The inculcation of cutting-edge technological solutions is redefining the EV charging market and will cater to the growing and changing needs of the consumers.

The adoption of Electric vehicles is slowly becoming mainstream in India. While EV’s are a relatively new phenomenon in India, they have penetrated more into the market in places like the United States and Western Europe. Going by their experience we can draw some conclusions on where and how people charge their EV’s. The graph below showcases the most common charging locations:

As you can see, over 80% of charging is done either in-home or in offices.

The most comfortable and cost-effective way to recharge electric cars and bikes especially privately owned vehicles is to charge them while they are parked overnight at home. This concept known as home-based overnight charging, in various cases, is the most reasonable time to recharge. However, certain challenges in drawing electrical connections to parking lots especially in multi-storied apartments as well as the low energy capability of home power supply will post some challenges in India. Similarly charging their vehicles at the office or workplace can be a convenient way for people while they are parked throughout their working timings. However, this means that today’s offices need to be equipped with electrical chargers and metering and payment systems.

Over the years, technology has played a pivotal role in reconstructing the EV charging ecosystem in India. Have a glimpse at some of the state-of-the-art technological developments that are being produced and increasingly adopted to upscale the EV market in the country. 

Ultra-fast charging

As you can see in the graph – On the Road, charging is required for a comprehensive adoption of EV solutions – these typically come in the form of DC Fast Chargers that can fill up your battery to 80% in just about a half-hour. This is typically used for inter-city travel.  

This is one of the fastest-growing segments and several countries have been working to build an efficient ultrafast EV charging system to meet the consumer’s requirements and preferences. 

Vehicle to Grid (V2G)

V2G is a pivotal aspect of EV charging energy management, allowing the two-way energy interchange among the vehicle and the grid. With Vehicle to Grid, energy stored in an Electric Vehicle can be supplied back to the grid at the points of peak need to reduce the strain. Suppose that an average vehicle is parked for approximately 95% of the day; the V2G connectivity gives the possibility to optimize grids by holding millions of Electric Vehicles as decentralized energy storage resources with zero capital or running costs. This approach adapts the electric vehicle drivers into "prosumers," which means a consumer of the grid and a provider of energy, thus decreasing their electric vehicle charging costs and getting other discounts on their power usage.

Wireless EV Charging

Wireless EV charging nowadays may work as a catalyst for the mass adoption of EVs. In this process, vehicles can automatically charge with a dynamic powered wireless EV charging system while being parked in chosen pick-up/drop-off locations, which is ideal for keeping taxis or self-governing vehicles forever charged. Wireless charging for vehicles works similarly to the wireless phone chargers, that is by applying the inductive charging technology.

Electricity is transported through an air gap from one magnetic coil to another magnetic coil equipped to the base of a car in the charger, which remains covered beneath the road surface. The system doesn't require any physical charger-vehicle connection as it consists of various charging plates fitted underground that engage automatically. 

New battery technology

Battery costs and range anxiety are two problems limiting the adoption of electric vehicles. However, new battery technologies are being produced to resolve both these problems at once. 

Lithium-ion batteries have contributed significantly in the development of the EV sector in India. Some new technologies are also being examined to further support the growth of the Indian EV market.  A prominent example of this is graphene-based technology EVs which need only 15 minutes to get charged. It is suspected of supplementing, and not replacing traditional EV batteries. Various companies are also working to eradicate cobalt which is known to be one of the most expensive components in existing batteries and will significantly decrease the price of electric vehicles.

Summing up: Charging for fleet companies

These changes will mold the future of EV charging and will also quicken EV adoption. The new technologies will be game-changers from an Electric Vehicle charging experience view, will be promoting the new business rules for EV charging, and meanwhile will also play a major role in creating new market opportunities for e-Mobility business players.

Modern fleet companies are evolving. While, some are constantly shifting towards hybrid or electric vehicles, others have made the switch completely. They want reliable chargers at their field or employee homes and easy access to a broad range of charging options while on the go. The inculcation of cutting-edge technological solutions is redefining the EV charging market and will cater to the growing and changing needs of consumers. They will also give the Indian electric vehicle sector the required push to grow significantly in the coming times and hence its future seems promising. 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article above are those of the authors' and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of this publishing house