Mercedes-Benz India Pushes for Unified EV Charging Platform

Mercedes-Benz India advocates for a unified platform to offer real-time information on available EV charging stations, simplifying the process for electric vehicle owners. CEO Santosh Iyer emphasizes the need to democratize EV charging infrastructure and integrate payment systems, thus encouraging more customers to adopt electric vehicles.

Luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz India is championing the creation of a common platform to provide real-time information on all available charging stations operated by various service providers. This move aims to enhance convenience for electric vehicle (EV) owners.

In a conversation with PTI, Mercedes-Benz India MD and CEO Santosh Iyer underscored the need for such a platform, likening it to a UPI-based system, to streamline payment gateways and improve user experience. He pointed out that currently in India, multiple apps are required to find and pay for charging stations, which can be cumbersome.

Iyer explained that a unified system would not only make EV ownership easier but also foster further adoption of electric vehicles. He highlighted the example of Germany, where Mercedes-Benz customers can seamlessly make payments for various services, including charging, via a single app. Iyer urged the Indian government to prioritize this initiative and noted that increasing EV sales reflect a growing acceptance of electric vehicles in the country.

(With inputs from agencies.)