In a significant boost to India’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd. (NSE: SERVOTECH) and Pune-based Electra EV have been granted a joint patent by the Indian Patent Office for an innovative “Electric Vehicle Charging Device.” The 20-year patent, effective from December 4, 2023, under the Patents Act, 1970, addresses a long-standing interoperability challenge by enabling low-voltage EVs to use the country’s widely deployed high-voltage fast-charging infrastructure.
India’s EV market is growing rapidly, but a key divide persists: many affordable and practical vehicles — especially in the small commercial, pickup van, and last-mile delivery segments — operate on low-voltage platforms (typically 48V–72V and below 200V DC). These vehicles follow the GB/T Bharat DC 001 standard, which supports DC fast charging but is incompatible with the dominant Combined Charging System 2 (CCS2) infrastructure designed for higher-voltage passenger and commercial EVs (often 400V+). As a result, low-voltage EVs have historically been restricted to slower AC charging or required costly separate DC infrastructure.
The newly patented device changes that. It incorporates advanced power management and voltage conversion capabilities that allow safe, stable, and efficient energy transfer. Low-voltage EVs (sub-200V DC) can now plug into existing high-voltage CCS2 stations and receive fast DC charging without modifications to the charger hardware. A compact additional gadget or connector facilitates the protocol bridge between GB/T Bharat DC 001 and CCS2, eliminating the need for expensive dual-infrastructure deployment.
“This patented device has been designed to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable charging for such vehicles, helping accelerate EV adoption through improved charging compatibility,” said Arun Handa, Chief Technology Officer, Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd. “Low-voltage electric vehicles are a key part of India’s mobility ecosystem, particularly in segments like small commercial fleets.”
The innovation stems from a collaboration announced in April 2024, when Servotech and Electra EV first revealed their joint development of revolutionary interoperability solutions. At the time, they filed for patents on technology that would allow any GB/T Bharat DC 001 vehicle to charge from CCS2 networks. The grant of the patent now formalises ownership and paves the way for commercial rollout.
Why This Matters for India’s EV Transition
Low-voltage platforms dominate segments critical to India’s economy — e-rickshaws, small goods carriers, pickup vans, and urban last-mile delivery fleets. These vehicles offer lower upfront costs and suit short-range, high-frequency operations common in Indian cities. However, limited access to fast charging has slowed their scaling.
By making CCS2 stations — already installed across highways, malls, offices, and public spaces — usable for low-voltage vehicles, the technology dramatically improves convenience and utilisation rates of existing infrastructure. Fleet operators can now charge faster during peak hours without investing in dedicated low-voltage chargers. Consumers and businesses benefit from greater flexibility, reduced downtime, and lower overall infrastructure costs.
Joint patent ownership between Servotech (a leading Indian EV charging solutions provider) and Electra EV (specialising in EV powertrain and charging technologies) is expected to accelerate product development and market deployment. Servotech’s extensive manufacturing and deployment network, combined with Electra EV’s expertise in low-voltage systems, positions the partnership to capture a substantial share of the growing demand.
Broader Industry Impact
This development aligns with India’s push for standardised, inclusive EV charging under the Bharat standards. It reduces fragmentation in the charging network and supports the government’s goals of 30% EV penetration by 2030. Industry observers note that such interoperability solutions will be especially valuable as two- and three-wheeler fleets electrify further and small commercial vehicles expand.
The patent also underscores India’s growing strength in indigenous EV technology innovation. Rather than relying on imported adapters or foreign protocols, domestic companies are creating fit-for-purpose solutions tailored to local voltage ecosystems and usage patterns.
With the patent secured, Servotech and Electra EV are poised to commercialise the device in the coming months, potentially through Servotech’s Incharz subsidiary and existing charger installations. As India’s EV charging network expands to support millions of vehicles, innovations like this low-voltage fast-charging bridge will ensure no segment is left behind — powering a truly inclusive electric mobility future.
