New Delhi: Researchers from the department of Electrical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology- Banaras Hindu University (IIT BHU) have developed a new technology for charging electric vehicles (EVs) that will cost about half of the current on-board charger technology. This will significantly reduce the cost of two and four-wheeler EVs.
As per the researchers, the lab-scale development has already been processed at the IIT BHU and the upgradation and commercialisation are in progress.
IIT BHU collaborated with the researchers from IIT Guwahati and IIT Bhubaneshwar to develop this new technology.
High Expenses Regarding the EVs: Causes
While discussing the new technology, Dr. Rajeev Kumar Singh, Associate Professor and Chief Project Investigator of the Department of Electrical Engineering stated that the EVs are the best alternative to conventional IC engines, considering the increasing price hike of petrol and diesel in India. The lack of high power, off-board charging infrastructure, however, can force the automakers to incorporate on-board chargers into the vehicle itself.
“The vehicle owner can charge the vehicles through the outlet and hence, this leads to electric vehicles becoming very expensive”, he further added.
How Does the New Technology Function?
The Professor informed that with the new technology, the cost of on-board charger can be reduced approximately by 50%. This will surely reduce the overall cost.
A specific connector will be provided with the electric vehicle for its charging. Through this connector, the charger will be connected to any ordinary household three-pin power source. This way, the vehicle can be charged easily at home.
The technology will be entirely indigenuous and will significantly impact the driving of EVs on Indian roads in a major way.
As per the professor, the country’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer has also shown sufficient interest in this new technology and is ready to develop a full-fledged commercial product that can be applied to existing EVs.
Government Support for the New Technology:
Dr. Singh further informed that the research is financially supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India.
This ground-breaking technology will contribute to the E-mobility mission of the Government as EVs will be more accessible to the common mass through this technology.
The Impact of New EV Charging Technology on Man and Environment:
Professor Pramod Kumar Jain, the Director of IIT BHU informed how the newly developed technology can impact the society and environment.
The EV contributes to sustainable development as it improves community health by eliminating tailpipe emissions, reducing dependency on fossil fuels. Moreover, by integrating renewable energy into existing electricity networks, lower electricity rates can be reduced.
“The techno-commercial, social, economic and environmental impact of technology will also be positive. The technology will improve charging infrastructure and support the government's mission to bring electric vehicles on Indian roads in a big way,”, he further added.
IIT BHU on Developing Autonomous Vehicles:
Professor Jain also informed that a few projects on developing autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles are underway at the IIT BHU. One of such projects is Averera Project that has won the first prize globally in the Shell Eco Marathon in 2021.
In addition to the many courses offered by its various departments, IIT BHU is planning to set up an Interdisciplinary Centre on EV technologies to carry out design, fabrication, testing of battery management systems, commercialise research, provide solutions to R&D problems and develop human resources particularly in this area.
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