Hyundai collaborates with Shell to grow fast-charging network in India
Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) has partnered with Shell to install fast chargers across 36 of its dealerships in India. If feasible, Shell India may install 120 kW fast chargers instead of the 60 kW stations currently defined in the deal.
The Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the car maker and oil corporation at HMIL’s headquarters in Gurugram, Haryana. The strategic partnership aims to accelerate the expansion of BEV charging infrastructure in India in line with the growth plans Hyundai already hedges.
Hyundai Motor India currently operates 72 dealerships in 45 cities. The collaboration with Shell India represents Phase-2 of their EV charging infrastructure plan, focusing on installing DC 60/120 kW fast chargers in 36 dealerships, covering half of their outlets.
This development follows Hyundai’s earlier announcement in February regarding installing ten ultra-rapid charging locations across key highways and cities in India by mid-year. Each fast charging location will feature one 150 kW DC charger and one 60 kW fast charger.
The expansion of charging infrastructure aligns with Hyundai launching their Ioniq 5 in India, which boasts quick charging capabilities. As per the manufacturer’s specifications, the vehicle can be charged from 10% to 80% in approximately 21 minutes on high-power charging stations.
HMIL has developed its Charger Management System (CMS) to facilitate EV charging, which offers open access for EV drivers. The partnership with Shell India will integrate Shell’s network into Hyundai’s CMS, along with HMIL’s chargers and those from third-party operators. The CMS includes advanced features like locating, navigating, and digital payment, making it a distinctive initiative in India’s EV charging landscape, according to Hyundai.
The Korean carmaker also announced expanding its production base in India this month. Hyundai will invest 200 billion rupees ($2.45 bn) in Tamil Nadu over the next ten years and plans to increase capacity at its factory near Chennai to 850,000 vehicles per year from approximately 775,000. In addition, Hyundai Motor India will establish a battery pack assembly with an annual capacity of 178,000 units and install another 100 EV charging stations across the southern state in the next five years.
The investment plan follows India’s federal government’s recent announcement to raise taxes on imported vehicles to encourage local manufacturing. Hyundai plans to introduce five new EV models in the world’s third-largest car market, aiming to capture a 20% market share by 2032.
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