Ather Energy has announced a strategic collaboration with Google to enhance the accessibility and convenience of two-wheeler fast charging stations for electric vehicle (EV) users. This partnership enables real-time information on the availability of Ather Grid fast chargers directly on Google Maps, making it easier for EV owners to locate and access charging stations.
Enhancing the Charging Experience
Through this collaboration, users of two-wheelers equipped with the Light Electric Combined Charging System (LECCS), the official Indian EV charging connector standard, can now easily find Ather Grid fast chargers using Google Maps. The integration offers live status updates, ensuring that EV users can check the availability of charging stations in real-time, which significantly enhances the convenience of the charging experience.
Key features of this collaboration include:
- Real-Time Status: Ather Grid fast charging stations are now visible on Google Maps with live updates on their availability.
- Automatic Updates: Whenever a new Ather Grid charger is installed, it will automatically appear on Google Maps.
- LECCS Compatibility: Users can set LECCS as their default connector type on Google Maps, allowing for easy searching of compatible charging stations by simply typing “EV charger near me” or “charging stations” in the search bar.
This collaboration means that any two-wheeler with the LECCS connector can easily locate and utilize Ather Grid fast chargers, further simplifying the process of finding a compatible charging station.
Ather Grid: Pioneering a Universal Charging Standard
Ather Energy’s fast-charging network, Ather Grid, operates on the indigenously developed LECCS, which has been approved for nationwide adoption by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Introduced last year, the LECCS standard is a major step toward creating a universal charging solution, promoting interoperability across different EV brands and fostering the wider adoption of electric vehicles in India.
With nearly 2,000 fast chargers already installed across the country as of March 2024, Ather Energy is demonstrating its commitment to building a robust and accessible charging infrastructure for its customers.
Ather’s Commitment to Innovation
Since its inception in 2013, Ather Energy has been at the forefront of innovation in the EV industry, with a strong focus on research and development. The company has introduced several industry-first features, such as a touch-screen dashboard, on-board navigation, fast charging for two-wheelers, reverse mode, and a mobile app. Ather has also integrated popular consumer technologies into its products, including Google Maps navigation, Alexa skills, and WhatsApp notifications.