Hindustan Aeronautics Seeking Partners for EV Charging Business

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has issued an RFI, seeking interest from eligible Indian firms for partnering with in the EV charging business.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has issued a Request for Information (RFI), seeking interest from eligible Indian firms for partnering with in the electric vehicle (EV) charging business.

As per the RFI document, the applicant should have the technical know-how and should be in the business of EV charging. The successful business entity should also be willing to transfer the intellectual property rights of the developed product to HAL. The ulterior motive of the RFI is to seek out the right partner to explore the emerging EV charging business area in the upcoming EV market.

The scope of work for the selected entity will include (but not be limited to) providing the EV charging hardware and software development, communication protocols, cloud support, power handling, installation and certifications, and approvals from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). As per the RFI, the project is expected to be completed within three to four months from the date of signing the transfer of manufacturing technology (ToT) contract. The prototype development will take place within three to four months of the signing of the development contract.

The last date for submission of proposals in response to the RFI is November 22, 2019.

The selected Indian entity would need to share the technology of EV charging if already developed or else provide technical expertise and know-how for the joint development of EV charging infrastructure. Additionally, the EV chargers that are developed should also be compatible with CHAdeMO connector, CCS Connector, Type 2 AC, Bharat DC-001, and Bharat AC-001 standards.

In July 2019, the government reduced the applicable rate of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on electric vehicles (EVs) and corresponding charging infrastructure. The GST council meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, had announced that the GST rate on all the electric vehicles will be reduced from 12 percent to 5 percent. Moreover, the GST rates on chargers or charging stations for EVs have been reduced from 18 percent to 5 percent.