Page 13 - TCExpessions 2019

Technovation 13

followed by Europe and the US. Norway is the world leader to work upon. Technology has matured from slow chargers
in the market share of electric cars. to fast and ultra-fast chargers, effectively reducing the
charging time of BVs considerably, and is continuing to
A collective effort evolve to improve charging time further.
EVs have seen an increased uptake in recent years thanks
to growing policy support from governments, and Growth in charging infrastructure too has not kept pace
commitments from the automobile industry. This trend with the BV aspirations of many countries. Recognising
is expected to continue as stricter emission regulations, the importance of ready access to charging facilities in
rapid developments in fast charging and hydrogen supply reducing downtime for BV customers, a variety of business
infrastructure, better total cost of ownership (TCO) and models are emerging to fill this gap.
higher consumer acceptance further help accelerate EV
adoption. As an alternative to BVs, Hydrogen-based Fuel Cell Vehicles
(FCVs) have been gaining momentum due to their
Many governments have framed a future policy framework fast-refuelling times and more extended driving range.
to encourage manufacturers to invest in EV development. They have an advantage over BVs in terms of weight,
As sales of EVs grow, and as new technologies evolve, range as well as being environment-friendly. Lack of
we can expect economies of scale to drive down commercialisation and technology maturity have however
manufacturing costs. This will enable EV manufacturers hindered their large-scale growth, so far.
to compete with traditional automotive technology
companies on pricing, and grow their share in future Production, storage and transportation of Hydrogen
vehicle sales. pose critical challenges because of its low volumetric
density. Hydrogen storage as pressurised gas is widely
A significant development on this front has been the employed, considering its reliability, acceptable efficiency
Electric Vehicles Initiative (EVI), a multi-government policy and affordability for on-board vehicle. Transportation
forum established to accelerate the deployment of electric and distribution costs are essential factors that affect
vehicles worldwide. India is among the 13 countries Hydrogen infrastructure. Producing Hydrogen on-site can
currently participating in this initiative. The EV30@30 further reduce costs.
campaign launched by EVI in 2017 sets a collective
aspirational goal for all its member countries to achieve Miles to go
a 30% market share for electric vehicles (except two and Even as India started relatively late on the EV journey, the
three-wheelers) by 2030. government’s FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing
of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) subsidy scheme for early
Ground realities adopters has entered its second phase.
Stringent government regulations on emissions are
already playing a significant role in driving EV adoption. The primary challenge for current and prospective Indian
Worldwide, many countries have been striving to meet EV manufacturers will be around affordability in pricing
lower CO2 emission targets. India, too, has the added and upfront acquisition cost for end consumers. The TCO of
incentive of reducing crude oil imports that contribute to EVs including their resale value plays an equally important
its current account deficit. But while EVs have benefited role in the Indian context. For BVs the replacement cost of
from a combination of stringent rules and generous tax the batteries will also have a bearing on the vehicle’s TCO.
incentives so far, there are other factors at play.
Setting up of an adequate number of fast-charging
New technology enhancements that help lower battery stations across the country’s roads and highways is another
costs in Battery Vehicles (BVs), reduce charging time and operational challenge that will need to be addressed
improve driving range, will be vital to the growth in BV sooner. This aspect is especially important for commercial
sales. Battery prices have dropped substantially over the vehicles that often travel long distances and can afford
past decade, leading to higher penetration of electric minimal downtime.
vehicles, especially in Europe and China. However, unless
these drop to less than half of their current levels, BVs may Addressing these initial roadblocks will be the first
find it tough to compete with internal combustion engine step towards achieving cleaner and greener mobility
(ICE) vehicles on upfront acquisition costs. solutions through EVs. But this journey – of reimagining
transportation systems in line with future needs – will be
Faster charging of batteries is another area BVs will need worth the effort. n