Since 2015, the Indian government is trying to boost electric vehicle (EV) usage across the country. This is to curb increasing pollution and global warming effects. One such state that is already suffering from unbearable levels of air pollution in Delhi. Hence, the State and Central government has been trying to sort out this issue by introducing EVs to the mass.
Reducing dependency on oil imports
India is dependent on imports of 80% of crude oil from foreign countries. Moreover, air pollution-related issues are increasing in multiple cities, including the capital city of Delhi. It is for this reason, the decision is made to move towards using EVs. It includes private and public vehicles alike.
Lack of charging stations
With battery prices reducing, EV sales of late have picked up significantly. Year-on-year, sales are rising to about 155% as per FADA data. But as on starting of 2022, only 1,640 public charging stations were operational. Not much has increased until now. The problem is also noticed in Delhi, nicknamed the ‘EV capital’.
Tough decision to switch to EVs
Customers presently using diesel or petrol vehicles find it easy to come across pump outlets for refilling purposes. But the same cannot be stated about EV public charging stations, be it in Delhi or elsewhere. Establishing essential charging infrastructure to accommodate EV charging needs will require lots of investment and government support.
Why there is a slow pace in executing the plan?
The public charging station setup is very slow and not happening as it was projected to be. This is mainly due to placing major and small players in the same bucket. The other issue is lacking clear timelines to set up EV charging stations in Delhi and outside. When new mandates or policies or launched, big and small players should be separated!
Unclear policy
Industry leaders opine that government-provided timelines are quite loose. Also, no clear blueprint or roadmap exists to achieve long-term goals. By providing a proper timeframe for execution along with government support, organizations can establish the necessary EV infrastructure 10X. A stark difference is also noticed in establishing charging stations among smaller and bigger cities as well as city roads and highways.
Challenges faced by EV charging networks
- Vehicle grid interoperability: Currently, there is a scarcity of many essential components. It includes agreements between charging manufacturers, utility companies and grids, communication, and logistics. Vehicle-to-grid infrastructure is now possible. Therefore, these parties can help provide the necessary technology and protocols. Often, utility companies or the government withhold information not provided to charging network providers. Thus, development time gets slows down while the project becomes less profitable.
- Poor charging infrastructure: Landowners, charging manufacturers, and grid operators get into an agreement. Fast charger and slow charger installation costs along with charging network is equally expensive. Trying to derive perfectly fitting charging networks meant for office premises or homes can be difficult. Rural areas lack charging infrastructure and require heavy investment. Overnight chargers and midway charges might help.
- Payment method integration: Charging-related payments at the stations can be taken through QR codes, contactless cards, Apps, etc. Using simultaneously all such methods will be a great idea. But to achieve this objective, all brands are to come together. Downloading an app and requiring users to register with different types of apps only to charge the vehicle should be avoided.
- Station downtime and performance: Drivers are often psychologically hit by range anxiety. Most electric cars and scooters these days are designed to cover 300+ km. once the battery shows a 10 km range or less, then finding a functioning charger is found to be a major issue. Many charging stations in Delhi face downtime or exhibit poor performance.
- Charging-Station-to-Network: Some protocols introduced permit electric charging infrastructure in carrying out limited communication with just a single network provider. A charger requiring updates will find an issue. The same holds for changing networks. Opportunities can be derived if protocols are opened to switch between different networks. It is possible to install new charging stations without having to change network providers.
- Power issues during charging: Rapid chargers installed at service stations are desired on-route. They require fast, reliable charging speed consuming plenty of power. Peak-time grid management can be a troublesome issue for power companies. However, installing chargers only cause more issues. Few modern EVs are designed to charge at 300kw. But most chargers fail to use this speedfully.
- Ease of use: User experience concerning EV recharging is found to be extremely poor. Charging stations experiencing downtime will only unreliability and uncertainty for all EV drivers. Also, charging EVs involve other issues like having to use multiple cards and apps including making payments. Problems are also faced by disabled drivers trying to get access to charge quickly their vehicles.
Overcoming EV charging station challenges to increase EV efficiency
State and central governments along with power utility and EV charger companies need to be on the same platform. This is essential to ensure the number of EV charging stations in Delhi and all over the country increases. This way, the common citizens will start to believe in this form of transport and purchase it.