Ather signs MoU with Karnataka government to set up fast charger network

Ather Energy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ESCOMs (electric supply companies) of Karnataka to jointly establish over 1,000 fast charging points in the state. The collaboration aims at increasing the adoption of EVs by mitigating range anxiety, which has proven to be a major stumbling block in their widespread adoption. 

As a part of the MoU, the state-owned power and transmission company ESCOM will be the nodal agency to provide support to the implementing agency. All government agencies will coordinate with ESCOMs to share their available spaces for charging stations. The MoU was signed by the CEO and co-founder of Ather Energy, Tarun Mehta and BESCOM managing director Rajendra Cholan, in the presence of Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj  Bommai. 

Currently, Ather has over 300 operational fast chargers in 28 cities across the country. It has also released the IP for its connector pins to all OEMs and aims to build over 5,000 fast-charging stations across the country. Like many other states, the Karnataka government has also provided EV subsidies and incentives, as well as waived road tax for electric two-wheelers to boost the EV industry.   

Do you think Ather’s strategy will make touring on an electric motorbike a viable option? Let us know in the comments below.

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