Technological Trends Shaping the Future of Electric Scooters in India

Connected mobility is acting as a game changer and revolutionising how people engage with their vehicles. Electric scooters have become smarter with the incorporation of features such as GPS navigation, smartphone integration, and remote diagnostics.

October 31, 2023. By News Bureau

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In FY23, India’s electric vehicle sales crossed the one million units’ mark, which included the electric two wheelers. Speaking particularly of India’s electric scooter market, it is also witnessing sustained growth month over month. It is reported to grow at a CAGR of 35 percent between 2022 and 2028 by a report by Blue Weave Consulting. The rapid rise of the electric scooter industry may be attributed to a growing awareness of carbon emissions and footprints, along with a shift in trend from traditional forms of transportation for shorter distance trips. Besides, government policies and incentives are propelling the use of electric scooters. However, technological advancements cannot be ignored. They have intensively added momentum to the growth and are driving this industry into a future that is eco-friendly, smarter, and hassle-free.

The main component is the battery when it comes to electric scooters. Recent advancements in battery technology have significantly boosted the performance and viability of electric scooters in India. Lithium-ion batteries have become the industry standard primarily because of their high energy density, lightweight and compact design, and fast charging capabilities. It is anticipated that by 2025, India will need 60 GW of lithium-ion cells and 120 GW by 2030, as per government data. The government is therefore encouraging local manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries to bring down the cost. Moreover, the drop in lithium prices by nearly 20 percent, as per Benchmark Minerals, has also led to an increase in sales of electric vehicles.

While advances in battery technology have propelled lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) forward, their dependence on lithium resources has led to the exploration of alternative energy storage options. A key trend in battery innovation is the development of solid-state batteries (SiBs). They function in the same way as LiBs but make use of sodium for mobility, offering benefits in raw materials and production scalability. Solid-state batteries (SSBs) are reforming EV battery technology by substituting traditional electrolytes with solids, subsequently leading to enhanced safety, faster charging times, competence, and energy density.

Furthermore, connected mobility is now acting as a game changer. It is revolutionising how people engage with their vehicles. Electric scooters, for instance, have become smarter. Features such as GPS navigation, smartphone integration, and remote diagnostics are being incorporated. These features help enhance the user experience. It also facilitates better vehicle management and care.

Additionally, on the materials science front, there has been remarkable progress. This is facilitating the manufacturing of electric scooters, which are more robust and visually pleasing, apart from being energy-efficient. Lightweight materials such as carbon fibre composites and aluminium alloys are being utilized to bring down the weight of electric scooters. This helps increase their range and overall performance.

Moreover, charging infrastructure is one of the main hurdles. Their lack of easy access is the main reason for the slow pace of mass adoption of electric vehicles, including electric scooters. In India, we have an EV charging system that offers two main alternatives which are slow charging and fast charging. In the case of plug-in charging systems for EVs, there are a few challenges, such as a lack of availability of charging infrastructure, a long charging time for an EV in comparison to the quick refuelling of an ICE vehicle, different EV models with different plug types and charging standards, etc. Addressing these challenges is vital to ensuring the smooth adoption of EVs in the future.

Wireless charging is anticipated to transform the charging infrastructure in the future, as it is both convenient and hassle-free for EV owners. With electromagnetic inductive charging, EVs can basically park over a wireless charging pad or station, and the charging process starts automatically.

The concept of swappable batteries is also rising. This enables users to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones at dedicated stations, eradicating the need for long charging times.

Ride-sharing services and micro mobility solutions are gradually picking up pace. Congestion on roads in urban areas and the increasing awareness of the need for sustainable transportation is driving this demand. Electric scooters are thus playing a key role in addressing this problem by providing a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation for shorter commutes.

Notably, to enhance the safety features of electric scooters, artificial intelligence (AI) is also being integrated. Predictive analytics can predict possible collisions and activate automatic braking systems. Additionally, algorithms driven by AI can improve scooter performance based on user habits and road conditions.

Technological innovation and a growing emphasis on sustainability and convenience are driving the future of electric scooters in India. With technological trends continuously evolving, electric scooters are set to transform the way Indians commute and contribute significantly to the reduction of carbon emissions and urban congestion. The Indian government has been actively promoting the adoption of electric vehicles through initiatives such as Ev30@30, which has emerged as what we call ‘The EV Revolution’ of India. This initiative is particularly responsible for driving remarkable change in the technologies used to power EVs and batteries in recent years.

- Amit Raj Singh, Co-Founder & MD, Gemopai