This Indian start-up has introduced 15-minute charging to passenger three-wheelers
India's EV industry is set for a major shift, with the introduction of a three-wheeler passenger vehicle that can fully charge in just 15 minutes. This groundbreaking innovation is the result of a collaboration between Omega Seiki Mobility and battery-tech start-up Exponent Energy. The project aligns with India's ambitious goal to electrify 80% of all three-wheelers by 2030, as part of its commitment to reduce emissions.
Stream City Qik: A leap forward in electric mobility
The newly launched EV, named the Stream City Qik, is set to hit the market on May 15 in Delhi and Bengaluru. Priced at ₹3.25 lakh, this vehicle is an upgraded version of the Omega Stream City model. The Stream City Qik features an 8.8kWh battery pack, that provides over 126km of range and integrates Exponent Energy's fast-charging technology.
Expansion plans for charging stations
Exponent Energy currently operates 60 charging stations in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad. The company plans to expand its network to include 100 charging stations in Begaluru and Delhi-NCR by 2024. The ultimate goal is to establish a total of 1,000 stations by 2025. All these stations will be accessible to Stream City Qik drivers.
Diversification into passenger three-wheeler sector
This partnership marks a significant expansion for Exponent Energy into the passenger three-wheeler sector. Until now, the Bengaluru-based start-up had only provided its fast-charging technology for cargo and fleet operations. According to government statistics, India's passenger three-wheeler market is over four times larger than that of cargo three-wheelers. This move could potentially tap into a vast market of gig workers who use these vehicles for ride-hailing services and package delivery.
Exponent Energy's innovative battery technology explained
Exponent Energy's battery technology involves lithium-ion batteries and in-house battery management system, that monitors every cell in real-time when charging. The start-up also operates charging stations that utilize an off-board thermal management system, which transfers refrigerated water via the charging plug. This unique approach aids in maintaining the temperature of every battery cell while charging, and enables 0-100% charging in just 15 minutes.
