OTHER CHALLENGES:
The EV industry in India has substantial market potential, but manufacturers face several unique obstacles, such as limited availability of raw materials, a lack of skilled labour, battery standardisation, charging infrastructure, simple and quick loan approvals, range anxiety, and high cost of ownership, to name a few. Additionally, the industry is also facing several bottlenecks in developing a robust supply chain for EV components, including batteries, motors, and power electronics.
When asked about the full localisation of EVs in India, Kunal Chandra termed it a complex challenge, requiring multiple factors to align. However, he emphasised that "the government has a key role in fostering a resilient domestic ecosystem for EVs and their component production, which includes batteries, motors, power electronics, and more."
According to Chandra, predicting the timeline for achieving full EV localisation is difficult. However, he believes that significant investments, technological advancements, and the cultivation of a skilled workforce are pivotal. He further added "The timeline will largely depend on the velocity of these factors and industry collaborations, alongside constant policy evaluations and adjustments to accelerate the localisation journey."
SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES:
Managing the EV supply chain in India's developing landscape is a significant challenge. Supply Chain is one of the factors that directly impacts EV player's ability to control delivery timelines and component quality.
Sharing Hero Electric's approach, Sohinder Gill revealed that the company has adopted a proactive approach to resolving the supply chain issues. "Through local sourcing, partnerships, vertical integration, and collaboration with other industry players, we are working to ensure a steady supply of components required to manufacture EVs in India and to promote the growth of the EV industry," he added.
Talking about Astro Motor's strategy to surmount the supply chain challenges, Chandra says that "Indigenisation is the key - right from designing the product to sourcing all components from local Tier 1 vendor." However, "the only exception in the entire process is the battery cell, which the company usually imports but with rigorous inspection during the battery pack manufacturing to ensure adherence to strict SOPs and high-quality sourcing."
RANGE ANXIETY:
As the world transitions towards a more sustainable future, EVs are gaining popularity. However, one of the greatest concerns of EV owners is range anxiety, or the dread of running out of charge.
Given the challenge, Hero Electric has come with an entire range which includes high-quality li-ion portable batteries that can be charged via a 3-pin domestic socket. This means you can charge the battery anywhere, anytime via a regular plug point that is found anywhere.
To cater to the issues of range anxiety, Astro Motors has pioneered the world's first ‘Manual Geared Electric Vehicle' in the L5 segment, resulting in more efficient current draw and better battery charge conservation, enhancing the range.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT:
According to the National Skills Development estimates, EV Industry will create 10 million direct jobs and 50 million indirect jobs by 2030. Given the opportunity, "the industry needs to create an enabling ecosystem for the training and development of the workforce across all key roles and strengthen the talent pipeline," said Kalyan C Korimerla.
In fact, Universities and Engineering institutions have initiated several programs and courses for EV Engineering. "Due to the world-wide sustainability and Net-Zero push, several students are getting engaged with EV industry. This will create the talent pool that is necessary for meeting the needs of EV industry," he added.
"Creating a skilled workforce is indeed a challenge for a burgeoning industry like ours," states Kunal Chandra. However, he asserts that as interest grows in the EV space, so will job demand. "The government can aid this by facilitating skill development programs, vocational training, and educational initiatives in battery technology, EV assembly, and maintenance," he added.
"Collaboration between academia and the industry can significantly bridge this skill gap" Chandra opined. He also suggested introducing specialised EV technology courses, including certificate programs, diploma courses, and degree programs. Besides, "International collaborations with experts, research organisations, and technology providers can facilitate knowledge exchange, training programs, and joint research projects to enhance the skillsets of Indian professionals," added Chandra.
CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE:
Tackling the issue of limited charging infrastructure requires strategic collaborations. To meet the burgeoning demand - Hero Electric have partnered with ElectricPe to install charging stations across India for their consumers. This charging station will be in residential complexes, offices, shopping centres, and other establishments, thereby addressing the issue of range anxiety.
Besides, Astro Motors has partnered with various companies to deploy charging points nationwide, at locations like commercial areas, highways, petrol pumps, parking lots, and residential complexes. Beyond that, they are considering innovative solutions such as coupling charging infrastructure with renewable energy sources for further sustainability and introducing smart grid solutions for efficient infrastructure management and load balancing.
MAKING EV AFFORDABLE:
In a bid to offer easy and smart financing for EVs, Hero Electric have partnered with finance providers such as Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Limited (Chola). "These collaborations aim to make scooters more affordable for discerning and priceconscious buyers with attractive financing solutions. Also, with this partnership, we can cater the new markets with a widespread presence," said Gill.
ACHIEVING 2030 TARGET:
The central government has set an ambitious target for electric mobility adoption in India, pegging electric vehicle (EV) sales penetration in India at 70 per cent for commercial cars, 30 per cent for private cars, 40 per cent for buses, and 80 per cent for two- and threewheelers by 2030.
On achieving the 2030 target, Kunal Chandra, Co-founder of Astro Motors, said, "India's road to electrification, as charted by NITI Aayog, is indeed a steep one, but not unattainable." He further stated that, India should innovate and significantly invest on battery technology, expand charging infrastructure, and work on making EVs more affordable.
According to Kamal Bali, President & MD, Volvo Group India, the ambitions of having 40 per cent of the buses sold as electric by 2030 is achievable. However, he believes that the bus segment must approach the transformation to electromobility within the overall framework of sustainable mobility.
Cities are critical engines of growth and will determine the quality of life of almost half of India's population in the coming decade. "The aim should be not merely inducting electric buses, but making sure that public transport is the number 1 choice for citizens. Else it will merely congest cities with electric buses, instead of diesel and that does not imply ‘sustainable mobility'," added Bali.
When it comes to trucks, the draft report from Niti Aayog indicates an ambition towards 9 out of 10 trucks in India by 2050. According to Kamal Bali, "this is possible if the eco-system is in place."
