iGowise and Patnaik Energy Group to Deploy 5,000 Portable EV Power Banks

Deep-tech mobility startup iGowise has partnered with Patnaik Energy Group to deploy 5,000 portable power banks for electric vehicles and other equipment over the next 24 months, backed by $1 million in seed funding. The initiative will initially focus on Hyderabad and Bangalore, targeting high-rise residential buildings and commercial zones.

The portable power banks will provide emergency charging solutions for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, small electric cars, drones operating in remote areas, electric farm equipment, and wilderness lighting. Users will be able to access the service through mobile apps or by scanning at charging locations.

"At iGo, we strongly believe we have to build tailored solutions for our own contextual needs," said Sravan Kumar, CEO of iGowise. "iGo's smart tilting trikes are uniquely positioned to offer the high payload capacity that is needed to carry these power banks without compromising on speed or safety."

The companies will offer both lease-based and pay-per-use models under an "Energy as a Service" framework. The power banks will be equipped with AIS-156 compliant technology, using lithium iron phosphate, lithium manganese iron phosphate, and lithium titanium oxide chemistries. They will feature AI-powered battery management systems and advanced cooling mechanisms.

"Having pioneered the idea of battery swap via delivery with RapidE Power, we were able to figure out a way to cater to multiple brands of EVs having different battery dimensions and configurations," explained Sambit Patnaik, Founder and Director of RapidE Power & Mobility Solutions and Patnaik Energy Group.

The partnership aims to deploy 1,000 units in its first year of operation. The portable power banks will have wheels for easy mobility and can be transported via iGo electric trikes or other three-wheelers to various locations.

India's electric vehicle market has seen significant growth in recent years, with the government pushing for greater EV adoption through various incentives and policies. However, charging infrastructure remains a challenge, particularly in urban high-rises and remote areas. This initiative addresses the "range anxiety" issue that continues to hamper wider EV adoption in the country.

The service will initially focus on the domestic market with plans to expand internationally. The companies are working to establish strategic partnerships with major EV manufacturers, third-party logistics brands, and last-mile operators both in India and abroad to expand their portable charging network.

The collaboration represents a novel approach to energy accessibility in the evolving electric mobility sector, combining battery technology with a distribution network to create more flexible charging options for a variety of electric vehicles and equipment.