Ather Energy partnership with Google to give real-time information on charging stations

Ather Google partnership: Ather Energy an electric two-wheeler manufacturer on Wednesday said that it has collaborated with Google to give real-time availability information on fast charging stations to EV two-wheeler users.

The collaboration between Ather Energy and Google will allow electric scooter users, equipped with the official Indian EV charging connector standard, the Light Electric Combined Charging System (LECCS), on their two-wheelers to find 'Ather Grid' fast chargers on Google with complete live status updates of the chargers. The company announced this partnership and the aid for electric scooter owners through a statement.

Chargers that are equipped with the LECCS will appear on Google Maps when searching for specific terms like 'EV charger near me' or 'charging stations". Along with that, whenever a new fast charger is installed, it will also be listed on Google Maps.

The fast-charging network for electric two-wheelers, the Ather Grid is based on the LECCS technology, which is indigenously developed by Ather. This fast-charging technology developed by Ather is approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards for nationwide adoption and support the advancement in fast charging network.

The new standard for fast chargers was launched last year. This launch is anticipated to build a universal standard through interoperability, which would thus pave the way for wider adoption of electric vehicles in the country.

As of March 30, 2024, 1,973 fast chargers are already available to the public.

In the electric two-wheeler market, Ather Energy's sales increased in July 2024. The electric two-wheeler manufacturer's sales increased by 50.89 per cent year-on-year and 65.25 per cent month-on-month basis. Ather Energy is the sole maker of electric two-wheelers with built-in Google Maps navigation. This integration of Google Maps into the electric scooter improves usability and lowers the risk of mounting mobile phones on electric two-wheelers. Ather Energy offers the Rizta as the most affordable scooter in its lineup, followed by 450S, 450X, and 450 Apex.

(with PTI inputs)