The report “eMobility R&D Roadmap” outlines the strategic initiatives and research pathways aimed at accelerating the development and adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India. The roadmap covers a broad spectrum of areas including battery technology, electric motors, power electronics, thermal management, and charging infrastructure.
The roadmap begins by emphasizing the importance of advanced battery technologies for the future of electric mobility. It highlights the need for innovation in battery cell form factors, aiming to achieve a 40% improvement in energy density compared to current technologies. The development of scalable and cost-efficient manufacturing processes is also a priority to facilitate commercial adoption. The supply chain for materials must be entirely sourced domestically to ensure sustainability and economic viability.
The funding requirements for different stream are disproportionate to their potential impact. Despite the small overall funding, India’s leadership in these areas mandates that all projects receive adequate, conditional, and milestone-based funding.
In the context of electric motors and power electronics, the roadmap identifies several critical areas for research. This includes replacing copper with alternative materials for motor windings and developing non-rare earth materials for permanent magnets. Additionally, the roadmap emphasizes the importance of creating a robust ecosystem for manufacturing power semiconductors such as MOSFETs, IGBTs, and SiC devices within India. These components are essential for managing the flow of electricity between the battery, motor, and other vehicle systems.
Thermal management is another key focus area. Effective thermal management systems are necessary to regulate the temperature of battery packs, electric motors, and power electronics, ensuring optimal performance and safety. Research on novel thermal management materials and systems, including phase change materials and high-yield manufacturing processes for wide bandgap semiconductors, is highlighted as essential to improving the efficiency and reliability of EVs.
The roadmap also addresses the recycling and second-life applications of EV batteries. It calls for the development of innovative recycling processes beyond traditional hydro and pyro-metallurgical methods. Additionally, standardizing hardware and software integration for second-life applications of EV batteries is crucial for extending their lifecycle and reducing environmental impact. Research on the reuse and recycling of magnets, and their implications for developing new applications, is also a significant part of this initiative.
Charging infrastructure is another critical component of the eMobility roadmap. The report outlines research pathways for static and dynamic wireless charging technologies, adaptive charging techniques, and new communication protocols for charging infrastructure. These advancements are expected to enhance the convenience and efficiency of charging EVs, thereby supporting widespread adoption.
The roadmap provides a detailed budget allocation for various research projects. The total budget for the proposed R&D activities and pilot manufacturing over a specified period amounts to ₹1,151.65 crores. This includes significant investments in battery technology, power electronics, thermal management, recycling, and charging infrastructure. The budget allocation is designed to ensure that the necessary resources are available to achieve the ambitious targets outlined in the roadmap.
In conclusion, the “eMobility R&D Roadmap” presents a comprehensive strategy for advancing electric mobility in India. By focusing on key areas such as battery technology, electric motors, power electronics, thermal management, recycling, and charging infrastructure, the roadmap aims to position India as a leader in the global EV market. The outlined budget and strategic initiatives reflect the commitment to creating a sustainable and economically viable electric mobility ecosystem.
Please view the full report here for more details.
