ThunderPlus, India’s fastest-growing EV charging network, proudly welcomed a high-profile academic delegation from Stanford University, USA and the University of Cambridge, UK. The delegation, led by Prof. Erica L. Plambeck, Holloway Professor of Operations, Information & Technology at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Prof. Feryal Erhun, Professor of Operations & Technology Management at Cambridge Judge Business School, was accompanied by Dr. Parshuram Hotkar, Professor at ISB Hyderabad.
The visit was part of a broader research study to understand the evolution, scale, and innovation within the Indian electric vehicle ecosystem and the role played by Thunderplus. The delegation explored the key drivers propelling India’s EV revolution and studied firsthand how startups and enterprises are navigating technological and infrastructural challenges.
During an immersive session, Mr. Rajeev YSR, CEO of ThunderPlus, presented the remarkable journey of India’s EV infrastructure landscape, spotlighting the role of startups like ThunderPlus in transforming “charge anxiety” into “charge accessibility.” Highlighting ThunderPlus’ full-stack approach, he outlined the company’s aspiration to be India’s most reliable and accessible EV charging platform.
A key highlight of the visit was a tour of ThunderPlus’ flagship Dynamic Load Sharing Charging Station in Secunderabad – a first-of-its-kind installation with a 0.5 MW capacity capable of charging 20 vehicles simultaneously. The delegation praised the “Har Ghar Thunder” campaign – a grassroots initiative offering compact, affordable chargers (under $100), designed for flexible installations in homes and small businesses, reminiscent of the STD booth model. This initiative is also enabling citizens to earn passive incomes of $100–200 per month, democratizing EV charging access across urban and semi-urban areas.
The delegates also interacted with last-mile delivery agents utilizing ThunderPlus’ fully cashless, unmanned, and remotely operated charging infrastructure. They expressed admiration for the deep digital integration and fintech penetration in India’s mobility sector.
As part of their visit, the team toured the operations of ETO Motors, a pioneering EV mobility player known for its social impact, particularly in women empowerment. They were inspired by firsthand interactions with women EV drivers – or “pilots” – who shared how electric three-wheelers have transformed their livelihoods.
Ms. Preethi Belinda Jasti, VP of Operations & Women Empowerment at ETO Motors, highlighted that over 500 women pilots are currently operating under the ETO platform. She proudly cited the example of Kevadia, Gujarat, where over 150 women manage the entire mobility operations around the Statue of Unity, setting a precedent for inclusive mobility in India.
Prof. Erica L. Plambeck commended the innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability displayed by ThunderPlus and ETO Motors. As she continues her research visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, she emphasized the need for neighboring countries to learn from the rapid progress in India and, urgently, transition away from lead-acid batteries toward modern LFP batteries as seen in India or other lead-free technologies.
“The stories from ThunderPlus and ETO Motors are not just Indian success stories—they are global inspirations. The world must take note of how grassroots innovation, women empowerment, and digital technology are reshaping mobility in India,” said Prof. Plambeck.
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