Expert Interview
Navigating the Future of EV Technology and Battery Advancements
During the "GET ZET - Shifting Gears to Zero Emission Trucking" event, we had the privilege of speaking with Mr. Sundaresan S A, Head of New Technology at Ashok Leyland.
Below is a segment from the interview:
Below is a segment from the interview:
Q1: What are the key strategies currently being defined for EV technology, particularly in India?
India is focusing on leveraging existing technologies for EV manufacturing, especially in areas like vehicle assembly, which is well-established. However, one of the primary challenges is battery cost, which constitutes nearly 50% of the cost of an EV. India has the technology, but scaling up production is key to enabling cost-effective local manufacturing.
Q2: How is India progressing under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for battery manufacturing?
The PLI scheme has catalyzed the development of battery cell manufacturing in India. Over the next 3-4 years, we expect to see 100% locally manufactured battery cells, from sourcing raw materials to assembling battery packs. Localization is a significant milestone, but advancements in battery pack technology and charging rates are equally critical.
Q3: What are the current challenges in optimizing battery charging rates and longevity?
The relationship between charging rate and battery life is like two sides of a coin—they often work against each other. For truck applications, both need to be on the higher side, which presents a unique challenge. Research groups across India are actively addressing this issue, and globally, the U.S. is leading the charge with innovative solutions like silicon anodes, lithium sulphate, lithium metal, and solid-state batteries. However, these technologies are still not commercially visible in the market.
Q4: Battery recycling is another critical issue. What are the challenges in this area, particularly for LFP batteries?
Battery recycling faces significant hurdles, primarily due to the high cost of recovery. While the technology for recycling exists, it’s currently not cost-effective. Advancements in technology are expected to make recycling more viable in the future. Specifically, for LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries, apart from lithium, there aren’t many valuable metals, making recycling cost-prohibitive. As of now, recycling LFP batteries is practically impossible.
Q5: How can advancements in EV and battery technology shape the industry in the coming years?
Progress in areas like battery chemistry, charging rates, and recycling will define the future of the EV industry. Breakthroughs in solid-state batteries, better recycling methods, and cost-efficient battery production will be pivotal in making EVs more accessible and sustainable.
Conclusion
The insights shared highlight the dynamic progress in EV and battery technology while underscoring the challenges that need to be overcome. India’s growing focus on localization, innovation, and sustainability will play a critical role in shaping the future of electric mobility.