Motovolt, Swobbee To launch 200 Battery Swapping Stations Countrywide in Next 24 Months

Motovolt Mobility has forged ties with German climate-tech company Swobbee to enhance battery charging efficiency, reduce costs, and extend the lifespan of electric vehicle batteries in the country. The collaboration aims to improve the overall user experience in the country by deploying 200 battery-swapping stations within the next 24 months.

The initial phase of the initiative has commenced with the inauguration of the first two Swobbee battery swapping and charging stations in Delhi and Kolkata. With this, the partners aim to generate over USD 10 million (around INR 85 crore) in revenue and achieve profitability within a five-year timeframe.

Motovolt Mobility Founder & CEO, Tushar Choudhary, emphasized the challenges faced by the electric two-wheeler segment in India, including high upfront battery costs, limited range requiring frequent recharging, battery performance issues, and concerns about end-of-life battery use and safety.

Empowering Battery Innovation

Tushar Choudhary, Founder & CEO Motovolt Mobility said, “Motovolt is committed to understanding customer pain-points and helping them overcome through unique services, product innovations, and industry collaborations. Swobbee’s battery swapping services offer a unique proposition wherein our customers can subscribe to a swapping solutions provider. This offers freedom from the necessity to purchase batteries upfront with the vehicle, ensuring optimal battery performance, safe and efficient charging, and proper disposal of end-of-life batteries. Additionally, Swobbee will gain access to our product portfolio and customer base, empowering them to establish a nationwide intelligent and multi-manufacturer battery swapping network.”

Initially targeting business customers, including delivery and transport services, Swobbee stations will gradually become available to private customers. These stations are designed as a universal infrastructure solution capable of integrating various LEV battery types from different manufacturers, accommodating diverse technologies and cell chemistries.

Clean Mobility Solutions

Thomas Duscha, CEO & Co-Founder of Swobbee, highlighted the importance of removing access barriers to clean mobility solutions for businesses and private consumers, particularly in India. “Small businesses, delivery services, cabs - they all rely on two-and three-wheelers, which are on the roads by the millions. That is why we are very excited to partner with Motovolt to roll out an infrastructure solution that will democratize access to zero emissions LEVs for businesses and private consumers,” he added.

The Swobbee stations are currently accessible to Motovolt’s commercial customers in Delhi and Kolkata. The collaboration's future plans include onboarding other EV makers and establishing a comprehensive battery swapping network for various vehicle makes and types across India.

Swobbee, with existing swapping stations from Berlin to multiple German cities and across 10 European countries, has collaborated with major entities such as Volkswagen, Total Energies, Galp, BP, and NIU 2 Wheelers. The company has undertaken a pilot project in Indonesia and is part of the Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium (SBMC) alongside Honda, Piaggio, and Yamaha, as well as the Light Electric Vehicle Association – EU (LEVA-EU) featuring prominent entities like Mahle, Dott, Van Moof, and Segway 9 Bot.