In a significant move to advance electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in India, Matel Motion & Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (Matel) has announced a strategic partnership with Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt. Ltd. (HEID). This collaboration will integrate Matel’s ePowertrain with Honda’s swappable battery solution, providing EV manufacturers with an efficient and scalable alternative to fixed battery systems.
EV adoption in the commercial segment has faced key challenges such as range limitations and long charging durations, leading to operational downtime and revenue losses. The introduction of battery-swapping technology aims to resolve these issues by allowing users to replace depleted batteries with fully charged units at designated swapping stations within minutes.
Honda’s swappable battery system is backed by its extensive experience in lithium-ion battery development, ensuring reliability, safety, and durability. HEID currently operates in Bangalore and has plans to expand to Delhi and Mumbai, further strengthening India’s EV infrastructure.
“We are pleased to announce the collaboration with Matel Motion to accelerate EV penetration in India,” said Tomohide Haraguchi, Vice President of Honda Power Pack Energy India. “Our service is particularly beneficial for B2B customers with high daily usage. Increasing battery capacity or adopting quick-charging solutions often leads to higher vehicle costs and battery replacement expenses over time. Our solution mitigates these challenges, ensuring long-term safety and reliability.”
Matel will tailor its powertrain solutions to seamlessly integrate with Honda’s swappable battery system, providing a comprehensive and cost-effective solution for EV manufacturers. The collaboration will accelerate vehicle development and market adoption by combining Matel’s advanced powertrain technology with Honda’s battery-swapping ecosystem.
“We are delighted to collaborate with HEID, a company with deep expertise in battery technology,” said Netaji Patro, Co-founder and Director of Business Development & Partnerships, Matel. “This initiative will play a crucial role in driving EV adoption across India by providing a practical and cost-effective solution for vehicle manufacturers and users alike.”
Matel already works with several leading EV manufacturers, offering integrated electric powertrain solutions with fixed battery systems. For OEMs looking to transition to Honda’s swappable battery, only a minor interface adjustment will be required, leveraging the same Matel powertrain technology. As India moves towards sustainable mobility, the Matel-HEID partnership is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of electric transportation.
