OEMs Need To Adopt Standard Connectors And Protocol: SOLTERRA

The adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum worldwide as the global community grapples with the urgent need to cut down the greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. India, as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing automobile markets, is no exception to this transformative trend. In recent years, the Indian government has shown a growing commitment to promoting electric mobility, and at the heart of this transition lies the development of robust electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The Need For Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

The need for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in India is driven by multiple factors, primarily the imperative to reduce air pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. India faces severe air pollution challenges, particularly in its major cities, where vehicular emissions are a significant contributor. The introduction of electric vehicles, which produce zero tailpipe emissions, presents a promising solution to address this issue.

Challenges And Opportunities

While efforts to build electric vehicle charging infrastructure are commendable, several challenges need to be addressed. The foremost challenge is the high upfront cost of charging infrastructure installation. Private investment and public-private partnerships will play a crucial role in overcoming this challenge.

Interoperability and standardisation of charging infrastructure are also essential for seamless EV adoption. Clear technical standards and protocols for charging need to be established to ensure compatibility between various EVs and charging stations. Opportunity India spoke to various electric vehicle charging station manufacturers who shed light on the status of the infrastructure in India and shared their views on how it can be improved.

“There are two segments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure including four-wheeler and two-wheeler. The government has established charging infrastructure for four-wheeler but now we have to move out and establish two-wheeler and three-wheeler charging infrastructure because there is no standardized public infra for these vehicles,” Sandeep Kumar Verma, Founder and CEO, SOLTERRA told Opportunity India.

“We are a part of Bharat Charge Alliance (BCA) – working towards making common standardisation for two-wheeler and three-wheeler market. The OEMs need to adopt the standard connectors and the protocol and charging infra companies need to build compatible chargers fulfilling the compatibility requirements of the software and the connector,” Verma added.

Shashank Ravi Chaudhary, Deputy General Manager, Servo Tech said that any technology when it evolves, it requires infrastructure and government is pushing for better experience.

“There are only 8,000 Direct Current (DC) charging stations but we need more than 1 lakh charging stations. The major challenge in EV charging infra is to generate that amount of power wherein we can apply that power to the chargers,” Chaudhary said.

Conclusion: The development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in India is a critical component of the country's transition towards sustainable and cleaner transportation. Government policies, regional initiatives, and innovative technology solutions are gradually transforming the landscape, making EVs a more viable and attractive option for Indian consumers. As India continues its journey towards electrification, the growth of charging infrastructure will be pivotal in shaping the future of mobility in the country.