Mahindra And Jio-Bp Join Hands For EV Development And Charging Infra

• Mahindra and Jio-BP have signed an MoU.
• Both brands will explore charging solutions and swappable battery points.
• Charging stations to be set up at Jio-Bp pumps and other places.
• Mahindra to launch two EVs based on dedicated EV platforms by 2026.

Mahindra and Reliance BP Mobility Limited, the latter operating under the Jio-Bp brand name, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for exploring EV development and charging solutions. 

This will include developing charging solutions for Mahindra’s three-wheeler, four-wheeler, and small commercial electric vehicles. The carmaker will also explore setting up charging points and swappable battery stations at suitable locations, apart from Jio-Bp’s fuel pumps.  

Both companies will also explore Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and Battery as a Service (BaaS), whereby Jio-Bp would provide charging infra for Mahindra vehicles. Which means, if you’re a Mahindra EV customer, you can pull up at a Jio-Bp pump and replace the battery for a fee instead of waiting and doing it the conventional way.

This partnership should go a long way in improving charging infrastructure in the country, which at present is fledgling, at best. However, it isn’t limited to just charging solutions. The collaboration will also explore manufacturing of EVs and identifying low-carbon and conventional fuel with an eye on achieving net-zero carbon emissions faster than projected. 

Recently, Jio-Bp set up its first outlet in Maharashtra, where it offers multiple fuel options. EV owners also needn’t fret as these outlets come with charging stations. 

In related news, Mahindra aims to launch nine SUVs (including the XUV700) by 2026, of which two are EVs that would be based on a dedicated EV platform. The XUV300 electric and eKUV100 are on the cards as well.