India’s largest electric two-wheeler company, Hero Electric, has announced its partnership with Bengaluru-based battery technology start-up Log9 Materials to offer Log9 InstaCharging battery packs for its entire range of EVs.
The integration of Log9’s RapidX batteries will fully charge Hero Electric 2W within 15 minutes, thereby delivering an uninterrupted ride experience.
Log9 has leveraged its cell-to-pack competency to develop batteries that provide 9x faster charging, 9x better performance, 9x lower battery degradation and 9x battery life. Hero Electric and Log9, together, will be deploying these batteries in the market via outright sales and Battery-as-a-Service (BASS) business models.
The BASS model will allow commercial fleet operators to take advantage of the operational performance of the Instacharge battery packs at nominal monthly rates.
Log9 has already tested its RapidX batteries through a series of pilots across multiple B2B fleet operators such as Amazon, Shadowfax, Delhivery, Flipkart, BykeMania, etc.
Sohinder Gill, CEO, Hero Electric, said, unlike petrol, the charge on an E2W is limited, leading to a shorter driving range. In the year 2019, we launched bikes with the option of doubling the range. All our bikes also have easily removable batteries, and many of our customers are now charging their portable batteries while at the workplace or in their apartments.”
“Some of the B2B businesses however wanted to run the bikes continuously for longer hours with a minimal interruption in their delivery operations. It is for such customers that we now offer bikes with the Log9 batteries that can be fast charged while the driver is having his cup of tea. This game-changing association will maximise the returns on the logistics operations of these B2B businesses.”
Akshay Singhal, Founder & CEO, Log9 Materials, said, “Our InstaCharge batteries on Hero vehicle platform will provide the ‘Power, Performance and Peace of Mind’ for the B2B last-mile delivery sector and will benefit the cause of reducing operational costs as well as lowering emissions.”
Log9’s RapidX batteries are built to operate from -30° to 60° C and come with an operational life of 10+ years. In addition, these batteries are built with safety first features, ensuring that these batteries do not catch fire or remain safe even under extreme temperature and demanding charging, driving conditions. Furthermore, the batteries have undergone rigorous testing and certifications from third parties.