Chennai-based Plugzmart, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specializing in electric vehicle (EV) chargers, has made a significant advancement in India’s EV infrastructure by securing certification for its 60kW DC fast charger from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). This milestone marks a key step towards building a robust indigenous charging infrastructure, crucial for supporting the rapidly growing fleet of domestic electric vehicles.
Advancing India’s EV Infrastructure
As the demand for electric vehicles rises, India faces challenges in keeping up with the infrastructure needed to support them. Most EV chargers in the country are currently imported, often of low quality, and predominantly sourced from China. Co-founder Ragavendra Ravichandran highlighted the shortcomings of these imported chargers, which lack adequate support post-installation. Plugzmart’s certification ensures their 60kW DC fast charger meets stringent operational safety standards and efficiency norms, addressing the pressing need for reliable and locally produced charging solutions.
Innovative Technology and Features
The 60kW DC fast charger is designed to offer an impressive 75% charge within just 30 minutes, making it an attractive option for fleet operators and charging networks. CEO Vivek Samynathan noted that this achievement is pivotal for Plugzmart’s vision to build a comprehensive ecosystem of hardware and software solutions within the energy sector.
“The goal is to provide end-to-end solutions that cater to the current needs of the electric vehicle sector while paving the way for future innovations in sustainable energy,” he stated. This charger integrates smart technologies and IoT-enabled platforms, creating an efficient and scalable energy infrastructure crucial for the global shift towards greener transportation.
Overcoming Development Challenges
The journey to developing the 60kW fast charger was not without its hurdles. Plugzmart began its development approximately two years ago, facing multiple challenges, particularly in designing a proprietary controller card that manages high-speed charging while ensuring safety and efficiency. This controller card is integral to the charger’s operations, managing power distribution, communication with the vehicle, and monitoring critical parameters such as voltage and temperature to prevent overheating.
Key Specifications
The 60kW DC fast charger boasts impressive specifications:
- Power Output: 60kW
- Input Voltage: 340-480V AC
- Output Voltage Range: 100V – 1000V DC
- Efficiency: 95%+
- Operating Temperature: -20°C to +50°C
Distinctive Features
What sets Plugzmart’s charger apart is its intelligent load management, which allows for dynamic power distribution and the ability to charge multiple vehicles simultaneously. This is essential as the charging needs vary across different EV models. The charger converts AC power from the grid into DC power using an internal rectifier, enabling quicker energy transfer by bypassing the vehicle’s onboard charger.
Home Installation and Components
While primarily designed for commercial use, the 60kW charger can be installed in residential homes, provided there is sufficient electrical capacity. However, most homeowners may prefer smaller chargers (7-22 kW) due to space and electrical constraints.
Plugzmart develops several key components in-house, including the controller card and PLC (Power Line Communication) module, which facilitates real-time communication between the charger and the vehicle’s onboard systems. While some components are still sourced from trusted suppliers, the focus on local manufacturing is vital for strengthening India’s EV ecosystem.
Cost and Market Potential
The cost of a single unit of the 60kW DC fast charger ranges between ₹8 to ₹9 lakh, depending on customization and quantity. Plugzmart has garnered interest from a variety of stakeholders, including fleet operators, EV manufacturers, and charging network operators, reflecting a promising future for the startup as it contributes to the development of India’s electric vehicle infrastructure.
As India accelerates its transition to electric mobility, Plugzmart stands at the forefront, empowering the nation’s charging capabilities and ensuring a sustainable future for transportation.
For Enquiry
Call Us : +91 72000 98737
Mail Us : info@plugzmart.com
Website : https://plugzmart.com
