- The plan is to deploy the tyre battery accessories (TBA) concept, thus offering battery replacement/purchase along with car refuelling
- The partners hope the current collaboration to pave the way for the replication of the TBA concept pan India
In the latest update, Tesla Power USA and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) announced a national strategic alliance in battery distribution and sales. According to the official release, the partnership will enable Tesla Power USA batteries to potentially sell and service their batteries at over 36,000 IOCL petrol pumps across India, providing availability and convenience to purchase and service automotive batteries. Calling it the first national-level tie-up with Indian Oil Corporation for battery distribution, Tesla Power USA noted that the batteries will be available at the IOCL fuel pumps in the Delhi-NCR region, which will be expanded to other states.
Tesla Power USA plans to offer battery replacement or a new purchase along with refuelling of cars, by deploying the tyre battery accessories (TBA) concept of placing batteries at petrol stations. The company claims to have a wide variety of battery options to make it easier for customers to find the right battery model for their cars.
As per the partners, the current collaboration will pave the way for the replication of the TBA concept pan India in a phased manner. The battery company mentioned that it is providing a free tool kit and training to all designated employees at the fuel pump, ensuring that dealers are well-equipped and trained.
MD of Tesla Power USA, Kavinder Khurana stated, “This is the first time that automotive batteries will be available on a large scale at petrol pumps, similar to the western markets. Tesla Power currently has over 5000 distribution points in India that we aim to double in 2023. The addition of IOCL petrol pumps can potentially offer Tesla Power USA a distribution reach of over 40,000.”
Quoting India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), Mr Khurana added that the country’s battery market would develop at a compound annual growth rate of 25% from 2021 to 2026. “With the EV market growing at an impressive CAGR of 49%, fuel pumps must be well-equipped and ready for the transition. By 2030, there will be around one crore EV scooters alone on Indian roads. Tesla Power USA offers both lead-acid batteries and Lithium batteries, to cater to all segments of vehicles.”
Delhi-headquartered Indian Oil Corporation Limited is India’s diversified, integrated energy public sector undertaking with a presence in almost all the streams of oil, gas, petrochemicals and alternative energy sources.
Tesla Power India Pvt. Ltd is based out of Gurgaon (APAC office) with the global headquarters in Delaware, USA. The company aims to cater to all segments of vehicles by offering both lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries.
