Hero MotoCorp and Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) have announced a collaboration to set up electric vehicle charging stations across the country. 

The companies said they first aim to establish a substantial charging infrastructure at existing nationwide BPCL stations by including EV charging stations among multiple fuelling options. Back in November 2021, BPCL had announced plans to set up charging stations at around 7,000 of its fuel stations across the country over the next few years. The Indian Oil Corporation Ltd had also said it will to install 10,000 new charging stations.  

As part of the first phase of the project, charging stations will be set up across nine cities, beginning with Delhi and Bengaluru. Each charging station will feature multiple charging points including DC and AC chargers. These stations will cater to both electric cars and two-wheelers. 

As far as accessing the stations is concerned, customers will need to use a Hero MotoCorp mobile app and payments will include a cashless transaction model. 

Dr Pawan Munjal, chairman and CEO, Hero MotoCorp, said the partnership will “unlock opportunities for asset allocation and expansion in the future.”

With this announcement, Hero MotoCorp becomes the first automotive OEM to tie up with a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) to set up charging infrastructure across India.

Will you find it convenient to recharge your EV at regular petrol/diesel pumps? Let us know in the comments.