Potential for India to Emerge as a Hotbed for EV Technology Innovation

India's role in technology innovation, particularly in recent years, has been game-changing. The country has embraced digital advancements, leading to significant transformations in business operations. One example is the online wholesale platform, ONDC, which is set to revolutionise the Indian e-commerce industry by transitioning it from a platform-centric model to an open marketplace. Another initiative, the Digital India program, aims to empower the nation and foster inclusivity through digital transformation.

India's increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is a natural progression considering its technological advancements. The surge in EV adoption can be attributed not only to sustainability concerns but also to growing consumer awareness and preference for environmentally friendly transportation. A study by Deloitte revealed that 59% of Indian consumers are concerned about climate change, pollution, and fossil fuel emissions.

The EV industry in India is experiencing exponential growth, with sales of 442,901 units in the 2022-23 period. Recognising the depletion of natural resources, the adoption of renewable energy sources is crucial. This transition not only contributes to decarbonisation but also positions India as an innovation hub. The country has the potential to become a leading EV manufacturing center, leveraging its access to skilled professionals, high-quality manufacturing, and continuously evolving technology. The Engineering and R&D (ER&D) segment, especially in software-defined automobiles, is the fastest-growing segment in India's IT sector, indicating the country's potential to lead in software content development.

According to NASSCOM, the automotive sector's share in India's $36 billion ER&D market is expected to reach 30% within the next five years, up from the current 20%. As vehicles become more software-driven, the cost of hardware components decreases. By 2025, it is projected that 40% of a vehicle's cost will be software-based. India's talent pool, including a significant number of tech and electrification professionals, contributes to constant improvement and the proliferation of tech centers.

Trackable data is a crucial aspect of EV technology, providing valuable insights for research. Stakeholders such as car manufacturers, governments, and charging infrastructure providers utilise data analytics to offer optimal EV services, including predictive maintenance and smart grid technologies. Telematics and data management solutions are being enhanced to further improve user experiences and support new safety policies across different vehicle segments.

Considerable research and development efforts have been invested in utilising IoT capabilities to integrate data from power generation, storage, and supercapacitor units to enhance regenerative braking effectiveness. This technology has shown potential to increase EV range by 25%, and further refinements are expected to boost this percentage. With the advent of 5G, data transmission and communication between vehicles are further facilitated.

India currently ranks third globally as a desirable location for tech investments. As e-commerce flourishes in the country, an efficient transportation system, particularly for the last mile of the supply chain, becomes crucial. E-mobility is poised to be the future of last-mile transportation to support the growing demand and ensure a seamless user experience.

Authored by Ram Rajappa , Chief Technology Officer, Greaves Electric Mobility for ETAuto .

Source: Opinion: How India can emerge as hotbed of EV tech innovation, ET Auto (indiatimes.com)