India is on track to realize its electric mobility vision, with EVs gradually becoming an integral part of the country’s transportation system. The era of these revolutionary vehicles has just begun, and ahead is a long way that needs to be strategically charted. Projections indicate that the Indian EV market is set to grow significantly from $34.8 billion in 2024 to $120 billion by 2030. This projected boom in EV sales brings to light the critical importance of developing efficient and reliable batteries that could support the widespread adoption of EVs, and also instill confidence in consumers. Acknowledging this necessity, the industry has shifted its focus towards investing in research and development with an aim to improve battery technology. The exploration of alternative, mature battery chemistries and designs is intended to offer more benefits to the consumer, while also reducing the reliance on critical, scarce metals such as lithium and cobalt.
One of the notable innovations in this field has been the introduction of solid-state batteries. These sophisticated batteries use solid electrolytes instead of liquid or gel electrolytes commonly found in traditional lithium-ion batteries. The elimination of liquid electrolytes reduces the risk of leakage and thermal runaway, making solid-state batteries more reliable and safer for EVs. The absence of liquid electrolytes also implies reduced degradation over time, resulting in durable batteries with a longer lifespan. The use of solid electrolytes enables quicker battery charging, making EVs more convenient for daily use. Additionally, solid-state batteries offer significantly higher energy density as compared to lithium-ion batteries, allowing EVs to travel longer distances on a single charge, and thereby addressing the industry’s key concern of range anxiety. Ongoing advancements in manufacturing processes have led to cost reductions for solid-state batteries, making them more commercially viable.
Another emerging EV battery technology that shows great promise in the industry is lithium-sulphur batteries. These next-gen batteries utilize lithium in the anode and sulphur in the cathode, offering greater energy density compared to current lithium-ion batteries. This means that lithium-sulphur batteries are capable of storing more energy in a smaller and lighter package. As a result, EVs equipped with these batteries can achieve longer range, faster charging times and improved performance. In addition to their performance benefits, these batteries present a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries, as they rely on abundant and affordable sulphur instead of rare and expensive metals like cobalt. With ongoing research efforts focused on further optimizing their performance, lithium-sulphur batteries are expected to play a significant role in the transition to a greener and more sustainable future.
Delving a little further, another alternative technology that has the potential to be a game-changer in the EV space is sodium-ion batteries. These batteries utilize sodium ions instead of lithium ions, providing advantages such as increased power, enhanced safety and better performance in cold weather conditions. Sodium ions are also about 30% cheaper than lithium ions, making sodium-ion batteries a cost-effective option for EV manufacturers. With batteries accounting for around 40% of an EV’s total cost, the adoption of sodium-ion batteries could bring down the overall cost of EVs, potentially leading to increased market adoption. Moreover, the abundance of sodium in nature ensures consistent resource availability along with fewer supply chain challenges. While these batteries face challenges related to low energy density, efforts are underway to improve the same.
Apart from this, the industry is also turning to alternative chemistries that do not rely on cobalt and are more power-efficient and sustainable. Cobalt is a finite resource, with demand expected to outstrip supply in the coming years. In light of this, manufacturers are exploring distinct chemistries such as lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC). LFP batteries utilize iron instead of cobalt as a cathode material, providing increased stability and safety. On the other hand, NMC batteries reduce the amount of cobalt while increasing the nickel content, offering benefits in terms of cost, safety and energy density.
These, and many more innovations in EV battery technology, are paving the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future of transportation. With a plethora of innovations already in place and more on the horizon, we are on the brink of a revolution in eco-friendly mobility. The momentum is building, with an array of exciting developments igniting confidence in consumers and industry professionals alike. The government’s support in promoting the development and implementation of new battery technologies is driving Indian EV manufacturers to invest in research and innovation to stay competitive on a global scale. Moving forward, as researchers continue to make strides in this field, we can expect many more breakthroughs that could potentially reshape urban mobility in a remarkable way. The planet is in urgent need of electrification, and it is evident that this need will not go unmet.
