Niti Aayog draft battery swapping policy
Recently NITI Aayog has released the draft Battery Swapping Policy inviting suggestions from the stakeholders.
The objective of this policy is to promote the adoption of battery swapping technology through ‘battery-as-a-service’. At the same time, key technical, regulatory, institutional and financial challenges associated with swapping are also to be addressed.
Earlier this policy was also proposed in the budget speech 2022-23. It focuses on improving the efficiency of the Electric Vehicle (EV) system.
Battery swapping arrangement involves swapping a charged battery with a discharged battery.
It provides refueling facility similar to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. With this, it reduces the high upfront cost of an electric vehicle by 40-50%.
Key Features of Battery Swapping Policy
This policy will be implemented in 2 phases:
- In the first phase, priority will be given to setting up battery-swapping networks in metros with population above 40 lakh (as per Census 2011).
- In the second phase, all major cities such as state capitals, union territory headquarters, and cities with a population of more than 5 lakh would be covered.
- Vehicles with battery swapping will be sold without batteries.
- Any person or organization shall be free to set up battery swapping stations at any location.
- The swappable battery will be equipped with modern features like Internet of Things based battery monitoring system, remote monitoring etc. This will ensure the safety of the battery and assets.
- The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will be responsible for the implementation of the battery-swapping network across the country.
- To reduce the cost of batteries, interchange of batteries with Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries will be encouraged.
- The option will be provided to the users of electric vehicles. The principles behind the technical parameters set will be explained.
- Partnership between battery providers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of batteries, etc. will be encouraged.
- Better management of battery life will be promoted.
Source – The Hindu
