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Indian Oil Refiner to Test EV Battery Swap Service

Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd. is preparing to test a service that would quickly swap batteries in India’s two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles
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Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd. is preparing to test a service that would quickly swap batteries in India’s two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles, sources tell Bloomberg News.

Piston-powered two- and three-wheelers currently generate two-thirds of HPCL’s sales and account for four out of five vehicles on the road in India. Bloomberg says electric versions of such vehicles have already achieved ownership cost parity and are likely to lead the electrification of transport options in India.

HPCL has noted previously that a rapid consumer shift to electric vehicles would threaten its petroleum-based business.

HPCL will test the quick-swap service at its petroleum fueling stations in Thane, according to Bloomberg. The scheme will enable customers to exchange a depleted battery for a freshly charged unit in minutes rather than wait to recharge the original battery.

Bloomberg notes that HPCL rivals have announced plans to install EV charging stations at some of their service facilities.

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