Ladakh isn't just the highest point in India but is also home to some of the highest roadways on the planet. And now thanks to Bangalore-based startup Lithium Urban Technologies and Fourth Partner energy which have formed PowerBank, it has the world's highest EV chargers as well. The startup has installed 18 EV chargers which are on the Manali-Leh route with five of them in the highest drivable passes in the world. There are a total of 18 type 1 and type 2 EV chargers across a starch of 1,800 kilometers which was achieved in 10 days. 15 of these stations have been installed in places that have an altitude of more than 10,000 feet. The installation team drove a fleet of MG ZS EVs while making the trek for the charging stations. As tourism in the region has increased pollution thanks to travel in gasoline and diesel vehicles, this is an attempt to encourage travel in EVs.
The installation crew travelled in the MG ZS EV
"Through this initiative, PowerBank's primary goal is to ensure that we convert at least 50% of the vehicular traffic to EVs and significantly reduce tailpipe emissions in the Ladakh regions in the next 36-48 months. We also seek to bring about a paradigm shift in how people perceive EVs - by addressing apprehensions around the availability of energy for long hauls and overnight road trips," said Sanjay Krishnan, founder of Lithium Urban Technologies.
His partner Vivek Subramaniam who is the co-founder and executive director of fourth partner energy added, "India is making significant strides on the EV manufacturing front, but there is a lot of ground to cover on the infrastructure front. Through PowerBank, we are looking to cover the length and breadth of the country with accessible, affordable EV charging points that are easy to use.
Our chargers are integrated with an app that enhances the customer's EV experience. Eventually, the goal is to power these chargers using renewable energy from the grid. For the PowerBank team, the successful installation of these chargers reflects our execution expertise - if we can electrify India's toughest terrain, the rest of the country is just work-in-progress."
Here is a list of where all the charging stations have been installed.
Urvashi's retreat in Manali
Ride Inn Cafe and resort in Manali
The Ambika HP fuel outlet in Manali
The Unicorn Hotel in Khangsar
The Royal Enfield Showroom in Khangsar
Hotel Ibex and Padma Lodge in Jispa
Hemis Monastery
The Lato Guest house in Lato
The HP fuel outlets of Buddha Filling center and LAHDC in Leh
The Abduz and the Grand Dragon hotel in Leh
Hotel Kargil at Kargil
Nubra Organic Retreat at Nubra
Cafe-wala Chai at Nubra
