Apurba Das Mohapatra, Business Head, Charging Solutions at Terra Motors, shared with Times Now exclusive insights into the Terra Charge Blanket solution, a ground-breaking approach to integrating multiple EV solutions.
image Apurba Das Mohapatra, Head of Charging Solutions Business, Terra Motors
Apurba Das Mohapatra, Business Head, Charging Solutions at Terra Motors, shared with Times Now exclusive insights into the Terra Charge Blanket solution, a ground-breaking approach to integrating multiple EV solutions. This conversation provides an in-depth look at its key capabilities, the strategic role of L5 loader vehicles, and Terra Charge’s partnerships with entities like SNM to enable fleet electrification and last-mile delivery services.
Q: What was the inspiration for the Terra Charge Blanket solution’s concept of integrating multiple EV solutions into one platform?
A: The Terra Charge Blanket solution is the brainchild of our strategic plan, driven by the desire to simplify the use of electric vehicles while solving associated challenges. By combining four EV solutions into one software package, we aim to drive companies to efficiently transition to EVs. To achieve this, we are expanding electric vehicles, electric vehicle financing loans, fleet charging infrastructure, and comprehensive software management solutions for accessing fleet and charging details, all in one software package. Previously, logistics and last-mile delivery companies had to connect with four or more companies to avail these services, making their transition to electric vehicles tedious. We identified this gap and decided to address it with the Terra Charge blanket solution. Through our products, we aim to provide businesses with everything they need to electrify and help them turn their attention to growth while we handle the details of their operations.
Q: Can you elaborate on the key features included in the Terra Charge Blanket solution and its specific role in addressing the challenges of the EV ecosystem?
A: The capabilities of the Terra Charge Blanket solution are carefully designed to help enterprises address the challenges of the EV ecosystem. Every service and product offered in the package is designed to facilitate fleet owners’ rapid transition to electric vehicles. For example, through this new package, the leading three-wheeler manufacturing company has launched an advanced L5 loader vehicle to cater to logistics and last-mile delivery requirements. Additionally, our EV financing options come with attractive interest rates and minimal paperwork. By offering a wide range of financial products, we aim to make it easier for logistics and last-mile delivery companies to finance the purchase of electric vehicles at affordable rates.
Our four-in-one approach also extends the support needed to develop the necessary charging infrastructure, including designated hub and route charging setups for businesses. This service ensures our customers have access to appropriate charging facilities, helping them address issues such as range anxiety and inadequate infrastructure. The fourth and final product in the Terra Charge Blanket solution is our centralized management software. The technology provides businesses with real-time tracking and charging route optimization capabilities via an instant-access dashboard and mobile app to ensure seamless fleet operations. Features like this could help fleet operators track their inventory and keep an eye on charging status.
Q: Can you explain the role and significance of the L5 loader in Terra Charge’s last-mile delivery and logistics strategy?
A: The L5 loader will definitely play a vital role in Terra Charge’s long-term strategy of logistics and last-mile delivery. These high-tech vehicles are built with a unique set of challenges in logistics operations in mind. This electric vehicle is equipped with advanced technology and sensors to ensure high-quality performance and efficiency. In addition, smart design and integrated technology enable vehicles to easily traverse complex urban roads and alleys, optimizing delivery and product safety, making electric vehicles a reliable component of last-mile delivery services.
Through these unique features and products, we aim to attract the logistics sector and encourage them to switch to electric L5 loaders for long-term benefits. We also offer financing for L5 loaders at competitive prices to ensure more logistics companies have access to these vehicles. Our team believes this measure will help us make significant progress towards the government’s goal of selling 10 million electric vehicles by 2030.
Q: Regarding working with entities like SNM, how does Terra Charge plan to contribute to electric fleets and last-mile delivery services?
A: All our recent collaborations underscore our vision of promoting sustainable mobility and accelerating EV adoption in India. For example, our partnership with SNM Cab, an all-electric ride-hailing service based in Pune, started with building designated charging stations for their fleet. Through our partnership, we have built a dedicated charging center for the SNM fleet near Pune Airport, ensuring charging and reducing downtime. SNM Cabs’ dream is to provide eco-friendly transportation solutions to the masses, while Terra Charge aims to solve the problem of insufficient EV charging infrastructure that hinders EV adoption. Our shared vision has helped us plan four more charging centers in prime locations for the SNM fleet in the new year to meet the growing demand for electric fleets in India.
When it comes to our plans, all we can say is that we are actively innovating and enhancing each of our products, from EV design to customized financing options and improving EV charging infrastructure. We are focused on improving our products and services to better support fleet owners and logistics companies, and seeking meaningful collaborations to help us turn our vision into reality.
Q: What are Terra Charge’s short- and long-term goals, specifically in terms of the installation of charging stations and expected revenue in fiscal 2024?
A: Our immediate goal is to have around 800 to 1,000 electric vehicle charging stations across India by March 2024. To achieve our goals, we have opened new offices in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Gurgaon, Chennai and Kolkata and are actively recruiting professionals in key positions. Through ongoing recruiting efforts, we aim to grow our headcount to over 250 employees by 2024, and we target annual revenue in the Terra Charge vertical of $668,000 in fiscal 2024.
Meanwhile, our team is actively developing the Terra Charge Blanket solution and pursuing lucrative partnerships that will help us accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in India. In 2024, our well-wishers and customers can expect to see more innovation, customized products and collaborations from the company.
