India’s EV revolution is moving fast but true transformation happens when everyone is part of the journey. In a pioneering step toward inclusive green infrastructure, ThunderPlus has launched the country’s first women-focused EV fast charging franchise program in Hyderabad on International Women’s Day, and followed it up by unveiling Andhra Pradesh’s first-ever women-owned EV charging station.
These twin initiatives are more than milestones they signal a strategic shift toward empowering women entrepreneurs to lead the clean mobility movement, breaking industry barriers while accelerating sustainable infrastructure growth.
Why This Initiative Matters
While India’s EV sector has grown at over 100% annually in recent years, the ownership and operation of charging infrastructure remain largely male-dominated. Fewer than 14% of MSMEs in India are owned by women, and in infrastructure-related sectors, this number is even smaller.
ThunderPlus identified this gap early. EV charging presents a unique business opportunity that doesn’t require deep technical expertise, daily manpower, or large operational overhead. With the right structure and support, women entrepreneurs can successfully run profitable charging stations, contributing to both family income and national infrastructure goals.
This initiative aims to bridge three gaps simultaneously:
- The infrastructure gap — by expanding EV charging access across states.
- The entrepreneurship gap — by bringing more women into business ownership.
- The trust gap — by placing reliable, structured charging stations in strategic locations to reduce range anxiety.
A Franchise Model Built for Accessibility
ThunderPlus’s women-focused franchise program is designed to be affordable, low-risk, and turnkey.
For an investment of ₹6 lakh, franchisees receive:
- A 30 kW DC fast charger for four-wheelers
- Complete installation and shed construction
- Operational support and backend management
- Free maintenance for three years
- A minimum business guarantee
- A 50% buyback option at the end of the initial term
All franchisees need to bring is space and power. ThunderPlus handles everything else from setup to operations—so even first-time entrepreneurs can run the station confidently.
The company estimates that franchisees can generate revenues of approximately ₹12 lakhs over three years, making this not just a sustainable project but a viable business model for long-term income.
Women Leading the Charge
“This program removes the operational complexity that often holds women back from infrastructure businesses,” said Rajeev YSR, CEO of ThunderPlus. “Women are key drivers of change, and their leadership is crucial to building a sustainable future. We want to make this opportunity both viable and empowering.”
Aligning with National and State Policies
This initiative aligns closely with India’s National Electric Mobility Mission Plan and state-level strategies like Andhra Pradesh’s Sustainable Electric Mobility Policy 4.0, launched in December 2024.
Andhra Pradesh has been a frontrunner in EV adoption, targeting 100% electrification of public transport fleets by 2029 and aggressive expansion of public charging infrastructure. The state’s policy explicitly encourages gender-inclusive participation in climate-forward infrastructure.
By launching Andhra Pradesh’s first women-owned EV charging station, ThunderPlus is not only supporting policy goals but also setting a practical example of how private innovation can complement government vision.
Championing Inclusive Growth
ThunderPlus has consistently focused on expanding EV charging accessibility, previously collaborating with India Post to install chargers at post offices across India—an initiative that tackled “charging anxiety” through widespread public-sector presence.
The women-owned station in Andhra Pradesh builds on this legacy, adding a new layer of inclusive ownership. It shows that infrastructure growth doesn’t have to come from big corporations alone—it can be community-led, women-led, and widely distributed.
Setting a National Benchmark
As EV adoption accelerates across India, the need for thousands of reliable charging stations will grow. ThunderPlus’s model demonstrates that empowerment and infrastructure can go hand in hand.
This women-focused franchise initiative and the Andhra Pradesh station:
- Empower women to become entrepreneurs in a high-growth sector
- Expand infrastructure where it’s needed most
- Align with policy at both state and national levels
- Inspire replication across India for sustainable, inclusive growth
“This development arrives at an opportune time. Andhra Pradesh, along with leading Indian states, is driving EV uptake and female participation in green tech sectors. Between government schemes and private-sector partnerships, there’s mounting support for mobility growth that’s equitable and empowering,” noted one industry observer.
Conclusion
India’s EV story is no longer just about technology—it’s about people, inclusivity, and opportunity.
ThunderPlus’s women-focused franchise program and its Andhra Pradesh milestone are powerful examples of how strategic private initiatives can drive public good. By enabling women entrepreneurs to own and operate charging stations, ThunderPlus is creating economic independence, accelerating EV adoption, and strengthening community infrastructure.
This is more than a franchise model. It’s a blueprint for inclusive green growth—one station, one woman entrepreneur at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for the women-focused franchise program?
Any woman entrepreneur with access to suitable space and a power connection can apply—no prior technical expertise is required.
2. What is the investment amount?
₹6 lakh, inclusive of charger, installation, shed, and full operational support.
3. Do I need to handle operations daily?
No. ThunderPlus provides backend support, real-time monitoring, and maintenance, making this a low-involvement business.
4. What are the expected returns?
Projected revenues are ₹12 lakhs over three years, with a minimum business guarantee to safeguard returns.
5. Is there a safety net?
Yes. ThunderPlus offers a 50% buyback at the end of the initial term.
6. Is this model scalable to multiple stations?
Yes. Many franchisees choose to expand to multiple locations once their first station stabilizes.