In a powerful endorsement of India’s accelerating electric vehicle (EV) revolution, ThunderPlus, the country’s fastest-growing EV charging network, hosted a high-level academic delegation from Stanford University, USA, and the University of Cambridge, UK. The visit underscored the growing international interest in India’s homegrown innovation, scalable infrastructure, and inclusive mobility solutions.
Led by Prof. Erica L. Plambeck, Holloway Professor of Operations, Information & Technology at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Prof. Feryal Erhun, Professor of Operations & Technology Management at Cambridge Judge Business School, the delegation was accompanied by Dr. Parshuram Hotkar, Professor at ISB Hyderabad. Their visit formed part of a wider research initiative to explore the evolution, innovation, and operational challenges within India’s EV ecosystem.
Driving India’s EV Vision
During an immersive session, Mr. Rajeev YSR, CEO of ThunderPlus, presented the company’s journey and India’s broader EV infrastructure landscape. He highlighted the transformative role of startups like ThunderPlus in shifting consumer mindsets from “charge anxiety” to “charge accessibility.” ThunderPlus’ full-stack model, combining hardware, software, and service, aims to build the most reliable and accessible EV charging platform in India.
A key highlight was a visit to ThunderPlus’ Dynamic Load Sharing Charging Station in Secunderabad—a cutting-edge facility with a 0.5 MW capacity, capable of charging 20 vehicles simultaneously. The delegation praised the technological innovation and operational scale on display.
ThunderPlus’ grassroots initiative, the “Har Ghar Thunder” campaign, also drew significant attention. This program promotes affordable, compact chargers (priced under $100) for residential and small business use—enabling thousands to earn passive incomes between $100–$200 monthly. Delegates noted its resemblance to the historic STD booth model that once revolutionized India’s telecom landscape.
Fintech Meets EV: Seamless, Cashless Charging
Delegates witnessed firsthand how ThunderPlus’ digitally integrated, cashless, and unmanned charging stations are empowering last-mile delivery agents. The visit showcased India’s growing fintech maturity and its convergence with sustainable mobility.
ETO Motors: Empowering Women, One EV at a Time
The delegation also visited ETO Motors, a pioneering EV mobility platform with a strong focus on social impact. They were particularly moved by interactions with female EV drivers—referred to as “pilots”—whose lives have been transformed by access to clean mobility.
Ms. Preethi Belinda Jasti, VP of Operations & Women Empowerment at ETO Motors, shared that over 500 women pilots are currently operating under the platform. One standout example came from Kevadia, Gujarat, where more than 150 women manage the complete mobility operations around the Statue of Unity—India’s iconic monument and a hub for inclusive transport innovation.
Global Lessons from Local Innovation
Prof. Plambeck lauded the twin models of ThunderPlus and ETO Motors, calling them “global inspirations.” As she continues her research journey to Dhaka, Bangladesh, she emphasized the urgent need for South Asian nations to transition from outdated lead-acid batteries to safer, longer-lasting LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) and other lead-free alternatives—drawing from India’s success.
The stories from ThunderPlus and ETO Motors are not just Indian success stories—they are global inspirations. The world must take note of how grassroots innovation, women empowerment, and digital technology are converging to reshape the future of mobility,” said Prof. Erica L. Plambeck.
The visit stands as a testament to India’s rising influence in clean-tech and inclusive mobility. With homegrown companies leading the charge, the global academic community is taking serious note of India’s unique model—one where sustainability, accessibility, and social equity move hand in hand.
