Power Ministry releases 2024 guidelines for battery swapping and charging stations

This process entails swiftly exchanging a depleted EV battery for a fully charged one at designated stations. The guidelines are applicable to providers, owners, and operators of battery swapping and charging stations across the country.

The Ministry of Power has released the “2024 Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Battery Swapping and Charging Stations” to bolster the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) with integrated batteries and promote battery swapping as an alternative energy solution. This process involves quickly replacing a depleted EV battery with a fully charged one at designated stations. The guidelines apply to providers, owners, and operators of battery swapping and charging stations nationwide.

The key objectives are to encourage battery swapping as a viable alternative to direct EV charging, advance the “Battery as a Service” (BaaS) model, and foster a robust ecosystem for battery swapping. The BaaS model allows third-party providers or battery manufacturers to manage and lease swappable EV batteries to users or fleet operators.

Battery swapping involves replacing a depleted battery with a fully charged one, while the battery swapping ecosystem includes the necessary infrastructure and services for this quick exchange. A Battery Charging Station (BCS) recharges batteries, while a Battery Swapping Station (BSS) handles both charging and swapping. Some stations may be exclusive to specific groups, like fleet operators, and not open to the public.

The guidelines also introduce Battery-to-Grid (B2G) technology, enabling swappable batteries to store and supply electricity back to the grid. Swappable batteries are modular units designed for easy removal and replacement, extending EV range. Battery providers, offering swappable batteries or BaaS, play a vital role in supporting EV users.

Key provisions from the broader “2024 Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure” are also applicable to battery charging and swapping stations. These include safety, operational, and infrastructure management requirements. Station owners can use existing electricity connections for charging, with or without additional load needs. Additionally, liquid-cooled swappable batteries may be used for larger vehicles like buses and trucks to enhance efficiency and safety.

The guidelines aim to establish a seamless battery-swapping network, ensuring safety, accessibility, and efficient energy management for the growing EV ecosystem.