CURRENT SCENARIO

In current market, every company plans to launch its own model. They are working on a solution based on current available technology. Private players are working on design and development of batteries, battery size, material, chemical composition, charging time and many other parameters.

All players have their individual approach to solving the EV challenge in India . While every effort counts, in order to fully realize the EV potential, we need a policy-led integrated solution.

EVs are already getting design in India at low cost, and these vehicles are useful for local travel but the distance they are able to offer continues to be minimal. What the industry really needs is a long-term solution and that starts with the development of a robust charging infrastructure. EV charging at home is an easy option – especially with continuous power supply and rooftop solar options. However, charging during long distance runs continues to be a challenge in the absence of such a network.

Charging and battery swapping are the two key ways to deliver energy to a vehicle battery. EVs will proliferate as charging and swapping infrastructure is set up. India should aim to recognize battery swapping and battery charging as addressing different segments of vehicles and two equally valid options that industry may choose to use. Businesses that provide charging/swapping are referred to as Energy Operators (EO). These EOs have their task defined for them:

Deploy slow and fast chargers at suitable locations
Set up charging and swapping service and provide the charged batteries
on lease
Both charging as well as swapping would require that EVs have standard charging protocols to connect to a charger of swappable batteries and have a standardized connector.