Encouraging a ‘BaaS’ model to support EV charging and adoption, including heavy vehicles, the Ministry of Power’s 2024 guidelines on EV battery swapping eyes to standardise infrastructure. Industry is optimistic too.
Last week, the Ministry of Power unveiled regulations regarding charging of electric vehicles (EVs) in India, titled Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure 2024. This set of rules has introduced detailed provisions to facilitate battery swapping for EVs.
Battery swapping allows EV users to replace partially or fully discharged batteries with pre-charged ones, significantly reducing wait times compared to plug-in charging. According to the ministry, this aims to streamline operations and cater to the increasing demand for sustainable transport solutions.
The guidelines specifically target swappable battery providers, owners, and operators of battery charging stations (BCS) and battery swapping stations (BSS). The primary objectives include promoting battery swapping as a viable alternative to conventional charging and encouraging the ‘Battery as a Service’ (BaaS) model, which will enable manufacturers or third-party providers to lease or rent swappable batteries to EV owners, making EV adoption more accessible.
The guidelines have outlined definitions for critical components, such as BCS, BSS, and the swappable battery ecosystem, ensuring standardisation across the industry. Key provisions include allowing BCS and BSS operators to use existing electricity connections for charging operations, with or without upgrading the connected load.
Additionally, the guidelines support the deployment of liquid-cooled batteries for larger vehicles like trucks and buses, addressing the need for scalability in heavy-duty transport sectors.
By creating a structured framework for battery swapping, the ministry has confirmed that the guidelines aim to reduce charging infrastructure challenges, enhance convenience for EV users, and support grid stability through battery-to-grid (B2G) applications.
But how did the industry react to these new rules? Pulkit Khurana, co-founder of Battery Smart, one of India’s primary battery-swapping networks, stated: “These guidelines establish a strong foundation for the EV ecosystem, reinforcing battery swapping’s potential to overcome traditional charging barriers and drive widespread EV adoption. We are optimistic about its impact, that can make EV ownership accessible and affordable for all.”