E-Fill Electric focusses on holding the whole ecosystem for electric vehicles together. They design and manufacture electric vehicle chargers in both AC and DC categories (AC001, Type 2, CCS2, CCS1, NACS) and build the whole charging infrastructure as part of the end-to-end ecosystem with our in-house CMS and mobile APP for EV drivers. Apart from that, they are also into designing & manufacturing FAME-2-approved & patented electric 3Wheelers. E-fill Electric aims to enable a tech-driven transition to electric mobility globally.
In a recent interview, Abdullah interacted with Mayank Jain, CEO, E-fill Electric, in which he discussed about expanding its charging stations in big cities vs. smaller towns, how the E-fill EV charging system may assist in minimise carbon footprint, precautions e-fill electric takes to ensure the environmental sustainability of the charging station, the role that government incentives and subsidies play in the E-fill electric car charging deployment strategy, and the new technologies or breakthroughs in EV charging that E-fill Electric is developing.
Could you please give me an overview of the company and its objectives?
We are a pioneering tech OEM in the EV charging space, having begun our journey with the development of chargers back in 2019. As one of the early manufacturers and technology producers in India’s EV charging industry, we’ve made significant strides over the past five years. Today, we have developed a comprehensive portfolio of products, ranging from 3.3kW EVAC chargers to 240kW DC superfast chargers. Last year, we began exporting our products to the US, which are compatible with both CCS1 and Tesla connectors.
While we’ve already come a long way, we believe it’s still early days for us in terms of our market presence, given that the EV market is still in its nascent stages. Currently, EV penetration in the four-wheeler segment is less than 3%, indicating significant growth potential. Our primary focus is on the four-wheeler segment, though we also have LEVAC chargers that can cater to both the four-wheeler and three-wheeler sectors. However, our main emphasis remains on the four-wheeler market, which includes both commercial and passenger vehicles, as well as trucking and buses.
What plans does e-fill electrics have for expanding its charging stations in big cities vs smaller towns or rural areas?
e-Fill is a technology Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), meaning we control and hold the rights to the intellectual property (IP) we develop, with all products being designed and manufactured in-house. We produce chargers and supply them to various charge point operators, fleet operators, and solution providers. These operators have different installation plans tailored to different markets. For instance, fleet operators have specific plans for charging hubs in metro cities and along highways, as the penetration and adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) — whether two-wheelers, three-wheelers, or four-wheelers — are currently higher in these areas.
However, as the EV market continues to grow, adoption is also increasing in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. There are already multiple retail and leading charge point operators who have installed chargers in tier 2 and tier 3 cities such as Kolhapur and Sholapur in Maharashtra, and Karnal. These cities are becoming popular locations for charging infrastructure development. In smaller towns and villages, the adoption of EVs is expected to begin with the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments. Initially, the charging infrastructure in these areas will primarily consist of AC chargers, ranging from 3.3kW to 7kW Type 2, Level 2 chargers, which can cater to both slow and medium charging needs. For four-wheelers, medium charging will be supported by Level 2 chargers of 7.2kW.
Regarding e-Fill’s plans for tier 2 and tier 3 cities, while we don’t directly install or operate charging stations, we already supply more than 65% of the charge point operators in India, covering over 60% of the market. We also serve fleet operators who are setting up hubs primarily in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Bangalore, with gradual expansion into tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
Could you explain me how the E-fill EV charging system may assist to minimise carbon footprint?
We are actively reducing the carbon footprint by being at the forefront of promoting electric vehicle adoption through our charging solutions. Electric vehicles rely on charging stations to operate, and by providing these essential services, we are directly contributing to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. This, in turn, significantly reduces carbon emissions.
Our efforts have gained global recognition, as evidenced by our onboarding onto a global platform called Def Stream. This platform tracks carbon credits generated through charging stations. For instance, when an EV user charges their vehicle, they transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric mobility, thus contributing to carbon reduction. This reduction in carbon footprint translates into carbon credits. To illustrate, approximately 1,500 kilowatt-hours used for electric mobility generate one carbon credit, which is equivalent to preventing one ton of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere.
Our work is directly contributing to carbon reduction, and we are already generating carbon credits, allowing us to benefit from these credits in the global market.
Could you please describe what precautions e-fill electric takes to ensure the environmental sustainability of the charging station?
We are currently witnessing the emergence of many new technologies, and we are also adopting these innovations to ensure that the reliability and efficiency of charging stations are significantly improved. Higher efficiency in charging stations is crucial because it directly reduces energy losses during power conversion, which is inherently a sustainable approach. As we move forward, we anticipate the introduction of stricter norms aimed at promoting the use of higher-efficiency chargers in the market. This focus on efficiency not only minimizes energy loss but also enhances the overall sustainability of the charging process.
In addition to efficiency, reliability is equally important. When a customer visits a charging station, they should be able to charge their vehicle without issues. If the charging station is not operational, it negatively impacts the charging experience, particularly for new EV adopters. A poor charging experience could discourage users from choosing electric vehicles for longer routes, which would be detrimental to the broader promotion of EVs. Therefore, ensuring that all aspects of the charging experience are reliable and encouraging is essential for fostering the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Furthermore, we are also working on advanced solutions that integrate green energy sources, such as solar, wind, or other renewable sources, with charging stations. By using green energy to power these stations, the energy dispensed is sustainable, contributing positively to the overall ecosystem. This approach not only supports the environment but also aligns with our commitment to promoting a more sustainable future for electric mobility.
Could you please explain the role that government incentives and subsidies play in the E-fill electric car charging deployment strategy?
The government has been actively promoting electric vehicles (EVs) through various programs, not limited to subsidies, although subsidies have played a significant role. This approach mirrors strategies used in countries like China and several European nations. In the early stages of adopting new technologies or products, when costs are higher, the industry often requires financial support.
In terms of the Government of India’s initiatives, subsidies have been provided at different stages, starting with FAME 1, the first Faster Adoption of Electric Mobility plan. Under FAME 1, both direct and indirect subsidies were given to end customers to stimulate demand for EVs. Although these subsidies are provided to the end consumer, they serve as demand generators. As EV adoption increases, so does the demand for electric vehicles, which in turn boosts the need for charging stations. This is an indirect benefit of government subsidies.
Furthermore, the government has introduced additional policies, advocating for a phased increase in localization. We anticipate the introduction of the new FAME 3 policy, which is expected to include stricter mandates for localization, not just in the EV domain but also in the charging infrastructure sector. In FAME 3, we expect mandates that will offer benefits to OEMs who have localized their products in India, including charging stations. Additionally, it is anticipated that FAME 3 might include subsidies for private charge point operators, directly benefiting the charging industry and infrastructure.
Can you tell me about the new technologies or breakthroughs in EV charging that E-fill Electric is developing?
At e-fill, we are committed to continuous innovation and improvement. With a team of over 40 dedicated members in our R&D department, we pride ourselves on being a leading, innovation-driven charger OEM. We are actively collaborating with various government stakeholders to help shape policies that will directly impact the industry.
In terms of technology, we already have seven granted patents and a portfolio of over 20 patents. One of our upcoming innovations is the Hypervolt technology, which we plan to launch in September or October this year. This groundbreaking technology is set to revolutionize the EV charging industry by saving charge point operators 4-6% of losses per hour. Currently, charge point operators lose approximately 4-6% of electricity units per hour, which translates to a financial loss of around ₹75,000 to ₹150,000 annually. The Hypervolt technology will significantly reduce these losses, offering a substantial economic benefit to the operators and further solidifying our position as a leader in the industry.
How does e-fill electric propose to position its lithium-ion battery-powered electric three-wheeler in comparison to classic ice three-wheelers?
In 2021, we had already developed our electric charger (EC) product portfolio, including a 15-kilowatt charger and other products. However, we noticed that the market, particularly the charging industry, was moving very slowly because the EV industry itself was still in its early stages. The numbers back then were not very encouraging, and the market was sluggish. But we realized that while the charging market would definitely grow, it would take some time, especially in the initial couple of years.
This understanding led us to pivot at E-Fill into the mobility domain. We decided to enter the three-wheeler manufacturing sector, which resulted in the creation of a separate vertical with a dedicated team. We are currently developing electric three-wheelers in the L3 category and plan to launch the L5 electric auto later this year. We are also actively onboarding dealerships across India for our L3 vehicles.
Our L3 vehicles feature first-in-class innovations, including multiple safety features such as a combi brake system in our e-rickshaws, complete waterproof wiring harnesses, smart instrument clusters, and a dual-speed gearbox system. These advancements set our L3 category apart, offering a highly localized product that is made in India, designed in India, and specifically tailored for the Indian market.
How does E-fill Electric propose to make electric three-wheelers accessible to a diverse range of customers?
Since we have localized the technology and are already collaborating with many established supply chain partners, we are able to match the prices of imported kits. As a result, we are meeting the expectations and requirements of end users in the three-wheeler market..
How does e-fill Electric envision the role of electric three-wheelers in India’s transportation system?
The electric three-wheeler market is already a very exciting space. It has been present in the market for more than 13-14 years now, making it one of the oldest segments in terms of both three-wheelers and electric vehicles in India. Currently, the adoption rate stands at around 52 to 54 percent. This means that out of every 100 three-wheelers sold, 52 to 54 are electric. Until now, the market has primarily focused on the L3 segment in the three-wheeler space. However, going forward, a number of major three-wheeler OEMs, such as Bajaj Piaggio, have already launched their electric three-wheeler products, and the adoption rate is expected to increase significantly in the L5 segment as well. By 2030, we anticipate that the number of electric three-wheelers sold annually will reach approximately 8 to 9 lakh vehicles. Thus, the growth in the electric three-wheeler sector is quite rapid.