Interview: Vishal Gupta
Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer at Maxvolt Energy
Maxvolt Energy Leads Charge with Eco Series Batteries for EVs
January 04, 2025. By Aishwarya
Que: What are you showcasing at EV Expo this year, and how does your solution differentiate itself from competitors?
Ans: At this year’s expo, we are showcasing our battery packs for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and energy storage solutions. Our primary focus is on our Eco Series, a battery solution designed to replace lead-acid batteries in the market.
We offer a 15-month warranty for these batteries, which is significant because most lead-acid battery manufacturers hesitate to provide long-term warranties due to the inherent challenges of the technology. By transitioning to lithium batteries with a similar warranty, we address these challenges.
The Eco Series utilizes an optimized active balancer in the Battery Management System (BMS), along with the same materials and bottling technology as our standard products. This allows us to deliver reliable performance with a slightly shorter warranty while maintaining quality.
Que: What are the key considerations when designing custom battery solutions for specific applications?
Ans: When designing custom battery solutions, several factors are critical that includes, size, power output needed and operating temperatures will the battery face.
Thermal management is a major challenge in battery design. We ensure that the batteries are compact yet capable of delivering high power. Heat dissipation is another key aspect we focus on to maintain performance and safety. We tailor the design and casing to meet these requirements effectively.
Que: How do you address supply chain challenges in sourcing materials for battery production?
Ans: The supply chain is indeed a significant challenge, especially with rising freight costs and extended lead times due to global conflicts. To manage this, we maintain robust pipelines and strategically stock inventory to minimize disruptions.
While minor fluctuations like delays of a week or 10 days are manageable, we ensure that our materials are not delayed by longer periods like a month. This approach allows us to keep our supply chain stable and production timelines intact.
Que: How do you approach rapid charging for EV batteries without compromising safety?
Ans: We are developing a hybrid solution specifically for two-wheelers to address this issue. This solution provides a boost in charging speed while ensuring minimal impact on battery life.
Rapid charging can reduce the lifespan of a battery. For example, a battery designed to last three years might see its life reduced to 2.5 years with fast charging. Our hybrid solution aims to mitigate this effect, maintaining battery life without compromising charging speed. It involves a combination of technologies that balance performance and longevity, and we hope to share more details soon.
Que: What challenges do you face in scaling battery systems for large energy storage applications?
Ans: One of the primary challenges is the lack of standardization in voltage levels. Different systems require varying voltages, such as 72V, 120V, or 180V. This inconsistency complicates scalability.
To address this, we have developed standardized modules that can adapt to multiple voltage ranges. These modules enable us to create scalable solutions that cater to diverse requirements while ensuring compatibility and efficiency.
Que: What are your strategic growth plans and future outlook for the Indian electric mobility market?
Ans: Our key strategy includes implementing a battery buyback program, which supports recycling and sustainability. Unlike lead-acid batteries, which come with buyback options, the lithium battery market currently lacks such a system.
We are the first company to offer significant buyback value for used lithium batteries. Customers can replace their old batteries and benefit from this program, creating a circular economy. Additionally, we are expanding into battery recycling and plan to establish our own recycling plant in the next financial year.
By building a complete ecosystem that integrates manufacturing, recycling, and buyback options, we aim to drive the industry towards a more sustainable and growth-oriented future.
please contact: contact@energetica-india.net.