Matel and Honda collaborate on EV powertrain and swappable battery integration

Matel Motion & Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (Matel), a technology company developing electric powertrain solutions, has announced a partnership with Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt. Ltd. (HEID), a subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Japan, to integrate its ePowertrain with HEID’s swappable battery solution. This collaboration aims to offer electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers a swappable battery solution.

Through this partnership, Matel will develop powertrain solutions that integrate with Honda’s swappable battery system, offering a solution for EV manufacturers. The combination of Matel’s powertrain technology and Honda’s battery-swapping system is intended to support vehicle development and market adoption.

Range limitations and charging time are challenges for EV adoption, particularly in the commercial segment where downtime affects operations. Swappable battery technology addresses these issues by allowing users to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged units at designated swapping stations within minutes. Honda’s swappable battery is designed based on experience in lithium-ion battery development and deployment in the automotive sector. HEID currently operates in Bangalore and plans to expand to Delhi and Mumbai to support EV infrastructure in India.

Tomohide Haraguchi, Vice President, Honda Power Pack Energy India, added, “We are pleased to announce the collaboration with Matel Motion to accelerate the penetration of EVs in India. Our service is particularly beneficial for B2B customers with high daily usage. Increasing battery capacity or adopting quick-charging solutions often leads to higher vehicle costs and battery replacement expenses over time. Our solution mitigates these challenges, ensuring  long-term safety and reliability.”

“We are delighted to collaborate with HEID, a company with deep expertise in battery technology,” said Netaji Patro, Co-founder and Director of Business Development & Partnerships, Matel. “This initiative will play a crucial role in driving EV adoption across India by providing a practical and cost-effective solution for vehicle manufacturers and users alike.”

Matel Motion & Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (Matel) develops electric powertrain solutions, including electric motors, motor controllers, vehicle controllers, battery management system (BMS) controllers, and geartrains. Its powertrains are used in two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, buses, off-road vehicles, and industrial applications. The company specializes in Permanent Magnet Synchronous (PMS) motor and controller technology for L-category electric vehicles, solar pumping, HVAC, and industrial applications, with R&D and manufacturing facilities in Pune.

Matel provides powertrain solutions with fixed battery systems and works with EV manufacturers to integrate its technology. Through a partnership with Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt. Ltd. (HEID), Matel aims to support OEMs in developing vehicle variants compatible with Honda’s swappable battery solution by making interface adjustments while using the same powertrain.

Also read: PMSM motors player MATEL to foray into EV powertrain market