Gurugram-based EV startup Blinq Mobility is making waves with what could become India’s most affordable electric four-wheeler. The company’s upcoming compact EV, currently referred to internally as ‘Car 001’ (also called Car 1), promises over 250 km of real-world range and can be “refuelled” in less than 3 minutes through its innovative battery swapping system.
In the latest demonstration video, the vehicle already looks close to a finished product, featuring a large touchscreen infotainment system that displays battery warnings, remaining range, and clear directions to the nearest swapping station
Unlike conventional EVs that rely on plug-in charging, Blinq has designed its car from the ground up for battery swapping. The process works like this:
- Drive into a swapping station.
- The depleted battery is automatically unlatched and removed.
- A fully charged battery is installed in its place.
- The entire operation takes just 2 minutes 48 seconds in recent demonstrations, delivering over 250 km of range
Blinq’s modular skateboard platform and secure latching system ensure the swap is smooth, safe, and reliable even under heavy vibration or impact. The company also supports conventional plug-in charging as a backup option.This “pull in and go” approach eliminates the long waiting times associated with charging, making it ideal for high-utilization users such as ride-hailing drivers and fleet operators.
To keep the purchase price low, Blinq is adopting a Battery-as-a-Service model. Customers will own the car but subscribe to the battery, significantly reducing the upfront cost. Early indications suggest the vehicle could be priced in the range of a premium auto-rickshaw, potentially making a proper four-seater EV accessible to a much wider audience.
Designed for Indian Cities
- Compact dimensions (around 3.5 metres)
- 4-seater cabin
- Targeted at urban commuting and fleet use
- Expected range of 200–300 km per swap (250+ km demonstrated)
Blinq Mobility, founded by IIT Delhi engineers, has already set up a battery swapping station in Gurugram and is actively testing the prototype on public roads. The startup raised ₹4.3 crore in a pre-seed round to accelerate development and infrastructure.
Blinq Mobility, founded by IIT Delhi engineers, has already set up a battery swapping station in Gurugram and is actively testing the prototype on public roads. The startup raised ₹4.3 crore in a pre-seed round to accelerate development and infrastructure.
If Blinq delivers on its promises, ‘Car 001’ could disrupt the entry-level mobility segment in India. By solving two major pain points — high upfront cost and charging downtime — the company aims to make electric vehicles practical for daily drivers and fleet operators alike.
While an official name and final launch timeline are yet to be revealed, the rapid progress shown in recent videos suggests Blinq’s affordable electric car is moving quickly toward production. Indian roads may soon see a new wave of compact, swappable EVs redefining urban transport.
