Pune: The sheer volume of two-wheelers in India, with 30 vehicles produced every minute, makes the sector a critical player in the nation’s transportation landscape. The transition to electric two-wheelers aligns with the nation’s increasing energy demands due to a booming transport sector, marking a shift towards sustainability and energy security.
Swapnil Jain, CTO, and co-founder of Ather Energy, emphasized India’s pivotal role in the electric two-wheeler revolution and highlighted the strides made by the Indian electric vehicle (EV) industry and the potential for global dominance at the Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT) 2024.
The Symposium, January 23-25, 2024 in Pune, with the theme ‘Transformations Towards Progressive Mobility’, is a forum and exhibition focusing on automotive technology.
Jain underlined the significance of two-wheelers in the Indian economy, and highlighted the logic behind making them a driving force for electrification.
The electric two-wheeler sector has seen substantial growth in the past three years. It is projected that by FY30, approximately 80 million units will be sold, saving a staggering 200 billion liters of fuel. The transition from ICE two-wheelers to electric variants is more straightforward for consumers due to the smaller cost delta.
“Indian electric two-wheelers outshine global competition not just in performance but also in cost-effectiveness,” Jain said.
The next decade would see significant technological advancements in EVs, emphasizing that innovation is the backbone of sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective electric mobility.
About emissions, Jain stressed the well-proven fact that electric vehicles exhibit significantly lower lifetime emissions than their internal combustion engine counterparts. The absence of tailpipe emissions and the centralized control over emissions in power plants make EVs a cleaner and more sustainable choice.
Jain focused on India’s intellectual property landscape in the EV sector. He emphasized that Indian OEMs are leading in developing innovative technologies, resulting in a robust portfolio of patents. The continuous innovation and R&D efforts contribute to a reduction in vehicle prices and place Indian companies at the forefront of the global EV market.
India’s progress in setting global standards, particularly in charging infrastructure is commendable. Jain announced the country’s development of a two-minute charging standard that is not only cheaper but also incorporates novel features like seamless payment through the vehicle interface, eliminating the need for external devices, showcasing India’s commitment to cutting-edge, consumer-centric solutions.
Jain called for sustained investment in emerging technologies like sodium-ion, LMFP, and solid-state batteries. He urged the Indian electric vehicle industry to leverage its strengths in manufacturing and design to disrupt the global market. Jain’s presentation painted a compelling picture of India not just leading the electric two-wheeler game but setting the stage for global leadership in the broader EV landscape.
In essence, the session painted a vivid picture of India emerging as a leader in the electric two-wheeler industry, showcasing a promising future marked by innovation, sustainability, and global dominance.
