Electric mobility represents a transformative shift in the transportation ecosystem, encompassing electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage solutions, and charging infrastructure. In India, where transportation accounts for about 14% of total CO2 emissions (approximately 300 million tonnes annually), the adoption of electric mobility is crucial for achieving sustainability goals and improving air quality.

 

Current Scenario

India's transportation sector is at a pivotal point, with a growing focus on transitioning from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs). As of 2023, India has around 2.3 million EVs, predominantly electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, compared to over 300 million ICE vehicles. In India, road transport is a major contributor to urban air pollution, with vehicles emitting pollutants like NOx, CO, and particulate matter, which have severe health impacts. Electric vehicles, which produce no tailpipe emissions, are seen as a critical solution to these environmental challenges.

Key Statistics

• EV Sales: In 2020, approximately 156,000 EVs were sold in India, a small fraction of the total vehicle sales but showing a significant year-on-year growth.
• Battery Costs: The cost of lithium-ion batteries, a major component of EVs, has decreased by about 85% over the past decade globally, making EVs more economically viable.
• Charging Infrastructure: India had around 1,800 public charging stations as of 2021. 

Challenges

• High Upfront Costs: Despite falling battery prices, the initial cost of EVs remains higher than ICE vehicles, posing a barrier to widespread adoption.
• Range Anxiety: Limited range and insufficient charging infrastructure contribute to range anxiety among potential EV buyers.
• Technological Advancements: Continued innovation in battery technology and charging solutions is essential to improve the efficiency and affordability of EVs.

Key Technology

Battery Technology

• Advanced Batteries: Innovations in battery technology, such as solid-state and lithium-sulfur batteries, promise higher energy density, faster charging times, and lower costs. Indian companies like Exicom are working on advanced battery solutions.
• Battery Recycling: Efficient battery recycling technologies can mitigate environmental impact and reduce dependency on raw materials. Companies like Attero are pioneering battery recycling in India.

Charging Infrastructure

• Fast Charging Networks: Expanding fast-charging networks reduces charging times and alleviate range anxiety. Tata Power is actively setting up fast-charging stations across major cities in India.
• Public and Private Partnerships: Collaborations between government and private companies can accelerate the deployment of charging infrastructure. The Indian government’s FAME II scheme provides subsidies for setting up charging stations.

Electric Two and Three-Wheelers

• Market Growth: Electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers are expected to drive EV adoption in India due to their lower costs and suitability for urban transportation. Companies like Ola Electric and Ather Energy are leading the market with innovative electric scooters and bikes.
• Swappable Batteries: Battery swapping technology can address range and charging time issues. Sun Mobility is developing battery swapping solutions for electric two and three-wheelers.

Electric Buses and Commercial Vehicles

• Electrifying Public Transport: Cities like Mumbai and Bangalore are investing in electric buses to reduce urban emissions. The government aims to deploy 7,000 electric buses by 2025 under the FAME II scheme.
• Light Commercial Vehicles: Electrifying delivery and logistics vehicles can significantly cut emissions from the transport sector. Mahindra Electric’s electric commercial vehicles are gaining traction in the market.

Innovative Business Models

• Mobility as a Service (MaaS): Integrating EVs into MaaS platforms enhances urban mobility while reducing emissions. Companies like Blu Smart offer electric ride-sharing services in India.
• Subscription Models: Offering EVs on a subscription basis can lower the entry barrier for consumers. Revv and Zoomcar are exploring subscription models for electric cars.

Renewable Energy Integration

• Green Charging Stations: Charging EVs with renewable energy maximizes their environmental benefits. Indian Oil Corporation is setting up solar-powered EV charging stations.
• Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology: V2G technology allows EVs to supply power back to the grid, enhancing grid stability and promoting renewable energy use. Tata Motors is exploring V2G solutions for its electric vehicles.

Case Studies 

• Tata Power’s EV Charging Network: Tata Power is developing an extensive network of EV charging stations across India. With over 500 charging points installed by 2021, the company aims to facilitate EV adoption by addressing infrastructure challenges.
• Sun Mobility’s Battery Swapping Stations: Sun Mobility has developed battery swapping stations for electric two and three-wheelers. This technology reduces charging time to a few minutes, addressing a key barrier to EV adoption.
• Blu Smart’s Electric Ride-Sharing Service: Blu Smart offers an all-electric ride-sharing service in Delhi-NCR, aiming to provide a zero-emission alternative to traditional ride-sharing platforms. The company has a fleet of over 500 electric vehicles and plans to expand to other cities.