For India’s E2W future, the answer may not lie in choosing one solution over the other but in adopting a hybrid approach. Urban centres with high population density and traffic congestion could benefit from a mix of fast charging stations and strategically located swapping stations. This would cater to diverse consumer needs, from daily commuters to delivery riders with higher mileage requirements, writes Dr. Nishanth Dongari, Founder and Managing Director, Pure EV.
India’s ambitious goal of reducing its carbon footprint by one billion tonnes by 2030 is driving rapid electric vehicle (EV) adoption, particularly in the mass mobility segment led by electric two-wheelers (E2Ws). As the EV market expands, the need for a robust and accessible energy infrastructure becomes paramount. The government’s initiatives, such as the PM eDRIVE scheme, which aims to incentivize the establishment of public fast-charging stations, are crucial steps in shaping the evolving EV ecosystem. This burgeoning sector also presents a unique opportunity to democratize energy access and distribution within India.
The E2W industry in India is currently experiencing a period of dynamic growth, marked by the entry of legacy automotive players and the consolidation of existing market leaders. While each player brings its own expertise to the charging infrastructure landscape, a key debate persists regarding the optimal technology for India: battery swapping versus traditional charging stations.
Even if charging stations grow aggressively, given our grid infrastructure and the load issues it is facing currently, the battery-energy-storage-solution (BESS) is imminent especially when EVs cross 30 percent of overall automotive vehicles.
A Case for Charging Stations
Charging stations have been the cornerstone of the EV infrastructure conversation globally, and for good reason. In the Indian context, the growing collaboration between automakers, power companies, charging hardware manufacturers and service providers is expanding the public EV charging network. The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has proposed subsidies for 48,400 fast chargers specifically for two- and three-wheelers, indicating a commitment to traditional charging infrastructure.
One of the key advantages of charging stations is the potential for standardisation: hardware and firmware. The government’s plan to introduce a uniform charging protocol can simplify access and promote interoperability across different brands of E2Ws. This would eliminate the need for proprietary charging solutions and make it easier for consumers to charge their vehicles anywhere.
Additionally, charging stations can be strategically located to address range anxiety, particularly in rural areas and highways where such infrastructure is sparse. Rural India, being a significant market for E2Ws, would benefit from an expanded network of chargers to enable seamless travel. Beyond the environmental and accessibility benefits, charging stations also offer opportunities for outsourcing their operations, allowing private players to step in and share the load of infrastructure development.
The Economics of Battery Swapping
Battery swapping, on the other hand, presents an innovative solution aimed at addressing long charging times and range anxiety. Instead of waiting for a battery to charge, riders can swap a depleted battery for a fully charged one at designated stations, reducing downtime to mere minutes.
However, implementing a battery-swapping network requires significant initial investment. Providers need to maintain an inventory of extra batteries to meet customer demand, which is both costly and logistically challenging. Additionally, setting up swapping stations with the necessary safety and operational protocols is an expensive endeavour.
The economics of battery swapping also pose challenges for consumers. The per-kilometre cost of using swappable batteries is often higher than simply charging a vehicle, as companies pass on the costs of additional batteries and infrastructure. As a result, many two-wheeler manufacturers and consumers remain sceptical about the practicality and affordability of this model.
Technological and Safety Considerations
Another critical factor in the debate is the role of technology and safety. Charging stations can be equipped with advanced features like predictive AI and cloud-based monitoring systems to enhance the user experience. These systems can provide real-time information on charger availability, estimated charging times, and maintenance schedules.
Battery swapping, while convenient, raises concerns about safety and standardisation. Swappable batteries need to meet stringent safety standards to prevent issues like overheating or short-circuiting. Additionally, the lack of uniform battery designs across different E2W brands complicates the implementation of a universal swapping network.
The Environmental Impact
From an environmental perspective, both charging and swapping have their pros and cons. Charging stations, if powered by renewable energy sources coupled with BESS, can significantly reduce carbon emissions. High energy demand during peak hours may strain the grid and this needs to be addressed through the establishment of ESS right from household to grid scale.
Battery swapping, while reducing downtime, necessitates the production and maintenance of extra batteries, which can increase the environmental footprint of manufacturing and recycling. Ensuring that these batteries are recycled or repurposed responsibly is crucial to minimising their impact on the environment.
What’s the Best Path Forward?
For India’s E2W future, the answer may not lie in choosing one solution over the other but in adopting a hybrid approach. Urban centres with high population density and traffic congestion could benefit from a mix of fast charging stations and strategically located swapping stations. This would cater to diverse consumer needs, from daily commuters to delivery riders with higher mileage requirements.
Emphasizing the need to update existing electric infrastructure is critical for ensuring a seamless transition to EVs. The current grid often struggles to handle the growing demand from EVs, making it imperative to invest in microgrids and energy storage systems (ESS). Microgrids, powered by renewable energy sources, can reduce the load on the main grid while providing a reliable and decentralized power supply for charging stations. Coupled with ESS, these solutions can store excess energy during off-peak hours and supply it during peak demand, ensuring a consistent and efficient energy flow.
Moreover, deploying microgrids in rural and semi-urban areas can address the infrastructural challenges specific to these regions. By integrating renewable energy into the charging infrastructure, microgrids and ESS can significantly lower operational costs, enhance energy reliability, and reduce the carbon footprint associated with charging stations. This hybrid model—combining traditional grid power with localized renewable solutions—can make EV infrastructure more sustainable and scalable across diverse geographies.