With millions of ICE (internal combustion engine) Vehicles on the road, the largest in India two wheeler And three wheeler market in the world. In the last few years, electric vehicles Has gained popularity in the 2-wheeler and 3-wheeler segment especially in the Indian market. To make e-mobility accessible to all, the Government of India needs to make a retrofitting Policy to allow conversion of two and three wheelers to electric vehicles, subject to necessary terms and conditions.
Keeping this in mind, we discussed various aspects regarding EV retrofitting of two wheelers and three wheelers with the Founder and CEO of GoGoA1. Interview excerpts:
According to you, what has been the major factor in this growth of electric vehicles? Has the pandemic’s impact on the industry been positive since e-commerce took hold and focused on green mobility?
There are three main reasons for the rise of electric vehicles. Technically, engine efficiency is around 35% and electric motor efficiency is around 90 to 92%. In electric vehicles, engines are replaced by motors and conventional motors will be replaced by magneto motors.
For electrification of vehicles, we can opt for renewable energy, such as solar charging infrastructure. Now the industry is decentralizing. For the past so many years, niche players controlled the entire business, but now even small scale companies are contributing to the growth of the EV segment in India.
In a pandemic period, the positive part is that people are more aware of the environment. If seen in the last 7-8 months, the sales of electric vehicles have increased to a great extent. Currently the electric vehicle industry is in the establishment stage and will be established after 2025.
What is EV Retrofitting? What are the benefits of EV retrofitting? What about vehicle safety once retrofitted from ICE to EV?
EV retrofitting means replacing the petrol engine with an electric powertrain. An electric motor is fitted to the rear wheel and engine parts are removed. The existing EVs are suitable for the user mindset and road conditions in India. Spare parts and services are available in the market. Replacing existing vehicles is the right solution to the current situation. Almost all companies are importing and assembling material from China. The aftermarket continues to play a big part in the success of the vehicle.
Secondly, people have to face a lot of problems with vehicles imported from abroad, supply of spare parts and services. Those vehicles are not made according to the Indian road conditions and user mindset and at the same time they have no aftermarket value. EV retrofitting is an economical solution as we are saving re-manufacturing processes.
Talking about vehicle safety, EV retrofitting is ARAI and RTO approved and is more secure and reliable.
Despite getting subsidies, electric vehicles are still being sold at high prices. The high cost of GST and taxes on retrofitting kits constrain the scope of the retrofitting ecosystem. What policy changes are needed to promote the green while keeping the new electric vehicle and retrofitting industries on the same page?
Now the government is promoting EV infrastructure. Typically, vehicle manufacturers and battery providers differ. This is the initial stage so the manufacturers are providing the vehicle and the battery in its entirety. Government should take initiative and standardize and once standardization is done, new companies will get an opportunity to set up swappable battery stations. Regardless of brand, any electric vehicle can be charged at a swappable station. There is a difference between voltage and capacity in electric vehicles. According to the capacity, speed and range of the vehicle, users can charge their vehicle or take the battery and pay accordingly.
The government has always emphasized on localization of production. What initiatives need to be implemented to encourage ingredient manufacturers to contribute to the “Make in India and Made in India” goal?
As the number of electric vehicles is increasing, the need for electricity is also increasing. Coal produces 20% of the electricity in India. Government of India should take initiative for standardization and provide subsidy to battery providers and solar power charging. Must have swappable charging stations. In India, a large number of two wheelers and three wheelers are used for commercial purposes as they have taken the initiative for last mile delivery. EVs will be successful in India if there are parallel charging stations and swappable charging stations.
What are the charges for converting your two wheeler, three wheeler or four wheeler to electric vehicle?
If you are converting a two wheeler to an EV, the charges will range from Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000 depending on the power and model. For a three wheeler, it would be around Rs 50,000. EV retrofitting of a 1000 cc four wheeler will cost around Rs 2.5 lakh.
Keeping this in mind, we discussed various aspects regarding EV retrofitting of two wheelers and three wheelers with the Founder and CEO of GoGoA1. Interview excerpts:
According to you, what has been the major factor in this growth of electric vehicles? Has the pandemic’s impact on the industry been positive since e-commerce took hold and focused on green mobility?
There are three main reasons for the rise of electric vehicles. Technically, engine efficiency is around 35% and electric motor efficiency is around 90 to 92%. In electric vehicles, engines are replaced by motors and conventional motors will be replaced by magneto motors.
For electrification of vehicles, we can opt for renewable energy, such as solar charging infrastructure. Now the industry is decentralizing. For the past so many years, niche players controlled the entire business, but now even small scale companies are contributing to the growth of the EV segment in India.
In a pandemic period, the positive part is that people are more aware of the environment. If seen in the last 7-8 months, the sales of electric vehicles have increased to a great extent. Currently the electric vehicle industry is in the establishment stage and will be established after 2025.
What is EV Retrofitting? What are the benefits of EV retrofitting? What about vehicle safety once retrofitted from ICE to EV?
EV retrofitting means replacing the petrol engine with an electric powertrain. An electric motor is fitted to the rear wheel and engine parts are removed. The existing EVs are suitable for the user mindset and road conditions in India. Spare parts and services are available in the market. Replacing existing vehicles is the right solution to the current situation. Almost all companies are importing and assembling material from China. The aftermarket continues to play a big part in the success of the vehicle.
Secondly, people have to face a lot of problems with vehicles imported from abroad, supply of spare parts and services. Those vehicles are not made according to the Indian road conditions and user mindset and at the same time they have no aftermarket value. EV retrofitting is an economical solution as we are saving re-manufacturing processes.
Talking about vehicle safety, EV retrofitting is ARAI and RTO approved and is more secure and reliable.
Despite getting subsidies, electric vehicles are still being sold at high prices. The high cost of GST and taxes on retrofitting kits constrain the scope of the retrofitting ecosystem. What policy changes are needed to promote the green while keeping the new electric vehicle and retrofitting industries on the same page?
Now the government is promoting EV infrastructure. Typically, vehicle manufacturers and battery providers differ. This is the initial stage so the manufacturers are providing the vehicle and the battery in its entirety. Government should take initiative and standardize and once standardization is done, new companies will get an opportunity to set up swappable battery stations. Regardless of brand, any electric vehicle can be charged at a swappable station. There is a difference between voltage and capacity in electric vehicles. According to the capacity, speed and range of the vehicle, users can charge their vehicle or take the battery and pay accordingly.
The government has always emphasized on localization of production. What initiatives need to be implemented to encourage ingredient manufacturers to contribute to the “Make in India and Made in India” goal?
As the number of electric vehicles is increasing, the need for electricity is also increasing. Coal produces 20% of the electricity in India. Government of India should take initiative for standardization and provide subsidy to battery providers and solar power charging. Must have swappable charging stations. In India, a large number of two wheelers and three wheelers are used for commercial purposes as they have taken the initiative for last mile delivery. EVs will be successful in India if there are parallel charging stations and swappable charging stations.
What are the charges for converting your two wheeler, three wheeler or four wheeler to electric vehicle?
If you are converting a two wheeler to an EV, the charges will range from Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000 depending on the power and model. For a three wheeler, it would be around Rs 50,000. EV retrofitting of a 1000 cc four wheeler will cost around Rs 2.5 lakh.