The electric vehicle (EV) revolution in India is moving at a heart-pumping pace. Thanks to government incentives, increasing environmental awareness, and rising fuel prices, EVs are no longer a niche segment. However, despite this growth, one of the biggest impediments to the adoption of EVs, especially for two- and three-wheelers, continues to be the long charging duration and lack of charging points. This is where battery swapping services are stepping in as a game changer.
Battery swapping allows EV users to exchange an empty battery with a charged battery at swapping stations, without waiting for hours to be recharged. This is especially useful for commercial and fleet operators, where time is money. Take the example of a delivery driver who can exchange an empty battery for a charged battery in less than five minutes and be back on the road without losing a moment. This model not only boosts productivity but also boosts the overall efficiency of EV operations.
A few of the Indian players have already started building their battery swap facilities. SUN Mobility, for instance, has taken the lead in this direction. The company has, as of early 2025, set up over 600 battery swap points in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, the three largest Indian cities. Their business model is particularly focused on electric two- and three-wheelers for last-mile delivery and passenger transportation. SUN Mobility’s swap stations and smart batteries are IoT-based, allowing real-time tracking and usage monitoring, which is a huge benefit to B2B players who run large fleets.
Another key player is Bounce Infinity, which has developed a battery-as-a-service (BaaS) model in which customers can subscribe to battery plans and swap them at Bounce outlets. This model reduces the upfront cost of EV ownership because the battery, the most expensive component of an EV, is not included while selling the vehicle. Customers pay for the energy consumed instead, much like a prepaid mobile plan. This model is particularly appealing to small businesses and delivery services that have operations within city limits.
A report by NITI Aayog shows that India will save 4.5 billion liters of oil and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 11 million tonnes annually if electric two- and three-wheelers adopt battery swapping. Moreover, the Indian government has also recognized the potential of the model and has incorporated a specific Battery Swapping Policy in the FAME II scheme. The policy will promote interoperability among different battery technologies while setting up quality and safety standards to make it easy to roll out the service across the country.
Battery swapping also promotes local manufacturing expansion. Companies like Exide and Amara Raja are entering battery manufacturing and swapping technologies as part of their EV expansion plans. These investments will not only boost local production but also provide jobs and reduce import dependence.
The benefits of battery swapping are evident. For entrepreneurs, it provides flexibility, quickness, and minimized downtime. For customers, it reduces initial costs and eliminates the fear of charging. And for the government, it presents a scalable solution to urban mobility issues while ensuring green objectives.
Yet, there are hurdles as well. Standardization of battery packs and connectors between manufacturers is a challenge. Absence of standard format makes it hard for swap stations to service multiple EV models. Additionally, the cost of establishing a swap station network in the first place is expensive, involving high levels of investment in infrastructure, logistics, and technology. To bypass this, alliances among automakers, energy companies, and technology startups are key.
One fine example of such cooperation is the recent tie-up between Hero MotoCorp and Gogoro, a Taiwanese battery swapping behemoth. Their venture looks to bring to India a mass-scale swapping network with a beginning in urban hubs. Gogoro’s success in Taiwan, where it has more than 12,000 swapping outlets and facilitates more than 500,000 daily swaps, provides a potential model to replicate in India.
Battery swapping also creates new business opportunities. Fleet operators can incorporate swap stations into their logistics depots. Urban planners and real estate developers can provide swap stations in the context of smart city infrastructure. Even conventional fuel station operators are able to diversify into EV energy services by hosting swap kiosks.
In summary, battery swapping businesses are becoming the crucial pillar of India’s electric vehicle growth narrative. They respond to major concerns such as time taken for charging, cost, and operational efficacy, especially among the commercial sector. With sturdy policy support, innovative business concepts, and enhanced industry collaborations, battery swapping could redefine the way mobility evolves in India. As the ecosystem grows, more participants are likely to come aboard the movement, fueling quicker EV uptake and a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system.