As part of its efforts to grow its green mobility footprint, the Karnataka government inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with electric vehicle (EV) producer Ather Energy to build 1,000 fast charging stations around the state.

“A MoU was signed between Ather Energy and Electric Supply Companies (ESCOMs) of the state in the presence of chief minister Basavaraj Bommai for setting up 1,000 fast charging stations across the state. The ESCOMs would be the nodal agency to provide all technical support and government agencies would coordinate with the ESCOMs to share their available spaces for the charging stations,” according to the chief minister’s office (CMO).

The arrangement comes as Karnataka tries to capitalize on growing interest in green technologies by asking more companies to set up shop in the state and make it a center for the manufacture of alternative fuel cars and crucial components, such as battery technology.

Interestingly, despite the fact that the majority of their operations are in Karnataka, two of Bengaluru's most well-known electric vehicle manufacturers have set up shop in Tamil Nadu.

The CMO added that the ESCOMs would serve as the nodal agency for all technical assistance, and government agencies would collaborate with them to share available charging station space.

According to the company, Ather Energy would provide free charging services for electric two-wheeler vehicles.

At the CMO office, Ather Energy's Managing Director, CEO, and co-founder Tarun Mehta and Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) Managing Director Rajendra Cholan signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

Ather Energy, a Bangalore-based electric car firm, earlier announced ambitions to deploy 5,000 fast-charging stations across the country.

The company, which is financed by HeroMoto Corp and Flipkart founders Sachin and Binny Bansal, now produces two electric scooters, the 450X and 450 Plus, and sells them in 13 locations throughout India. In Bengaluru, Mehta and his IIT Madras classmate Swapnil Jain co-founded Ather in 2013. Other investors include global private equity firms Tiger Global and InnoVen Capital, as well as the founders of HeroMoto Corp and Flipkart, Sachin and Binny Bansal.

Taking to Twitter, Tarun Mehta wrote, “Had an incredible meeting with the Hon CM @BSBommai. Walked in with an intent to intro us, walked out with a joint MoU committing 1000 Ather fast chargers across the state. Amazing speed & support from govt to enable this! Karnataka is at the forefront of EV. Excited to be here!.”

Bommai reshared this tweet and wrote, “K’taka is committed to doing whatever it takes to enable ease of doing business especially in the sector of clean & sustainable energy.”