Mercedes-Benz India has called for a unified platform to provide real-time information about all available charging stations in the country. This would make it more convenient for electric vehicle owners to find and use charging stations, potentially boosting the adoption of electric vehicles. Santosh Iyer, MD and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, emphasized the need for such a platform, noting that the current system with multiple apps is cumbersome and discourages people from switching to electric cars.
Iyer suggested a UPI-based system similar to the successful digital payment platform in India. This would allow users to easily locate charging stations and pay for charging using a single app. He pointed out that such a system would be a significant improvement over the current fragmented landscape and would make electric vehicle ownership much more convenient.
The government has previously expressed interest in developing a central app for charging stations, and Mercedes-Benz India believes that this is a crucial step in promoting electric vehicle adoption in the country. The company has seen a steady increase in electric vehicle sales, indicating growing consumer interest, but they believe that a more user-friendly charging infrastructure is essential for further growth.
