For a better user experience, Ayka Control Systems has unveiled its UPI-enabled EV charging solution, eliminating the need for separate apps and a digital wallet. What does Jash Seth from Ayka say about this innovation, the existing industry challenges, and the company goals? Nitisha Dubey from EFY listens.
Q. What is Ayka Control Systems (ACS)? What does the company do?
A. We are an energy systems company focused on building advanced equipment for power systems. Our work mainly revolves around electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and clean energy consultancy. We help improve energy efficiency and support shifting to more sustainable power solutions.
Q. What is the unique innovation introduced by ACS in the EV charging market?
A. We have introduced unified payments interface (UPI)–enabled EV charging in India. Unlike traditional EV chargers that require multiple app downloads and separate wallets, we offer a seamless ‘petrol pump experience’. With our solution, users can scan a QR code using Google Pay, Paytm, or any UPI-enabled app, pay, and start charging instantly, making EV charging as easy and convenient as refuelling a conventional vehicle.
Q. How did ACS come up with the idea for UPI-enabled EV charging?
A. The idea originated from direct interactions with EV users and industry experts. Many users expressed frustration over downloading multiple apps, maintaining wallet balances, and dealing with refunds. ACS addressed this issue by integrating direct UPI payments, eliminating app dependencies, and making refunds instantly within 90 seconds.
Q. Do you have any patents?
A. Yes, we have filed four patents related to its innovations. The approval process typically takes six to eight months, and we are currently awaiting approval.
Q. What technology does ACS use, and how is it different from competitors?
A. As I said earlier, we have pioneered app-free, UPI-based EV charging technology in India. Since our launch in mid-2023, we have deployed over 100 charging stations. This makes us the market leader in this innovation. Now, other companies are following our approach.
Q. Where is ACS’s manufacturing facility located?
A. Our headquarters and manufacturing facilities are in Mumbai, specifically in the Vadala region. We have assembly lines, laser cutting and engraving machines, electronics workbenches, and ultraviolet (UV) printing machines to support our operations.
Q. Are there plans for a new manufacturing facility?
A. We commissioned a new facility in Vasai in November 2024. Depending on the order volume, we may open another facility in April–May 2025.
Q. Are components sourced from India or imported?
A. While we source components from Indian vendors, most of them are manufactured outside India. However, we plan to localise manufacturing within the next 1.5 years by setting up our own production line in India.
Q. What kind of consultancy services does ACS provide?
A. We provide engineering and project management services in the energy sector, specifically for clean energy, battery technology, and sustainability projects. Our primary markets are Europe, North America, and Hong Kong.
Q. What kind of clean energy projects does ACS work on?
A. We specialise in solar and battery technology, battery management systems (BMS), and sustainability projects. For instance, a German client is developing portable battery storage systems for remote African regions with limited electricity access.
Q. How does ACS address challenges in battery technology for different regions?
A. Battery performance varies by region due to climate differences. We develop configurable BMS solutions that allow clients to optimise battery performance based on local temperature, heat load, and charging cycles.
Q. How does ACS ensure a BMS solution aligns with operational and sustainability goals?
A. We work only with clean energy clients using battery storage for solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects. The company prioritises sustainability and selects clients accordingly.
Q. What are the key criteria for choosing a BMS solution?
A. We emphasise a strong engineering team over just components. The success of a BMS depends on technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and good engineering support.
Q. Does ACS recommend specific BMS platforms?
A. We do not actively promote BMS platforms but provide engineering consultancy services to select clients through referrals.
Q. How does ACS assist in integrating smart sensors and IoT into BMS?
A. We have a team of more than eight experienced engineers with expertise in hardware engineering, Internet of Things (IoT), and smart sensor integration. We follow well-documented engineering processes to ensure seamless integration.
Q. How does ACS measure the ROI of BMS solutions for clients?
A. We provide a cost analysis sheet at the start of each project, estimating resources, engineering costs, and potential cost savings. Clients can assess unit economics to determine the financial benefits of improved BMS solutions.
Q. What challenges does ACS face in BMS and EV charging development?
A. Challenges include hardware failures, printed circuit board (PCB) issues, and software bugs. We overcome these by maintaining substantial engineering documentation and collaborating with external experts when required.
Q. How does ACS handle cybersecurity and data protection?
A. We host all its data on Google and Amazon Cloud servers. Project management is handled via Zoho enterprise resource planning (ERP), with access-based restrictions for engineers.
Q. What design challenges did ACS face while developing its EV chargers?
A. Initially, we struggled to test charging circuits on actual vehicles as car owners were hesitant. The team went through eight to 12 iterations before finalising a stable mass-market design.
Q. Who are ACS’s target customers for EV chargers?
A. We primarily target real estate developers, including those working on residential and commercial buildings, as well as corporate offices and business parks, providing tailored solutions to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, we serve fleet operators and logistics companies, offering advanced systems that streamline fleet management, improve safety, and optimise resource utilisation. By focusing on these key sectors, we ensure that businesses benefit from innovative, cost-effective, and reliable solutions designed to meet their unique needs.
Q. Have you partnered with any major companies?
A. Yes, we have signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with HDFC Bank and Panasonic to drive innovation and expand our impact in the EV charging space. HDFC Bank is installing our chargers at its offices, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and green infrastructure. Meanwhile, our collaboration with Panasonic focuses on advancing DC fast-charging technology, enabling faster and more efficient charging solutions.
Q. How does your company generate revenue?
A. Our main revenue stream comes from engineering consultancy services, where we provide expert solutions in clean energy and battery technology. Additionally, we generate revenue through EV charger sales and software fees, charging ₹1 per unit of electricity dispensed as a recurring fee. This dual approach allows us to sustain our operations while expanding our presence in the EV and energy sectors.
Q. What are ACS’s expansion plans for the next two years?
A. Our goal at ACS is to deploy over 800 EV charging stations by 2025, expanding our presence in key cities like Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, and other major metro areas. We are also collaborating with Amazon India to provide fleet charging solutions, supporting the growing shift towards electric mobility. Additionally, we are expanding our consultancy services in the UK and US markets, leveraging our expertise in clean energy and battery technology to make a global impact.
Q. Is ACS looking for vendors or business partners?
A. Yes, ACS seeks technical distributors with experience in automotive, solar, and clean tech industries for sales and distribution partnerships.
Q. How many employees work at ACS?
A. ACS operates with a dedicated team comprising 12–14 full-time employees in manufacturing and, as I mentioned earlier, six to eight engineers in research and development (R&D), ensuring seamless production and innovation. In addition to its core team, the company hires contract workers as needed, allowing for flexibility in scaling operations based on project demands and manufacturing requirements. This workforce structure enables ACS to maintain efficiency while adapting to market needs.
Q. Any innovations or announcements from ACS?
A. We are working with Panasonic on DC fast-charging solutions and other e-mobility innovations. This collaboration is still in the early stages.
Q. How many EV chargers has ACS sold so far?
A. We have sold over 120 units with a monthly manufacturing capacity of 80–90 chargers/month.
Q. What is ACS’s year-on-year growth, and what are its future goals?
A. We have achieved 60 per cent year-over-year growth and plan to raise a seed round in April–May 2025 to expand our EV charging services. We expect to achieve 80 percent growth in the next financial year.
