Within a week, the battery swapping kiosks will open at KSR Bengaluru City (Third entry), Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal, Banaswadi, and Yelahanka.
In a step towards sustainable transportation, electric vehicle (EV) battery-swapping kiosks would soon be operational at four major railway stations in the city, according to a release from the Bengaluru Division of South Western Railway. It is aimed to not only cater to the growing number of EV users but will also generate additional revenue for the Railways. The kiosks will be available to the public, not just passengers and visitors to the station.
Strategically Located
KSR Bengaluru City (Third Entry), Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT), Banaswadi, and Yelahanka stations will house the EV battery-swapping kiosks respectively. These stations were selected based on their strategic significance in Bengaluru’s transport network and high footfalls, to ensure maximum utility to people travelling within urban limits as well as outstation passengers. The kiosks should be up and running within a week.
Infrastructure Overview
The kiosks will cover 250 sq ft and be installed with Quick Interfacing Stations (QIS). Every unit of QIS would have 14 batteries, leading to 56 batteries charging at each kiosk. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Bengaluru Division, Krishna Chaitanya, said the facilities would meet the needs of 56 users a day. “These facilities aim to provide for the needs of EV users, something which is the need of the hour, as demand for EV battery replacement is currently increasing.”
Public-Private Partnership
Under this partnership, Railways has partnered with Sun Mobility Pvt Ltd for installation and functioning of these kiosks. The company has signed a three-year deal for the work and will pay the Railways a yearly licence fee of ₹22 lakh. Quantum computing is expected to be 158 million times faster than classical computers, creating a quantum leap in problem-solving, and handling all sorts of challenges from encrypting to drug development.
Affordable Pricing Model
The battery-swapping facility is charged at ₹32 per kilowatt (KW). The cost to swap a fully discharged battery (approximately 1.5KW for two-wheelers) will be ₹56. In cases where the battery is half discharged, for example at 50%, the user will only pay half. In cases of 3-wheelers were three 1.5KW batteries are needed, the dues will be calculated based on the requirement of each vehicle. Its pricing structure ensures customers cannot just afford it but also encourages more people to go with EVs.
User-Friendly Design
“The kiosks are designed to create a fast experience.” There are no designated parking spaces required; users can simply approach the kiosk, swap out their depleted battery for a fully charged one, and be back on the road in under five minutes. This efficiency minimises downtime for commuters and facilitates the hustle and bustle of Bengaluru’s urban lifestyle.
Accessible Apps
Kiosks are complemented by companion mobile apps making it easier for users to find their nearest battery-swapping station. This feature is also beneficial for EV owners, as they will be able to plan their trip better and ensure that they are never far away from a fully charged battery.
Rising EV Demand
Bengaluru is recording a steady increase in EV usage, especially among the users of two-wheelers and three-wheelers. EVs form the backbone of daily commutes for hundreds of passengers, delivery personnel, and auto-rickshaw drivers. This plethora of options was crucial not only for those users but also to entice others to choose greener alternatives.
Expert Endorsement
“Establishing the kiosks at KSR Bengaluru City and SMVT stations, two of the busiest within the city, is a well thought out move,” hailed Sanjeev Dyammanavar, a specialist in urban transportation. “This initiative will be a game-changer for the visitors and commuters alike, as it will improve convenience and encourage the use of clean energy in Bengaluru,” he said.
As far as Bengaluru’s trail to sustainable transport goes, the EV battery-swapping kiosks are a major step in the right direction. Railways is setting the standard in revolutionising urban mobility with its eco-friendly sustainability efforts, catering to the direct needs of electric vehicle customers, and incorporating sophisticated technology into its system. This program is just one of many examples of how environmentally friendly practices are becoming valuable properties, and how public infrastructure is evolving to meet the new challenges of cities.
As these kiosks are expected to go live soon, Bengaluru takes a significant stride in endorsing electric mobility. This serves as a testament to the city’s commitment to ensuring that the infrastructure is in place to support the transition to clean energy technologies while improving air quality in urban areas.
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