Akhil Aryan and Alexandre Colletor: Pioneering EV Technology in India with Ion Energy

In a world where smart minds often work on pushing advertisements, Akhil Aryan decided to shift his focus towards a more meaningful endeavour—energy sustainability, specifically, the electric vehicle (EV) industry. A mentor’s words resonated with him, inspiring him to explore the untapped potential of EVs to transform the future of transportation and energy storage.

Aryan’s vision culminated in the founding of Ion Energy in Mumbai in 2016. As the company aimed to make a significant impact in the EV industry, it found a powerful ally in 2018 when it acquired Freemans SAS, a French battery management system provider. Alexandre Collet, the founder of Freemans, joined Aryan as a co-founder. This strategic move accelerated Ion Energy’s transition from a battery-swapping provider to a comprehensive battery management and intelligence provider. Over time, Ion Energy has evolved into a pioneering platform offering advanced electronics and cloud software solutions for the EV sector and energy storage industry.

Ion Energy operates through two distinct business units. The first, known as Maxwell, focuses on providing electronics hardware, coupled with embedded software systems, including a cutting-edge battery management system. Currently serving approximately 75 customers, Maxwell primarily caters to two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturers in India and 16 other countries. Some of its prominent clients include Airbus, Tata Motors, Ola, and Okinawa Scooters.

Ion Energy initially ventured into the realm of battery-swapping but quickly recognized the immense potential in leveraging their technology to enhance battery performance and lifespan. They also identified a critical gap in the Indian market—there was no independent Indian company specializing in advanced electronics for the EV industry. This domain was predominantly dominated by multinational corporations from Europe and the US. Aryan emphasized that India boasted a pool of highly skilled engineering talent often working for foreign companies’ Indian development centers. Ion Energy aimed to retain and harness this talent locally to spearhead advancements in EV technology and to contribute to global innovation.

In addition to their flagship product, the battery management system, Ion Energy has introduced a telematics control system, with plans to launch two more products in the upcoming year. The company’s commitment to expanding its portfolio of advanced electronics demonstrates its dedication to building high-performance electric vehicles and energy storage systems. The second business unit, Altergo, focuses on a digital twin platform designed for predictive analytics. This platform empowers companies to manage fleets of EVs and large solar and storage installations effectively. It has proven its versatility by efficiently managing 2 GW of electricity storage within just a year of its establishment. Ion Energy envisions Altergo as a vital tool for various applications, including utility-scale grids involved in energy trading across the North American market.

Aryan’s and Collet’s journey with Ion Energy embodies the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial drive that’s shaping India’s transition towards a more sustainable and electrified future. Their dedication to leveraging technology to enhance EVs and energy storage solutions reflects a commitment to advancing clean energy and driving meaningful change in the transportation and power sectors. As they continue to pioneer EV technology in India, Ion Energy is poised to make a significant impact on a global scale.