As part of the non-binding (MOU) agreement, both companies will develop an open and accessible smart energy infrastructure in Maharashtra
Gogoro and Belrise partner with the Indian state of Maharashtra to develop a battery-swapping infrastructure. (Credit: Xiaoan888/Wikipedia.org)
Taiwanese battery-swapping refuelling platform developer Gogoro and Indian tier-1 automotive system manufacturer Belrise have partnered with the Indian state of Maharashtra to develop a battery-swapping infrastructure.
The two companies are planning a joint 50-50 partnership to invest about $2.5bn over eight years with the government of Maharashtra to establish energy infrastructure across the state.
As part of the non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreement, both companies will develop an open and accessible smart energy infrastructure in the state.
Besides, the companies will establish battery swapping and smart battery stations as the primary source for mobility and energy storage.
The partnership is anticipated to bolster job growth throughout the electric vehicle (EV), smart energy, and sustainable value chain.
Along with the smart infrastructure, the collaboration is also expected to facilitate smart EV manufacturing and assembly in the Indian state.
Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis said: “We are partnering with Gogoro and Belrise to deploy the world’s largest and most innovative smart energy infrastructure to utilise battery swapping for solving the unique and distributed energy challenges we face daily.
“This project will enable new alternatives to the fossil fuels solutions many of our residents use today.”
The battery-swapping infrastructure will utilise Gogoro’s smart energy ecosystem which includes smart battery stations, swapping technologies, and network management solutions.
The infrastructure is anticipated to commence deploying across the Indian state this year.
The new facility is expected to deliver various innovations to the state, including contributions to the design and development of the smart city, smart mobility sharing, energy storage stations and systems, smart agriculture, smart EVs, demand response services and distributed energy storage, and other applications.
Gogoro founder and CEO Horace Luke said: “This partnership represents the future and this new way of thinking – not just about sustainable transportation, but about an entirely new system. That is why we truly believe in building open and accessible infrastructure that will uplift the entire ecosystem.
“Together, the State of Maharashtra, Belrise Industries and Gogoro plan to shift energy usage and establish this new sustainable economy that will encourage jobs creation, establish new technical and sustainable industrial capabilities, and ultimately increase state exports.”