India’s electric commercial vehicle ecosystem is set for a major boost as EIM Partners with HPCL to establish a nationwide network of fast-charging and battery-swapping hubs for heavy commercial vehicles. The collaboration aims to strengthen charging infrastructure along key freight routes, making long-distance electric trucking more practical, reliable, and efficient.
Fast-Charging Hubs to Launch on Key Freight Corridors
Energy In Motion (EIM), an associate company of Ravindra Energy, has signed an agreement with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to deploy fast-charging and battery swapping infrastructure at selected HPCL retail outlets across India. HPCL currently operates more than 25,000 fuel stations nationwide, including strategic locations on major highways and expressways.
As EIM Partners with HPCL, the first phase of deployment will focus on three high-traffic freight corridors—Mumbai-Pune, Delhi-Jaipur, and Chennai-Bengaluru. The rollout is scheduled over the next 18 to 24 months, with further expansion planned across other logistics routes in the country.
Clear Roles for Faster Infrastructure Deployment
The partnership combines the strengths of both organisations to accelerate the development of India’s heavy EV infrastructure. Under the agreement, EIM will own and manage the battery inventory, charging equipment, and battery swapping systems. HPCL will provide space, power connectivity, utilities, and essential facilities at its retail outlets.
This collaborative model enables quicker deployment while leveraging HPCL’s extensive nationwide network and EIM’s expertise in electric fleet operations and battery infrastructure.
Reliable Charging and Seven-Minute Battery Swapping
According to EIM Managing Director Narendra Murkumbi, dependable charging infrastructure is essential for the success of electric freight transport. By placing charging stations at locations where truck drivers already stop, the partnership ensures access to power, safety systems, amenities, and round-the-clock support.
As EIM Partners with HPCL, the stations will feature a technology platform offering real-time charger availability, digital payment options, and remote monitoring. In addition to fast charging, compatible electric commercial vehicles will benefit from battery swapping, allowing drivers to replace a depleted battery with a fully charged one in around seven minutes. This significantly reduces downtime and improves fleet productivity on long-distance routes.
Expanding India’s Heavy EV Ecosystem
The agreement also builds on EIM’s existing infrastructure. The company has already commissioned six heavy-duty battery swapping stations in the Delhi-NCR region and the JNPA port area, together supporting up to 840 battery swaps per day.
Looking ahead, EIM Partners with HPCL to accelerate the development of India’s electric freight ecosystem, with EIM targeting 40 operational heavy commercial vehicle swap-cum-charging stations by March 2027. The initiative is expected to improve charging accessibility, support fleet operators, and encourage wider adoption of electric heavy commercial vehicles across India’s logistics sector.
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