EV batteries get their own identity. EV makers face an identity crisis

The Indian government is hoping its recent notification allowing the registration of electric vehicles without batteries finally ends the hesitation over battery-swapping. It has, however, sparked a tug of war in the sector over battery safety and standards

Selling EVs without batteries is now allowed in India. It gives battery-swapping a boost, reducing recharge time to a few minutes

EV manufacturers aren’t thrilled; issues of safety, standardisation haunt them. EVs without batteries also halve their revenue from each vehicle

BaaS providers like SUN Mobility, Ola Electric can use this opportunity to get direct business from battery makers and fleet operators

Without standardisation, EV manufacturers and consumers are unlikely to switch over to swapping; is it time for more government intervention?

For an electric vehicle (EV), a battery is like its central nervous system. A good battery can ration power supply to the vehicle, generate data-based feedback on performance, and prevent an EV from flaming out before its time. Without the right battery, an EV is little more than a flimsy metal frame. Buying an EV without a fitted battery would be a bizarre idea for any customer.

Not for the Indian government, though. On 13 August, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) issued a notification allowing the sale and registration of EVs without batteries.

AUTHOR

Olina Banerji

Based in Delhi, Olina writes about mega-trends in urban mobility, education, skilling and the environment, with a focus on how institutions and innovations can help cities grow sustainably. She is a graduate of the London School of Economics, and has worked previously with India Today and global non-profit Ashoka.

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