Anshul Gupta on how Okaya EV is strategizing to drive India towards a green future

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Originally a pioneer in battery manufacturing, Okaya EV has expanded its expertise into the electric mobility space, offering a comprehensive range of solutions, including electric vehicles, EV batteries, charging, and battery swapping. With their ISO 14001:2004 certification, Okaya EV is committed to providing affordable, sustainable, and clean mobility through their zero-emission electric two-wheelers. As the leading charging station manufacturer in India and the third-largest battery manufacturer in the country, Okaya EV is at the forefront of the fight against environmental pollution. Their dedication to innovation and sustainability makes them a beacon of hope for a greener India.

In this exclusive Ag Talk interaction with Adgully, Anshul Gupta, Managing Director of Okaya EV, shares his insights into the company’s remarkable journey, its success in the EV market, and its ambitious plans for the future in terms of batteries, charging stations, and electric vehicles.

Could you elaborate on Okaya EV’s journey and its legacy over the past 40 years? What are some of the key innovations that Okaya EV has introduced in the electric mobility sector?

Our expertise goes beyond batteries as we bring together 35 years of Microtek’s electronics excellence and 19 years of Okaya EV Infocom’s software expertise. With mastery over these key areas – battery, electronics, and software – we present Okaya EV Electric Vehicle where our aim is to provide you with the perfect product at the perfect price.

At Okaya EV, we are committed to electric vehicle technology and that is evident in our focus on safety, durability, and performance. In battery technology the choice between LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) and NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) is crucial. Safety is paramount for the customer and LFP batteries with higher thermal runaway temperature of 270 °C outshine NMC batteries at 210 °C. This elevated safety threshold is more relevant to the climate of southern India. LFP batteries have exceptional durability with 1,200 charge cycles and can go up to 2,000 cycles with proper usage, whereas NMC batteries can only offer 700-900 cycles. We ensure spare parts availability with in-house manufacturing at our Baddi facility with robotic systems showcasing Okaya EV’s commitment to advanced technology and production excellence from India to the world.

Could you elaborate on the specific features of Okaya EV’s public charging stations that contribute to a revolutionized urban mobility experience?

Okaya EV’s Charging division is a pioneer in the Indian market with 40% market share as the leading EV charging solutions provider in the country. The company offers a comprehensive range of charging infrastructure solutions that cater to various electric vehicles (EVs) and user preferences.

Our product range includes portable Type-2 AC chargers, wall-mounted Type-2 AC chargers, and high voltage DC chargers compatible with CCS-2, CHAdeMO, and GB/T standards. The AC chargers operate in 230V to 415V AC and DC chargers from 200V to 1000V DC. The Type-2 AC chargers are suitable for all 4-wheel electric vehicles and are versatile and convenient. These chargers have multiple charging modes in one unit.

The wall mounted and DC chargers have IoT capabilities and user authentication features with multiple authentication methods like EV charging apps, QR codes, RFID cards or password login. This smart infrastructure allows users to monitor charging status, remote control charging sessions, and get notifications when the vehicle is fully charged prevent overcharging, and extend battery life. Okaya EV’s charging solutions are compact modern and user friendly and easy to install making it the best for EV charging in India.

Okaya EV ensures the reliability and efficiency of its charging infrastructure by partnering with government and private organizations like IOCL, Blu smart, PGCIL, REIL, BHEL, and many more. These partnerships help the company to have a strong presence in urban and pan-India markets.

How is Okaya EV’s public charging network development strategy addressing the concerns around range anxiety for EV users in cities?

To tackle the standardization and interoperability issues in the EV charging space, Okaya EV is taking a multi-pronged approach. Initially, we were focused on B2B partnerships, but now we are expanding our reach by putting our EV chargers on popular e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart so that it’s available to a wide range of customers.

Okaya EV’s product range is designed to cater to diverse customer needs. We have a single Type 2 AC charger for apartments and houses. We have Bharat AC 001 for small offices which can charge 3 cars at a time from a compact unit. And for those who need fast charging, we have a 30 kW DC charger, which is a versatile option for all kinds of settings.

Most importantly, all Okaya EV chargers whether wall mounted or standalone high voltage units come with convenient payment methods and IoT features so that consumers, small entrepreneurs, and government and private companies can all benefit from it whether for profit or personal use. This overall approach helps Okaya EV to overcome standardization and interoperability issues and make its solutions available to a wide customer base.

Beyond charging infrastructure, how else is Okaya EV working towards a more sustainable transportation ecosystem through its EV solutions?

OkayaEV is committed to creating a sustainable transportation ecosystem through several initiatives beyond charging infrastructure. Okaya EV has developed high-performance lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries designed to provide longer life, faster charging times, and greater efficiency. These batteries are integral to the performance and sustainability of electric vehicles. This year, we are offering a wide range of electric vehicles, including high-speed and low-speed electric scooters, e-rickshaws, and commercial electric vehicles. These vehicles will be catering to both personal and commercial transportation needs, promoting the adoption of electric mobility across different segments.

The introduction of new products like the Ferrato Disruptor electric motorcycle and the upcoming commercial vehicles highlights Okaya EV’s commitment to innovation and meeting diverse consumer needs. These vehicles are designed to provide a superior driving experience while being environmentally friendly. Okaya EV’s mission includes developing next-generation products entirely made in India. This commitment to local manufacturing not only supports the local economy, but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with importing components.

By focusing on affordability and value, Okaya EV makes electric mobility accessible to a broader audience. This approach helps to accelerate the adoption of sustainable transportation solutions. Okaya EV actively engages in campaigns to raise public awareness about the benefits of electric vehicles and sustainable transportation. These efforts include educational programs and promotional events to promote the adoption of EVs.

Through these initiatives, Okaya EV is not only enhancing its product offerings but also contributing significantly to the broader goal of creating a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation ecosystem.

Given the competitive landscape, how is Okaya EV differentiating its electric vehicles to attract customers in the commercial market?

Okaya EV boasts over 30 years of experience in battery manufacturing and over 40 years in software and electronics via Microtek. This extensive expertise ensures that Okaya EV’s electric vehicles are built with high-quality standards and reliable performance. Okaya EV maintains full control over the production of batteries, motors, electronics, and software, ensuring superior quality and consistency. The use of advanced manufacturing techniques, including robotic plants, further enhances the precision and reliability of its EVs.

Okaya EV’s vehicles are specifically designed to withstand Indian conditions, with robust builds and chassis tailored for local roads. The company operates a large manufacturing facility in Himachal Pradesh to ensure efficient and high-quality production.

Our focus on LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery technology, which offers improved safety and efficiency, ensures longer life, faster charging, and better performance, making it ideal for commercial use. Okaya EV serves a vast customer base, with 13 crore happy customers and a presence in 46,000 towns and villages across 43 countries. This global footprint demonstrates Okaya EV’s reliability and widespread acceptance.

As a leader in ESS (Energy Storage Systems) and LIB (Lithium-Ion Battery) technologies, Okaya EV offers a range of charging solutions from small-scale to large-scale chargers. This comprehensive charging infrastructure supports the seamless operation of commercial electric vehicles.

Okaya EV’s unmatched expertise in EV manufacturing reflects its commitment to excellence. The company continuously innovates and improves its products to stay ahead in the competitive market.

By leveraging these strengths, Okaya EV effectively differentiates its electric vehicles in the commercial market, providing reliable, efficient, and high-quality solutions tailored to the needs of businesses. This holistic approach ensures that commercial customers receive vehicles that not only meet their operational demands, but also contribute to a sustainable transportation ecosystem.

How important is the role of government policy and incentives in the growth of public EV charging networks?

Government policy and incentives are key to growing public EV charging networks. Firstly, through strategic infrastructure investment, the government can put in funds and offer grants, subsidies and tax incentives to encourage businesses to install charging points. This financial support is especially important in areas where private investment might be insufficient, so the charging network can reach more people and be more accessible.

And a clear regulatory framework is vital for effective deployment of charging infrastructure. Clear regulations and standards for zoning, permitting and technical specifications give certainty for businesses and consumers alike, making the installation and operation process easier. By setting these rules, the government can create an environment for investment and innovation in the EV charging sector.

And government funding for research and development in EV technology and charging infrastructure is key to driving innovation and making charging solutions more efficient and affordable. By investing in research and development the government can drive technological advancements that make charging infrastructure more functional and sustainable.

Lastly, policies that promote smart grid technology and integration with renewable energy sources are crucial for the long-term sustainability and reliability of charging infrastructure. By incentivizing the integration of EV charging with renewable energy sources and promoting grid optimization, governments can ensure that the expansion of charging networks aligns with broader sustainability goals.