Intro: Human activities have caused a significant increase in Green House Gas (GHG) emissions over the last few decades. In a significant move toward sustainable mobility, Delhi is gearing up to establish one EV charging point for every 15 electric vehicles by 2024. This initiative aligns with the capital’s efforts to promote electric mobility and reduce carbon emissions, setting a benchmark for EV infrastructure across the country.
Scaling Up EV Charging Infrastructure: To support the rapid adoption of electric vehicles, Delhi’s government is working on creating a dense network of EV charging stations. The goal is to ensure easy accessibility for EV owners, making charging as convenient as refueling conventional vehicles. With a focus on public and private partnerships, the city plans to install chargers in residential areas, commercial spaces, and major transit hubs.
The availability of one charging point for every 15 EVs will eliminate range anxiety, a common concern among potential EV buyers, and encourage more people to switch to electric vehicles. This move is expected to significantly boost EV adoption in the national capital.
Environmental and Economic Benefits: Expanding the EV charging network is a vital step toward achieving Delhi’s vision of a sustainable and clean environment. Increased use of EVs will drastically reduce vehicular emissions, improving air quality and contributing to better public health.
Economically, the initiative is expected to attract investments in green mobility infrastructure, create jobs, and support local businesses involved in EV charging solutions. The government’s focus on renewable energy integration for charging stations will further enhance the sustainability of the EV ecosystem.
Delhi Leading India’s EV Revolution: Delhi’s ambitious EV policy aims to set the capital apart as a leader in electric mobility. By 2024, the city hopes to achieve 25% EV penetration in new vehicle registrations, with a strong emphasis on two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and public transport.
The development of a robust charging network is a cornerstone of this policy, ensuring that the city is prepared for the growing demand for electric vehicles. With initiatives like subsidies, tax exemptions, and the installation of fast chargers, Delhi is building a comprehensive framework to support its EV revolution.
The plan to establish one charging point for every 15 EVs by 2024 highlights Delhi’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility. By prioritizing EV infrastructure, the capital is setting an example for other cities in India. As Delhi accelerates its transition to a greener future, it’s paving the way for cleaner air, a stronger economy, and a more sustainable environment.
The recent fire incidents in electric vehicles have brought an important issue to focus – the need for heat management system for batteries. Since lithium ion batteries are ‘dangerous goods’ and they can catch fire for a variety of reasons, it is essential to have a decent Battery Thermal Management System. With more and more EVs coming into the market, it’s paramount that the safety aspect of these vehicles is not ignored.
- Lithium-ion batteries are classified as ‘dangerous goods’ because they can catch fire in a matter of minutes. As a result, the internal and external build quality of the battery pack must be of the highest caliber
- When an EV battery is used up to 70 per cent or 80 per cent of its capacity, it is said to be at the end of its life. Thermal runaway occurs when an EV battery is used beyond its end-of-life capacity
Recently, there have been reports from all over the country about electric vehicles catching fire. Two persons even lost their lives because of these incidents. This has brought back the dilemma in many people’s minds whether to go for an EV or stick with the ICE-based-vehicle.
The EV industry virtually came to a halt when the Government intervened in the matter and ordered the EV manufacturers to either rectify their mistake or face a hefty fine, if found guilty. Manufacturers such as Ola Electric, Okinawa, and some others recalled and repaired thousands of their defective EV two-wheelers at no extra cost.
It must be noted that a lithium-ion battery can fail for a variety of reasons. It can fail if the battery pack sustains physical damage. The physical damage causes a short circuit in the battery pack, which results in fire. Lithium-ion batteries are classified as ‘dangerous goods’ because they can catch fire in a matter of minutes. As a result, the internal and external build quality of the battery pack must be of the highest calibre.
Lithium-ion batteries also need a decent heat management system. When an EV battery gets charged or discharged, energy is lost in the form of heat. That’s why it is essential for the battery packs to have an efficient heat management system. Energy losses are at their peak when the battery is charged with a DC fast charger. The Battery Management System (BMS) is responsible for cutting off the charging in case of overheating.
Most two-wheeler EVs in India lack a Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS), which is why most fires have occurred in these vehicles. When these battery packs are repeatedly overcharged, they can catch fire. Overcharging sets off a chain reaction within the battery pack, resulting in fires and, in some cases, explosions.
When an EV battery is used up to 70 per cent or 80 per cent of its capacity, it is said to be at the end of its life. Thermal runaway occurs when an EV battery is used beyond its end-of-life capacity. A battery pack, like a mobile phone, should have a smart BMS to track the battery condition of any specific EV. The BMS should send alert messages to the consumer when the battery is nearing the end of its life. Many of these fire incidents can be avoided and many lives can be saved if all these changes are implemented.
