KATHMANDU, MAY 31

Mounting concerns over transport emissions contributing to climate change, coupled with the insatiable demand for expensive petroleum from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, have compelled countries around the world to embrace electric vehicles (EVs).

Home to the world's largest two- and three-wheeler markets, and the fifth-largest passenger car market, India considers e-mobility and clean energy generation mission critical for its 2070 Net Zero target.

The Government of India (GoI) is matching ambition with resources and favorable policies to drive EV adoption. Nevertheless, the high upfront EV costs impose major barriers in price-sensitive India, with batteries making up around 50 percent of the price tag.

Battery swapping is emerging as a cost, time, and space efficient solution for two and three wheelers. Users can buy vehicles without batteries, subscribe to batteries-as-a-service, and swap discharged batteries for charged ones at kiosks.

Time wise, swapping resembles refueling. It takes minutes versus at least an hour for charging.

A version of this article appears in the print on June 01, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.