Matel Motion & Energy Solutions has announced a strategic partnership with Honda Power Pack Energy India (HEID) to integrate its ePowertrain technology with Honda’s swappable battery system.
The initiative is aimed at providing electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers with a practical solution to range limitations and long charging times, key obstacles to widespread EV adoption.
For commercial EV users, downtime due to charging directly impacts profitability. The battery-swapping model offers a potential solution by allowing users to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones at designated stations within minutes, reducing waiting time compared to traditional charging.
Honda’s swappable lithium-ion battery has been developed with a focus on safety, durability, and reliability, leveraging its extensive experience in the automotive sector. Currently, HEID operates in Bangalore and plans to expand to Delhi and Mumbai, contributing to the growing EV infrastructure in India.
Tomohide Haraguchi, Vice President, Honda Power Pack Energy India, said, “For businesses with high daily usage, increasing battery capacity or relying on quick-charging solutions can drive up costs. Our battery-swapping system mitigates these challenges by offering a cost-effective and reliable alternative.”
Matel will adapt its electric powertrain solutions to align with Honda’s swappable battery technology, enabling OEMs to integrate the system with minimal modifications. The partnership aims to streamline vehicle development, offering manufacturers a scalable and flexible alternative to fixed battery systems.
Netaji Patro, Co-founder and Director of Business Development & Partnerships at Matel, said, “This collaboration with HEID marks an important step in advancing India’s EV landscape. By combining our powertrain expertise with Honda’s battery-swapping ecosystem, we can provide a cost-effective and efficient solution for manufacturers and end-users alike.”
Matel already supplies integrated ePowertrain solutions to various EV manufacturers using fixed battery systems. For OEMs looking to introduce vehicle variants compatible with Honda’s swappable battery, only an interface modification is required while retaining the same Matel powertrain technology.
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