The rise of electric vehicles is reshaping our energy landscape and offers a promising stride to a cleaner and greener India.
A recent report discloses projections that forecast an impressive annual electric vehicle sales surge, estimating a staggering close to 20 million units by 2030. The lion’s share of this surge is anticipated to come from electric two and three-wheelers, contributing over 90 per cent to the annual volumes.
In this exploration, let’s delve into the workings of electric vehicles, unravelling the mechanisms that propel electric vehicles forward and exploring the myriad advantages they bring to our environmental landscape.
How do Electric Vehicles work?
Lithium-ion batteries form the backbone of electric vehicles.
The exceptional properties of lithium, characterised by its high reactivity, enable the creation of batteries capable of holding high voltage and excellent charge density. This quality results in a highly efficient and compact energy storage solution, making lithium-ion batteries the promising choice for electric vehicles. Although these batteries undergo gradual degradation in charging capacity over time, their lifespan is expected to span 10 to 20 years.
Hundreds of lithium-ion electrochemical cells reside within each battery. A standard cell comprises a positive cathode (typically composed of metal oxides of nickel, manganese, and cobalt), a negative graphite-based anode, and a liquid solution known as an electrolyte.
Lithium’s intrinsic reactivity plays a crucial role in the battery’s operation; its loosely held outer electron readily separates, leaving behind a lithium-ion—the atom without its outer electron.
In the charging cycle, an external electric current is introduced, causing the separation of electrons from the lithium atoms in the cathode. The electrons then travel through an external circuit to the anode, typically composed of graphite—an economical, energy-dense, and long-lasting material that excels in energy storage. Simultaneously, ionised lithium atoms flow through the electrolyte to the anode, reuniting with their electrons.
During discharge cycles, this process reverses.
Lithium atoms in the anode separate from their electrons, and the ions pass through the electrolyte while electrons flow through the external circuit, ultimately powering the electric motor.
Why should you choose an Electric Vehicle over a petrol/diesel-fuelled vehicle?
In the fast-paced demands of modern life, transportation is a fundamental necessity. However, traditional petrol and diesel vehicles are swiftly losing appeal due to their detrimental environmental impact. A revolutionary shift towards fully electric vehicles is gaining momentum, offering a cleaner, greener and more sustainable alternative.
- Electric vehicles significantly outperform their petrol or diesel counterparts regarding running costs. By relying on electricity instead of fossil fuels for charging, Electric Vehicles are more efficient and cost-effective. Charging an electric vehicle is notably cheaper than refuelling with petrol or diesel, and utilising renewable energy sources, such as solar panels at home, can further enhance the eco-friendliness of electric mobility.
- Electric vehicles incur considerably lower maintenance costs with fewer moving parts than internal combustion vehicles. The servicing requirements are minimal, making the yearly operational expenses of an electric vehicle notably economical.
- Driving an electric vehicle contributes to reducing your carbon footprint, as it produces zero tailpipe emissions. Opting for renewable energy sources to power your home further mitigates the environmental impact of electric vehicle charging.
- The detrimental effects of petrol and diesel use on the planet are undeniable. The limited availability of fossil fuels and the toxic emissions from combustion vehicles pose severe threats to public health. With their significantly lower emissions impact, Electric Vehicles present a more sustainable solution. India is making strides towards this by aiming for 40% cumulative electric power from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
- Electric vehicles offer a user-friendly driving experience with no gears and simplified controls—accelerate, brake, and steer. Additionally, they reduce noise pollution, a common drawback of traditional vehicles.
- Financial incentives sweeten the deal for electric vehicle adoption, with lower registration fees and road taxes than petrol or diesel vehicles. Government policies vary by state, offering additional benefits to encourage the transition to electric mobility.
EVs set for growth
As we peer into the future, electric two-wheelers are set to witness significant growth, with sales projected to climb from 0.6 million in 2022 to 0.8 million in 2023, 1.1 million in 2024, and an astounding 14.4 million by the dawn of 2030. Simultaneously, the electric three-wheeler segment is expected to make substantial strides, reaching annual sales of 3.4 million units. Electric cars, too, are poised for growth, with projections indicating a rise to 1.4 million units by the turn of the decade.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, addressing the 19th EV EXPO 2023, envisions India reaching one crore annual electric vehicle sales, potentially creating five crore jobs by 2030. Presenting data from the Vahan database, he noted 34.54 lakh registered EVs in India. Gadkari emphasised the government’s approval for retrofitting existing polluting vehicles into hybrids or full EVs, aligning with sustainable transport goals.
Over the past decade, the central government has actively fostered the acceptance of electric vehicles in India, introducing various promotional measures. These include tax incentives for EV owners and public EV charging infrastructure development.
The flagship scheme, FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles), initiated by the Department of Heavy Industries in 2015, is now in its second phase (FAME-II), effective since April 1, 2019, with a budget allocation of 10,000 Cr. FAME-II aims to drive electric mobility further with sanctioned charging stations in 62 cities nationwide.
A Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP) also supports indigenous manufacturing, promoting the development of electric vehicles and related components. This strategic roadmap aims to enhance value addition and capacity building in the country’s electric mobility sector.
Electric vehicles emerge as a promising choice in steering India towards a greener future. With electric vehicles at the forefront, India charts a course towards a cleaner, greener, and environmentally conscious tomorrow.
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