Ather Energy opens its fast-charging connector for other OEMs

An interoperable 2-wheeler fast charging platform will help lower infrastructure investments.

Ather Energy has announced that it will offer its proprietary charging connector to other OEMs. This will pave the way for an interoperable 2-wheeler fast charging platform and help lower infrastructure investments.

According to the company, having a common connector that can be used across different products will help maximize the usage and efficiency of the charging infrastructure. It would also give customers access to Ather's 200+ fast chargers, thus reducing range anxiety.

Ather Grid has been providing normal-speed charging options for electric 2-wheelers and 4-wheelers free of cost. Opening up the connector technology would allow all EV owners to use any of its fast-charging stations across the country.

Ather Energy believes that there is a need for a new connector standard for fast charging. CHADEMO and CCS standards for electric 4-wheelers are not feasible for 2-wheelers. Therefore, the company developed a connector that integrates both AC and DC charging capabilities. It is suitable for 2 and 3-wheelers and has the ability of CAN 2.0 communication with control and proximity pilot.

Tesla, which is also planning to enter the Indian EV space, uses a proprietary connector. Earlier this year, the company announced that it would open its fast-charging network for other EV users. However, non-Tesla vehicles would require an adapter to connect to the 'Supercharger'. The company currently has the world's largest fast-charging network with over 25,000 Superchargers.