Montra Electric and Exponent Energy partner for 15-minute rapid charging e-3W

Montra Electric, the EV brand of Murugappa Group, and Exponent Energy, an energy-tech startup, have recently announced a collaboration to develop rapid charging electric vehicles in the 3-wheeler segment. Montra Electric, with a longstanding legacy of 123 years under the Murugappa Group, is set to introduce its Three Wheeler Cargo Proposition by early 2024, catering to both individual and institutional customers.

As per the company statement, the new variant of Montra Electric’s 3-wheelers will incorporate Exponent’s 8.8 kWh e^pack, allowing for a rapid 0 to 100% charge in 15 minutes at Exponent’s e^pump charging network. The vehicles will also have the option for slower charging at home.

Exponent’s e^pack is backed by a 3000-cycle life warranty even with 100% rapid charging, a technology that has been independently validated by TUV India (TUV Nord Group, Germany). The report indicated only 13% degradation after 3000 cycles of rapid charging.

Exponent has developed a 15-minute rapid charging solution for on-road use, utilizing their exclusive energy system consisting of a battery pack (e^pack), charging station (e^pump), and connector (e^plug). This innovation addresses two critical challenges associated with rapid charging: Lithium plating and extreme heat. Through the application of their specialized Battery Management System (BMS) and charging algorithms, Exponent ensures minimal Lithium plating, leading to an extended lifespan for the e^pack. Additionally, the company has introduced a “water-based” offboard thermal management system, incorporating an advanced HVAC system in the e^pump to manage extreme heat effectively, said an official statement.

Mr. Kalyan Kumar Paul, Managing Director, TI Clean Mobility Pvt Ltd expressed confidence in the partnership with Exponent Energy and conveyed his best wishes, mentioning, “This will be a key enabler in the Electric Adoption journey”.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Sushant Jena, Head of Montra Electric 3W Division, said, “We are excited to partner with Exponent Energy to offer 15-minute Rapid charging option to our valued customers. It’s a perfect fit in our product proposition, addressing the range anxiety of our customers who are looking to do more trips everyday”.

Elaborating on the partnership, Arun Vinayak, Co-founder & CEO, Exponent Energy said, “It’s a privilege to be partnering with Montra Electric to rapidly electrify last-mile mobility. With their strength in vehicle design, manufacturing, distribution, and financing with our focus on energy tech and rapid charging network, we will together launch zero compromise EVs. 15 minute rapid charging kills charging anxiety and is crucial to delivering uptime and flexibility in operations needed for last-mile mobility. Like refueling a diesel vehicle, customers will enjoy the same level of freedom as ICE vehicles, while reaping all the advantages of going electric.”

Montra Electric has around 40 showrooms across South India and plans more in other parts of the country by the end of this Financial Year. The company also plans to introduce more product variants to cater to a wider range of customer needs. Tl Clean Mobility Pvt Ltd, the owner of Montra Electric Brand is also working on electrifying other categories of Small Commercial, Heavy Commercial and Tractors, added the statement.

On the other hand, Exponent has initiated operations in Bengaluru with 30+ e^pumps and delivered hundreds of vehicles last quarter, covering over half a million kilometres monthly. By late 2023, they aim to expand to five more cities: Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. The company aims to deploy 1,000 e^pumps and power 25,000 EVs with their technology by 2025.

Also Read: TI Clean Mobility launches Montra Electric-3Wheeler