India’s electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing significant growth, with a surge of 42.06 per cent from 1,183,341 registered vehicles in FY 2022-23 to 1,681,127 in FY 2023-24. As of July 2024, a total of 4,574,938 EVs have been registered in the country according to the e-VAHAN portal. To increase the uptake of EVs, it is crucial to set up robust charging infrastructure.
Under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles scheme, the Ministry of Heavy Industries sanctioned Rs 8.74 billion as subsidy to three oil marketing companies for the establishment of 7,432 and upgradation of 980 low electric vehicle public charging stations across the country. With the government’s policy impetus, India’s EV charging infrastructure has witnessed a significant increase from 1,800 in February 2022 to 16,347 in March 2024.
In India, traditional plug-in charging methods are currently being utilised for charging EVs, featuring various charging protocols such as the Combined Charging System, CHAdeMO, Type 1 and Type 2, each with specific power ranges. However, several technological innovations are under way to develop new ways to charge EVs. The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India released the “eMobolity R&D (research and development) Roadmap for India” in July 2024, which gives an overview of three such innovations – static wireless charging, dynamic wireless charging and adaptive charging.
Static wireless charging technology
Static wireless charging system for EVs operates on the principle of mutual induction, where a transmitter coil embedded in the road transfers alternating current to a receiver coil on the vehicle, which is then converted to direct current using power converters to charge the battery. While this technology provides considerable advantages over plug-in chargers, such as improved convenience and safety, it also faces challenges related to health concerns, financial viability and power limitations. Companies such as ElectReon have developed and deployed this solution on public roads in countries such as Israel, Sweden, Germany and Italy.
The variety of charging connectors used by different vehicles in India creates concerns regarding the availability of each protocol at charging stations, as well as potential safety risks associated with human interaction during the charging process. The wireless charging method may mitigate this challenge.
Dynamic wireless charging technology
Dynamic wireless charging allows EVs to charge while in motion, eliminating the need for them to stop for refuelling or recharging. This charging system leads to improved efficiency, however, is costly due to the requirement of various components. Developments are under way to reduce the cost of this technology and make it more viable. Presently, IIT Dhanbad has developed a model of hybrid renewable energy driven by a bidirectional wireless charging system that ensures the charging of EVs in static as well as dynamic conditions.
Adaptive charging technology
Adaptive charging technology employs advanced algorithms, data analytics and real-time communication to optimise the charging process by adjusting the charging speed based on user schedules, grid capacity and the vehicle’s state of charge. This dynamic approach ensures optimal energy consumption for EVs and helps prevent grid overloads during peak demand periods. An adaptive charging system can help balance grid load and decrease stress on the electrical system, a challenge faced by fast-charging stations in India as the number of EVs on the road increases. It has the potential to make EVs more cost-effective, reliable and sustainable by addressing grid stability concerns, range anxiety and high charging prices.
However, this charging system faces challenges such as data privacy and grid congestion. To this end, robust cybersecurity, real-time grid management, universal standards and optimised algorithms are needed to address these issues.
The way forward
Going forward, apart from innovative charging technologies, there is also a pressing need for innovations that optimise charging schedules and manage energy loads to ensure the efficient operation of charging stations. Furthermore, promoting interoperable and interconnected standards is essential for facilitating seamless connections between various EVs and charging infrastructure, which will enhance user experience and encourage further infrastructure development. Utilising smart grids to effectively manage power distribution is crucial to support the growth of charging stations alongside the expanding EV market.
KPMG estimates that India will need 0.4 million public charging stations by 2026 and 2.9 million by 2030. Currently, it has only 16,347 public charging stations as of March 2024. As per Electrify 30 report by Praxis Global Alliance (PGA), this translates to an EVs-to-charging station ratio of 9:1 compared to the globally acceptable standard ratio of 4:1. Therefore, the country still needs to set up traditional plug-in chargers at a fast pace to bridge the gap. At the same time, India needs to invest in the R&D of innovative charging technologies to make the EV ecosystem in India future-ready.
By Srijan Naayak
