EMBRACING ELECTRIC VEHICLES

With the rapid advancement in EV technologies, we take a closer look at the barriers to the adoption of electric vehicles and the solutions to these challenges.

- Kruti Bharadva

Electric vehicles promise increased energy security by reducing foreign fuel dependence, decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, stimulating economic growth through development of new technologies and industries, and public health by improving local air quality.

However, there are substantial technical, social, and economic barriers to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, including vehicle costs, lower driving ranges, long charging times, and the need for charging infrastructure. In addition, people who are unfamiliar with electric vehicles are uncertain about their costs and benefits and have diverse needs that current electric vehicles might not meet.

Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME II) extensively focuses on electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The Indian government is aiming at setting up 2,636 electric vehicle charging stations in 62 cities across 24 states and union territories by 2023. According to the government of India’s Energy Efficiency Services Limited, which is the world’s largest public-sector energy service company, India will have 79 Mn electric vehicles will be on the road and 8 Mn public charging stations (slow and fast) will be installed by 2030.

THE ELECTRIC UTILITIES FACTOR

Electric utilities can play a significant role in increasing the rate of electric vehicle adoption.

To do this, it is critical to understand regional factors such as:

• How many electric vehicles are connecting to the grid?

• What is the subsequent impact of charging load?

• What are the local barriers to electric vehicle adoption?

• Who are electric vehicle drivers?