Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, thanks to their reduced environmental impact and lower operating costs. However, as the EV market continues to grow, it is important to address concerns about EV safety. This is particularly true in India where the EV market is still in its early stages of development.
Safety is a key concern for EVs, just like any other vehicle on the road. As the number of EVs on the road increases, there is a growing need to address safety concerns. These concerns range from the safety of the battery and the charging infrastructure to the safety of the vehicle occupants and other road users. There is a strong need for a standardized approach to EV safety to ensure that EVs are as safe as ICE vehicles on the road and it is important for the EV industry to address the issue to encourage wider adoption of EVs.
Safe Batteries & Battery Certification
As per a recent report on the global EV market, localizing the EV supply chain remains crucial for the sustainable growth of EVs. This includes the development of local battery manufacturing facilities and charging infrastructure, which can help reduce costs and improve safety. The report also highlights the importance of standardizing safety norms and regulations for EVs, to ensure consistent safety levels across all markets.
Battery safety being one of the most significant concerns with electric vehicles needs to be addressed carefully. Batteries used in electric vehicles can be dangerous if not designed, manufactured, and handled correctly. This is why, in India, new battery safety regulations have been implemented to address this concern. These regulations have been put in place following several incidents of fire related to faulty batteries reported by major electric two-wheeler makers.
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The new battery safety norms include stringent constraints for the design of battery packs, onboard chargers, and thermal propagation due to internal cell short-circuiting that leads to fire, among other things. These norms also facilitate traceability of packs, additional safety fuse, protection against regenerative braking, cell-to-cell spacing, and microprocessor-based BMS with all protections.
Naturally, safe batteries need a strong battery safety certification which will continue to be an essential component of EV safety as electric vehicles become more prevalent. To ensure battery safety, several tests have been made mandatory for different vehicle categories under these new regulations and India has made some good progress in this regard.
In 2021, the Indian government introduced new safety regulations for EVs, including mandatory crash tests and safety certifications. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of standardizing safety norms and improving the overall safety of EVs on Indian roads.
Disposal Of Batteries
In addition to battery safety certification, another important aspect of EV safety is the proper disposal of batteries. This is where second-life batteries come in, where batteries that are no longer suitable for use in vehicles can still be used for stationary energy storage applications. This approach can help to reduce the environmental impact of EV batteries and promote the circular economy. Therefore, it is imperative for the government to create a framework that encourages the development of a second-life battery market.
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In conclusion, safety is an important aspect of the EV market that cannot be ignored. As the market grows, it is essential to address safety concerns to ensure that EVs are as safe as ICE vehicles on the road. The Indian government and industry players have a crucial role to play in this transformation, by developing standardized safety norms and regulations, improving charging infrastructure, and developing a localized EV supply chain. Once these initiatives are successfully implemented, the future of the EV market in India looks promising, with increased adoption and a cleaner, greener future for all.
By Mr. Pritesh Mahajan Co-Founder & CEO of Revamp Moto
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