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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