SUN Mobility recently conducted a workshop in Chennai to demonstrate its modular battery-swapping technology for Heavy Electric Vehicles (HEVs). Attended by over 100 private bus operators and associations from Tamil Nadu, the workshop emphasised the transformative potential of battery-swapping in the commercial heavy vehicle segment.
The workshop showcased a fully integrated mobility solution developed in collaboration with Veera Vahana, a prominent bus manufacturer. This solution highlights the urgent need to electrify commercial fleets to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and enhance operational efficiency. The technology addresses critical concerns for heavy vehicle operators, including high upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, and extended downtimes associated with traditional charging methods.
One of the key takeaways from the workshop was the cost-benefit analysis presented to bus operators. By enabling battery swapping, SUN Mobility claims to reduce the upfront cost of electric buses by up to 40%, making them comparable to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) buses. Additionally, operational costs are expected to decrease by 20% while uptime and utilisation improve due to the swift battery-swapping process, which takes less than three minutes. For Tamil Nadu’s bus operators, who manage routes with high trip frequencies and tight schedules, battery swapping offers a practical solution to keep vehicles operational without the delays of fixed battery charging.
Ashok Agarwal, CEO of HEV at SUN Mobility, highlighted the challenges faced by the commercial transport sector, including cost barriers and infrastructure limitations, and explained how modular battery swapping addresses these issues. He noted that the technology provides a viable alternative to conventional fuels, particularly for cost-sensitive fleet owners. The lightweight and compact battery design further enhances payload capacities, making it an attractive option for commercial operators.
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