Stanford and Cambridge Explore EV Transformation in India Through ThunderPlus

ThunderPlus, one of India’s fastest-growing EV charging networks, recently hosted a prestigious academic delegation from two of the world’s top universities — Stanford University (USA) and the University of Cambridge (UK).

The high-profile visit was part of a global research initiative to study the evolution and innovation within the Indian electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem.

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Global Delegation Explores India’s EV Transformation

The delegation was led by Prof. Erica L. Plambeck, Holloway Professor of Operations, Information & Technology at Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Prof. Feryal Erhun, Professor of Operations & Technology Management at Cambridge Judge Business School. They were joined by Dr. Parshuram Hotkar, Professor at ISB Hyderabad.

Their visit aimed to understand the dynamic growth of India’s EV infrastructure and how startups like ThunderPlus are solving large-scale challenges with agility, digital innovation, and grassroots impact.

ThunderPlus: From ‘Charge Anxiety’ to ‘Charge Accessibility’

During an engaging session with the delegation, Mr. Rajeev YSR, CEO of ThunderPlus, shared the company’s journey in building a reliable, accessible, and future-ready EV charging ecosystem across India.

He emphasised the brand’s full-stack approach and highlighted ThunderPlus’ mission to eliminate “charge anxiety” by making charging stations widely available and efficient.

One of the highlights of the tour was the delegation’s visit to ThunderPlus’s flagship Dynamic Load Sharing Charging Station in Secunderabad. With a powerful capacity of 0.5 MW, this station can charge up to 20 vehicles simultaneously, making it one of India’s most advanced public charging hubs.

“Har Ghar Thunder” – Powering EVs From Homes to Highways

The delegation was especially impressed by the “Har Ghar Thunder” campaign — an innovative initiative by ThunderPlus offering affordable home chargers under $100.

Designed for flexible, small-scale installations (similar to the old STD booths), this program enables individuals, including small shop owners and households, to install EV chargers and earn a passive monthly income of $100–$200.

This grassroots approach is democratizing EV charging access, especially in urban and semi-urban areas, and playing a crucial role in boosting EV adoption across India.

Interaction with Last-Mile EV Users & Digital-First Infrastructure

The team also met last-mile delivery agents who regularly use ThunderPlus’s cashless, unmanned, and remotely operated charging infrastructure. The professors praised the deep fintech integration, cashless payments, and remote monitoring capabilities that reflect India’s digital-first mobility approach.

Spotlight on Social Impact: Visit to ETO Motors

As part of their broader study, the delegation also visited ETO Motors, a leading EV mobility company known for its emphasis on women’s empowerment.

They met several women EV drivers, affectionately known as “pilots”, whose lives have been transformed through electric three-wheelers.

Ms. Preethi Belinda Jasti, VP of Operations & Women Empowerment at ETO Motors, shared that over 500 women pilots are now part of their platform. She also highlighted a remarkable example from Kevadia, Gujarat, where more than 150 women operate the entire EV mobility system around the Statue of Unity — setting a benchmark for inclusive and sustainable urban transport in India.

A Global Perspective: What the Experts Said

Speaking on the visit, Prof. Erica L. Plambeck lauded the progress made by both ThunderPlus and ETO Motors in addressing infrastructure, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability:

“The stories from ThunderPlus and ETO Motors are not just Indian success stories—they are global inspirations. The world must take note of how grassroots innovation, women empowerment, and digital technology are reshaping mobility in India.”

She also urged other developing nations, including Bangladesh, to accelerate the shift from outdated lead-acid batteries to modern LFP or other lead-free battery technologies, as seen in India.

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Final Thoughts

The visit by Stanford and Cambridge academics not only showcased India’s remarkable strides in EV infrastructure and digital mobility but also positioned startups like ThunderPlus as key players in the global EV narrative.

With initiatives like “Har Ghar Thunder” and a vision rooted in accessibility and innovation, ThunderPlus continues to play a transformative role in India’s green mobility future.

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Disclaimer: This article is a press release issued by ThunderPlus. The views and statements mentioned are shared for informational purposes and reflect the company’s official communication.