set up 2,000 outlets in Delhi, Chandigarh, Gujarat and Kerala," Gill said.
The stations would have electronic timers along with DC regulated power supply and consumers would have to pay Rs five for an hour, Rs 10 for two hours, but Rs 15 for full charge, he added.
The charging stations are designed indigenously at Hero Electric Research and Development design centres.
Earlier last week, Hero Electric announced its plans to introduce an electric passenger car, based on capacitors, in the India by 2013, besides introducing battery driven three-wheeler.
The company has also firmed up plans to expand its product portfolio in e-bikes by launching two more products in the high-speed category during the current financial year and also venturing into solar energy sector. It is targeting sales of 70,000 units this year.
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