Navigating obstacles in EV production

India is experiencing a surge in interest in electric vehicles (EVs). However, as with any emerging technology, there are obstacles to overcome. We reached out to three industry experts to gather their insights and perspectives on the challenges facing the EV industry in India.

In past couple of years, India is witnessing a surge in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). This adoption is taking place becasue of the awareness of the environmental benefits and cost savings that EVs can offer. However, with every technology, both pros and cons are associated, there are challenges that need to be addressed to ensure that the EV industry in India thrives. We spoke to three industry experts to get their insights on the various challenges/obstacles that need to be overcome. ed.

Dr. Shreedhar Madichetty, Prof, Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering at Mahindra University

How does the lack of standardization in EV charging protocols impact EV adoption in India?

The lack of standardization in electric vehicle charging protocols is a significant issue that can impact the growth and adoption of electric vehicles in India. For instance, when Mahindra Reva electric vehicle was launched, it adopted the Chinese GB/T protocol, but later switched to the Bharat charging protocol, which was adapted from Europe. This lack of standardization is not just an issue in India but is a problem worldwide, with different countries using different charging protocols such as CHAdeMO in Japan, Tesla's own protocol in the US, CCS SAE type in Europe, and CCS in India.

This lack of standardization can cause problems for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. For example, electric vehicle charging stations may be equipped with multiple charging protocols, such as CCS and GB battery charging protocols or Cattermole protocols for buses. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is currently working on developing a standard protocol, which will address this issue. However, until complete standardization comes into effect, this issue will continue to exist not only in India but across the world.

How will the limited availability of rare earth metals affect the production and growth of electric vehicles in India, given their key role in the batteries?

The limited availability of rare earth metals may not be a hindrance for the growth and production of electric vehicles in India as the country has started to search for lithium-ion mines more rigorously. Initially, India did not search for these mines, but with the growth of the lithium and chemistry industry, people started to look for these mines, and they found a substantial amount in the northern part of the country. This shows that whenever there is a need, there will always be a way out. Therefore, I believe that India will soon be surplus in these rare earth metals, and it will positively impact the growth and production of electric vehicles, which may even surpass China's production.

Vineet Akre, Senior VP- R&D and Production- Wardwizard Innovations and Mobility Ltd.

How does India's hot and humid climate affect the performance and lifespan of electric vehicle batteries?

Hot and humid climates can have a significant impact on the performance and longevity of EV batteries. High temperatures can cause EV batteries to degrade faster, reducing their overall lifespan. However, by taking steps to cool, maintain and charge the battery carefully, it's possible to mitigate these impacts and ensure that EVs can continue to perform well in even the most challenging conditions. EV batteries should be cooled to prevent overheating.

This can be done by incorporating cooling systems into the design of the battery or by using external cooling systems. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the battery can help to keep it in good condition and reduce the impact of humidity and contaminants. EV batteries should be charged carefully to prevent overheating and overcharging. This can be done by using chargers that have built-in temperature sensors and by charging the battery slowly. Also, the EV batteries should be stored in cool, dry places to prevent corrosion and damage.

Atul Gupta, Co-founder & Director of e-Sprinto

How can the integration of electric vehicle charging infrastructure with the existing power grid be effectively achieved in India?

The complex process of integrating electric vehicle charging infrastructure with the current power grid in India presents an array of challenges that require attention. First and foremost, the present power grid is already experiencing a strain due to the high demands of the populace, which raises concerns about adding more charging infrastructure for electric vehicles that could potentially amplify the burden on the power grid, leading to power outages and disruptions. More importantly, the existing power grid in India predominantly relies on conventional energy sources such as coal and gas, which emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases, thereby posing a substantial obstacle in integrating electric vehicle charging infrastructure that seeks to promote a greener and cleaner energy source, into an infrastructure that is not optimized for this purpose.

How can India overcome challenges in recycling lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles?

The recycling and disposal of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles in India poses several challenges that require attention. Firstly, lithium-ion batteries contain toxic chemicals, such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium, which could potentially contaminate the environment if not disposed of correctly. Additionally, the disposal of lithium-ion batteries in landfills could lead to the release of greenhouse gases, thereby exacerbating the problem of climate change. Secondly, the recycling process for lithium-ion batteries can be complex and expensive, as the batteries contain several valuable metals, such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium, which require specialized processing to extract. The lack of proper recycling infrastructure in India further compounds the challenge, as the majority of used lithium-ion batteries are exported to other countries for recycling, leading to a loss of valuable resources and job opportunities in India. Nonetheless, it’s critical that the Indian government need to take immediate measures to address these challenges by implementing new strong policies and regulations to promote the responsible recycling and disposal of lithium-ion batteries.