MG powers off-grid Solar-EV Charging station with BatX Energies

The off-grid solar-EV charging station utilises second-life MG EV batteries, providing a sustainable solution for charging electric vehicles.

MG Motor India has announced its collaboration with BatX Energies (a greenfield startup founded in 2020) for India’s first-ever off-grid, solar-EV charging station powered by repurposed MG EV batteries, marking a significant advancement in sustainable mobility. Prof. Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to GOI, inaugurated the product at an event organized at IIT Delhi, where the live demonstration is installed.

The second-life battery storage system was developed by BatX Energies (supported by Delhi Research Implementation and Innovation- DRIIV) in partnership with MG to provide a second life to the used batteries of MG EVs. The product, now in the industrialization phase – is a solar EV charging station that operates off-grid and will be used to charge 2-wheelers to 4-wheelers. This will minimize reliance on traditional electricity sources and reduce carbon emissions associated with conventional EV charging methods. This initiative is another endeavour by MG Motor India to give thrust to a circular and sustainable economy.

According to Gaurav Gupta, Deputy Managing Director, MG Motor India, “At MG Motor India, we are committed to driving innovation and sustainability in all the domains of our operations. We also take pride in taking the lead in creating a robust EV Ecosystem in India with our partners. We believe that by championing the principles of the circular economy and harnessing the potential of repurposing used batteries will create a positive impact on the environment. And this collaboration with BatX Energies aligns with our vision to create a greener future for the society.”

Vikrant Singh, Co-founder and CTO, BatX Energies said, “We are excited to introduce India’s first off-grid, solar-powered charging station using second-life MG EV batteries in collaboration with MG Motor India. This marks a crucial step in sustainable mobility, showcasing innovation and our commitment to reducing carbon emissions. As we pioneer this initiative, we envision further collaborations with OEMs, reshaping India’s EV landscape. This second-life battery storage system, starting at 20kWh and scalable up to 100kWh, supported by 6.6kW of solar power, signifies a transformative shift in energy solutions. Generating approximately 40kWh daily, which is equivalent to 40 units. It underscores our dedication to providing flexible, scalable, and reliable sustainable energy for diverse demands.”

As an early mover in the EV space, MG’s focus has consistently been on developing product offerings and the larger ecosystem. Alongside its products and customer programmes, the company has created a robust EV environment with its 6-way charging infrastructure and installed more than 15,000 charging touchpoints nationwide, including public and home chargers. To fortify the EV ecosystem, MG has strategically aligned itself with industry leaders such as Tata Power, Delta Electronics, and Fortum to ensure the creation of a robust charging infrastructure. Collaborations with BPCL and Jio-BP have also been instrumental in establishing charging stations at strategic touchpoints across the nation. The company is also working with its partners to set up EV charging infrastructure for battery recycling, reuse, and life extension.

BatX Energies supports global sustainability goals like the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. They’re dedicated to reaching India’s net zero emissions by 2070, working hard for a greener future. The company’s approach emphasizes the use of environment-friendly low opex and capex reusable chemical-based extraction technologies, significantly reducing carbon emissions. Furthermore, BatX Energies empowers local scrap collectors, helping them join the organized sector and build a reliable supply chain, promoting India as a leader in clean and new energy technologies.