ThunderPlus, India’s fastest-growing electric vehicle (EV) charging network, recently hosted a high-level academic delegation from Stanford University, USA, and the University of Cambridge, UK. The delegation’s visit focused on studying India’s evolving EV ecosystem and the role of startups and enterprises in advancing clean mobility.
Led by Prof. Erica L. Plambeck, Holloway Professor of Operations, Information & Technology at Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Prof. Feryal Erhun, Professor of Operations & Technology Management at Cambridge Judge Business School, the team was joined by Dr. Parshuram Hotkar, Professor at ISB Hyderabad.
As part of a broader research initiative, the delegation explored the operational, technological, and infrastructure advancements within India’s EV landscape. A key highlight of their visit was an in-depth session with Mr. Rajeev YSR, CEO of ThunderPlus, who presented the company’s full-stack approach to addressing India’s “charge anxiety” by making EV charging more accessible and reliable.
The delegation toured ThunderPlus’ flagship Dynamic Load Sharing Charging Station in Secunderabad, a 0.5 MW facility capable of charging 20 vehicles simultaneously—one of the first of its kind in the region. They also praised the company’s “Har Ghar Thunder” initiative, which offers affordable, compact EV chargers (under $100) for home and small business installations. The initiative has enabled many users to earn passive incomes of $100–200 per month, promoting decentralized EV infrastructure in urban and semi-urban areas.
During the visit, delegates interacted with last-mile delivery workers who benefit from ThunderPlus’ fully cashless and remotely operated charging network. They noted India’s advanced digital integration and fintech ecosystem as a key enabler of such innovations.
The academic team also visited ETO Motors, an EV mobility solutions provider known for its strong focus on women empowerment. At the company’s Hyderabad operations, the delegates met several women EV drivers, referred to as “pilots,” who shared personal stories of how electric three-wheelers have positively impacted their livelihoods.
Ms. Preethi Belinda Jasti, VP of Operations & Women Empowerment at ETO Motors, highlighted that over 500 women pilots are currently active on the platform. She cited the success of Kevadia, Gujarat, where more than 150 women operate the entire mobility network around the Statue of Unity, establishing a new benchmark for inclusive mobility in India.
Prof. Erica Plambeck commended both ThunderPlus and ETO Motors for their innovation, inclusivity, and commitment to sustainability.
“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 reshaping mobility in India,” she said.
Prof. Plambeck will continue her research tour in Dhaka, Bangladesh, encouraging regional adoption of modern battery technologies like LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) and a shift away from outdated lead-acid systems.
