Electric Vehicle manufacturer Lohia has ventured into the battery-swapping station business by inaugurating its first facility in Vishakhapatnam. “This strategic move marks a significant step towards revolutionizing electric vehicle (EV) adoption and promoting cleaner modes of transportation. Lohia’s pioneering battery-swapping stations offer a convenient and efficient solution for EV owners, eliminating the need for time-consuming recharging,” the company said in a statement.
It has introduced three swapping cum service stations located at Shanti Ashram Marg, Town Kotha, and Mudasarlova. Initially, there are 240 battery swapping slots available to ensure efficient service and uninterrupted operation for EV owners. Lohia’s foray into battery swapping is a result of collaboration with the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) and funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The establishment of the first battery-swapping station in Vishakhapatnam has been made possible through support from the ADB’s ‘Urban Climate Change Resilience Trust Fund’ and the Visakhapatnam Chennai Industrial Corridor Development Program (VCICDP).
Ayush Lohia, CEO of Lohia said, “This initiative aligns with our vision of making electric vehicles more practical and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. By providing a reliable and efficient swapping solution, we aim to transform the perception of EVs and drive their widespread adoption.” The battery-swapping stations offer reduced waiting times and uninterrupted journeys. The system also optimizes the operations of garbage vehicles, ensuring uninterrupted waste collection.
The company has plans to expand its network to other cities in the future. Currently, Lohia specializes in selling battery-operated three-wheelers, including passenger vehicles, cargo carriers, and loaders, among others. Their manufacturing facility in Kashipur has the capacity to produce 100,000 electric vehicles annually.
