In a major boost to global clean mobility, Africa-based climate investment platform Helios Climate has announced a landmark investment in SUN Mobility, aimed at deploying a continent-wide battery swapping network across Africa. This development marks the Indian company’s first major international foray, expanding its proven EV infrastructure into high-growth, emerging markets.
The investment is part of SUN Mobility’s broader $135 million capital raise over the past year. The funding will be used to establish a scalable battery swapping ecosystem across Africa while continuing to grow operations within India. With support from the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), Helios Climate intends to catalyse affordable, clean, and efficient e-mobility solutions in cities facing high transport emissions.
Building on Proven Success in India
Founded in 2017 by the SUN Group and the Maini Group, SUN Mobility is a pioneer in EV battery swapping technology. The company currently operates over 900 battery swap stations in India, enabling 1.4 million battery swaps per month across a mix of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and light commercial vehicles.
Its interoperable, modular battery platform is vehicle-agnostic, allowing OEMs and fleet operators to adopt electric mobility without the cost burden of battery ownership. The model not only improves affordability but also eliminates long charging wait times—a key barrier to EV adoption in many developing countries.
Strategic Fit for Africa’s Urban Mobility
Africa presents a unique opportunity for mass-scale electrification, especially for smaller vehicle segments. With a market projected to exceed 1.9 million two- and three-wheelers annually by 2030, the region’s transport emissions and rising fuel costs make it an ideal target for clean alternatives.
“Emerging markets need flexible, scalable EV solutions,” said Tavraj Banga, Partner and Co-Head at Helios Climate. “SUN Mobility’s technology is a perfect fit, especially in African cities where motorbikes and rickshaws dominate urban transport.”
Global Vision with Local Impact
SUN Mobility’s expansion into Africa aligns with its goal of creating a global battery swapping ecosystem. According to Chetan Maini, Co-founder and Chairman of SUN Mobility, the partnership with Helios Climate enables them to deliver sustainable, modular, and cost-effective mobility solutions at scale.
“Our mission has always been to democratise electric mobility,” said Maini. “Africa’s urban mobility challenge is an opportunity to lead with clean, shared transport systems.”
Clean Tech Backing from Global Giants
SUN Mobility is backed by key stakeholders such as Indian Oil Corporation, Bosch, and Vitol—the parent company of Vivo Energy, a major fuel retailer in Africa. These strategic partnerships are expected to help accelerate deployment and adoption across borders.
With a focus on environmental outcomes and climate resilience, the Helios–SUN Mobility collaboration is set to transform how people and goods move in fast-growing cities across the African continent.
Key Highlights:
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Helios Climate leads global push with strategic investment in SUN Mobility
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Africa to get first large-scale battery swapping network for EVs
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SUN Mobility operates 900+ swap stations and enables 1.4M monthly swaps in India
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Targeting Africa’s 1.9M+ annual small vehicle market by 2030
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Modular batteries separate battery ownership from vehicles, cutting costs and boosting flexibility
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Backed by PIDG, Indian Oil, Bosch, and Vitol/Vivo Energy
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