Key Takeaways
- Ultraviolette increases access to interoperable Type-6 DC fast charging across its expanding network.
- Type-6 is India’s recognised national standard for light EV DC charging, purpose-built to scale across 2W and 3W electric vehicles.
- Immediate launch in important states, followed by gradual expansion to improve nationwide coverage and network density.
- Over and under-voltage protection, earth detection, and reverse polarity protection are all part of the robust multi-layer safety layout.
- Integrated smart ecosystem through Ultraviolette and Bolt. Earth apps offer riders real-time charger availability, remote monitoring of charging sessions, and a seamless scan-to-pay experience across a vast, interoperable network.
Ultraviolette Automotive has partnered with Bolt, improving India’s electric vehicle ecosystem. Earth plans to build an interoperable fast-charging infrastructure across the country. The collaboration is aimed at accelerating the introduction of Type-6 DC fast charging, a national standard designed exclusively for light electric vehicles, including electric scooters, motorcycles, and three-wheelers.
Type-6 charging
Type-6 charging is officially recognised in India by the Bureau of Indian Standards (IS 17017) and is in line with international standards. Type-6, unlike proprietary charging methods, is designed to be compatible, allowing multiple EV brands to use the same charging network.
This move is important for India’s EV sector, as standardisation is vital for increasing consumer confidence and reducing range anxiety, particularly in the two- and three-wheeler segments that dominate urban mobility. Ultraviolette’s cars are already designed to handle the Type-6 interface, ensuring compatibility with the growing network without requiring any hardware changes.
Rollout in Key States
As part of the initial phase, Bolt. Earth has already deployed Type-6 chargers across several states, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Delhi, and Gujarat.
The companies intend to swiftly expand the network, with approximately 50 upgraded charging stations due in the next two months. Long-term, Bolt. Earth intends to install up to 2,000 chargers nationwide within the next two years. This extension is expected to significantly boost charging access, particularly for riders who commute between cities or rely on public transport.
Fast Charging with Safety Focus
The current charging system is built on 3kW DC fast chargers, which can charge suitable electric motorcycles like Ultraviolette’s portfolio from 0 to 80% in around 2.5 hours and fully charge them in about 3.5 hours. Higher-capacity 6kW and 12kW chargers will also be introduced in the future to reduce the charging times.
Safety remains a top focus, with the chargers outfitted with multiple safety features such as over/under voltage protection, short-circuit protection, reverse polarity protection, and earth detection. These features provide reliable operation in a variety of environments and use cases.
The integration of Ultraviolette and Bolt’s digital platforms provides an added layer of convenience for users. Riders can utilise mobile apps to locate charging stations, monitor charging sessions in real-time, and make seamless payments. This interconnected ecosystem aims to make electric vehicle (EV) charging as easy and accessible as traditional refuelling.
What the Leaders have to say?
Speaking on the development, Niraj Rajmohan, Co-founder & CTO of Ultraviolette, stated, “Ultraviolette’s vision is to push the boundaries of electric mobility not only through product innovation, but also by helping shape the ecosystem that will power the future of mobility.” We collaborated with Bolt. Earth is a key step toward advancing Type-6 Fast Charging infrastructure in India, which is an interoperable, scalable standard designed primarily for the demands of 2W and 3W EVs.
Ultraviolette vehicles already use the Type-6 interface, and this collaboration broadens real-world charging options based on a nationally acknowledged standard. As public charging infrastructure evolves, interoperability will be vital to boosting EV adoption, increasing rider confidence, and allowing India’s next stage of electric mobility growth.”
What’s next?
Bolt. Earth plans to enhance its Blaze DC portfolio by introducing higher-capacity 6kW and 12kW DC fast chargers. These new chargers aim to reduce charging times and support a wider range of electric two- and three-wheelers. With interoperability at its core, the Type-6 standard is poised to become a strong foundation for India’s EV charging infrastructure. The collaboration between Ultraviolette and Bolt. Earth signifies a shift toward a more unified and scalable ecosystem, which is crucial for increasing EV adoption across the country.
