ChargeZone, one of the  key player in the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure sector, is set to forge partnerships with major Indian automakers to bolster the country’s EV infrastructure. Kartikey Hariyani, Founder & CEO of ChargeZone, revealed plans to sign MoUs with Volvo-Eicher, Ashok Leyland, and Maruti Suzuki in the near future. The Gujarat-based startup recently joined forces with MG Motors to enhance the EV infrastructure in India, building on previous collaborations with OEMs like Hyundai, Mercedes Benz, Kia Motors, and Audi.

These partnerships aim to provide electric vehicle owners widespread access to public charging infrastructure while contributing to energy storage solutions for automotive consumers. To support these initiatives, ChargeZone has initiated a new funding round, targeting USD 125 million after announcing a USD 50 million round a couple of quarters ago, with plans to conclude the funding by next summer.

ChargeZone’s charging points cater to both passenger vehicles (PVs) and medium and heavy commercial vehicles (MHCVs). Kartikey Hariyani emphasized the need for superchargers for electric buses and trucks, with charger ratings typically ranging from 30 to 60 kilowatts for electric cars and 180 kilowatts for larger vehicles.

The company’s latest venture, the electric mobility platform named Billion Electric, is collaborating with Ashok Leyland for the deployment of electric trucks designed for mid-mile mobility, covering distances up to 500 km. Details of this collaboration are expected to be announced by the end of the year.

Despite the promising developments, Hariyani acknowledged challenges in establishing a robust EV infrastructure in India, including issues with locations, obtaining sufficient electrical load at specific sites, and reliability on highways. Notably, ChargeZone has extended its reach globally, providing its technology, Charge+ Cloud, to ADNOC Abu Dhabi National Corporation, a major player in the Middle East’s oil and gas sector. Charge+ Cloud, a proprietary operating system, ensures a seamless and unmanned charging experience, marking a significant technological contribution by ChargeZone in the EV charging landscape.