IIT Jodhpur Develops Cost Effective Solar-Powered EV Charging

IIT-Jodhpur has recently developed a cost-effective adaptor allowing electric vehicles to charge using solar power, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for solar-powered EVs.

June 10, 2024. By Aishwarya

IIT-Jodhpur has recently developed a cost-effective adaptor allowing electric vehicles to charge using solar power, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for solar-powered EVs.

This innovation addresses the challenge of efficient solar panel utilisation and aims to mitigate concerns over EV charging infrastructure scarcity.

IIT-Jodhpur has developed a groundbreaking adaptor designed to revolutionise electric vehicle charging by harnessing solar power. Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously expressed the government's ambition to enable individuals to charge their electric vehicles using energy generated from rooftop solar systems.

The adaptor, anticipated to be affordably priced at below INR 1,000, could significantly enhance the viability of solar panel initiatives, according to Nishant Kumar, Assistant Professor at IIT Jodhpur's Electrical Engineering Department. Kumar highlighted the increasing interest in electric vehicles amongst consumers, with current government subsidies further encouraging adoption.

Explaining the functionality, Kumar stated that the adaptor facilitates connection between a solar panel and the vehicle charger, offering two power supply points tailored to the vehicle's needs. Presently, efficiently harnessing solar panel power without a power converter poses challenges, necessitating a charging adaptor, as conventional chargers are incapable of drawing power directly from solar panels.

Kumar noted the global efforts, including those in India, to develop solutions addressing this challenge. Additionally, various countries, such as the US, Canada, China, Russia, India, and Australia, are strategising to deploy rooftop solar panels, with plans to integrate solar sockets on poles for EV charging, managed by EV companies.

The scarcity of charging infrastructure remains a significant concern for potential EV buyers, particularly in remote and hilly regions where battery depletion is exacerbated during travel. Kumar emphasised that the adaptor, compatible with all vehicle types, has undergone successful prototype testing and is poised for imminent market launch.

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Sustainable Transport

IIT Jodhpur

Adaptor

Solar-powered chargers

Solar technology

Solar panels

Electric vehicles in india

Electric Vehicle

Electric 2-wheelers

Electric 3-Wheeler

Sustainable urban mobility