Matel Motion Partners with Honda to Advance EV Battery Swapping

Key Highlights:

• Matel partners with Honda for EV battery swapping.
• Integrates Matel’s ePowertrain with Honda’s swappable batteries.
• Faster battery swaps reduce downtime for commercial EVs.
• Honda’s batteries are safe, durable, and expanding to major cities.
• Simple integration for EV manufacturers with minimal changes.

Matel Motion & Energy Solutions has formed a partnership with Honda Power Pack Energy India (HEID). This collaboration will integrate Matel’s ePowertrain technology with Honda’s swappable battery system. This initiative aims to solve two major challenges for electric vehicles (EVs): limited range and long charging times. These factors have been key barriers to the wider adoption of EVs.

Benefits for Commercial EV Users

For commercial EV users, charging time impacts profitability since downtime can lead to business losses. The battery-swapping system can help by allowing users to replace drained batteries with fully charged ones at dedicated swapping stations. This process takes just a few minutes and is faster than traditional charging methods.

Honda has developed a swappable lithium-ion battery that is safe, durable, and reliable, using its years of experience in the automotive industry. Currently, Honda Power Pack Energy India (HEID) operates in Bangalore and plans to expand to Delhi and Mumbai, helping to improve EV infrastructure in India.

Leadership Insights

Tomohide Haraguchi, Vice President of HEID, stated that businesses with high daily usage often face high costs due to larger batteries or quick-charging solutions. He added that Honda’s battery-swapping system is a more affordable and reliable option to solve these problems.

Netaji Patro, Co-founder and Director of Business Development & Partnerships at Matel, said, “This partnership with HEID is a significant step forward for India’s EV industry. By combining our powertrain expertise with Honda’s battery-swapping technology, we can offer an affordable and efficient solution for both manufacturers and users.”

As per the partnership, Matel will adapt its powertrain solutions to work with Honda’s swappable battery technology. This will make it easier for vehicle manufacturers to integrate the system with few changes. This partnership aims to simplify vehicle development, providing manufacturers with a flexible and scalable option compared to fixed battery systems.

Matel already provides integrated ePowertrain solutions to various EV makers using fixed battery systems. For OEMs wanting to design vehicle variants that work with Honda’s swappable battery, only a small interface modification is needed, while keeping the same Matel powertrain technology.

About Matel

Matel is an Indian technology company that specializes in advanced electric powertrain solutions, including motors, controllers, and gear trains. The company develops products for a range of vehicles, from two-wheelers to buses, as well as for industrial applications. With a focus on energy efficiency and local research and development, Matel plays a key role in supporting India’s domestic manufacturing goals.

Also Read: New Guidelines From The Ministry Of Power To Promote Battery Swapping Sector

CMV360 Says

This partnership between Matel and Honda can be a good move for future of electric vehicles in India. Solving the issues of long charging times and limited range makes EVs more practical for daily use, especially for businesses. The idea of quickly swapping batteries instead of waiting hours for a charge will be a game-changer. Plus, it will make EVs more affordable and easier for manufacturers to adopt.