Future of Electric vehicles in India by Chetan Maini of REVA, India

Chetan Kumaar Maini, Deputy Chairman and Chief Technical Officer, Reva Electric Car Company Private Limited (RECC)

Enhancing the quality of life is the ultimate objective and the driving force behind many of the critical decisions we take. However, for this to happen, we as a community need to shift from individualistic mindsets and take responsibility for the environment we live in. It is only then that we would see holistic improvement.

Against the backdrop of environmental concerns and depleting resources, it is imperative not only to preserve what's left but find new alternatives to drive engines of growth in the economy. The effort, however, requires a collaborative approach by the government, regulatory authorities industry, R&D institutions and the community.

As a nation of keen minds, the answer lies in innovation, which has always been the force behind powerful changes in our times. This has been recently proven at the Asian Wall Street Journal awards. Out of the twelve finalists short-listed for the Asian Innovation Awards five of them were Indians, recognised for their inventions that improve the quality of life or productivity. These included an electric walking stick, modified pulley and energy efficient electric vehicles amongst others.

The most sustainable invention recognised for applying technology to a strong business model and commercial potential has been the electric vehicles (EVs). EVs are the long-term solution to India's urban pollution and planning problem.

Rise in economic activity and population has led to a tremendous demand in the transport sector especially in urban India. By 2020, India's population in cities is expected to grow five-fold to a staggering 200 million while pollution is expected to grow by seven times. With this tremendous growth has emerged a very critical issue of keeping air and noise pollution in urban areas under control.



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Review on Eko Strike From Eko Vehicles

The review was shared by Mr.Desouza who had once pleaded the "Supreme court of India" to promote electric vehicles @ http://www.evhub.in/content/petition-to-supreme-court-of-india-to-issue-direction-to-government-to-promote-electric-vehicles/

In his word's " I own a EKO Strike for 63 days now. I advocated  profusely in favour of e0bikes to everyone I met. However, my confidence is belied. Battery replacement is one aspect that will dissuade any  person  who is the  most committed EV protagonist.

On the 60th day the battery of the vehicle I own began overheating & terminals  turned bluish. There is one year warranty so, for the moment I shall not bother. In case this recurs after warranty with batter cost being Rs 9800 vehicle cost Rs.25000, considering the period of unused state it does not become evonomical at all.

Further, one aspect that probably EVs will never be able to answer. That is sustained powerband performance. In an IC Engine till, the last drop of fuel the torque/power is uniform. IC engine develops its own power that is captive & uniform. Whereas, electric motor does not produce its own power but depends on enery from a stored source. When the stored source has ample energr motor produces excellent torque & power. When souece progressively depletes, the torque & power too depletes.

Further, gradient climbing ability is again a restricting factor. Vehicle will have to beridden or driven  within that climbing limit. If one exceeds, either motor will burn or batteries will be impaired due to over heating.. There has to be a cut off mechanism if motor or battery is overloaded. Manufacturer should advise buyers to operate within  specified climbing gradient. Even use of LIthium ion. LiMn or LiFePO4 batteries may improve the performance but, considering the high cost, it can never be a mass appeal option. Unless EVs  become one of mass appeal there will never be a suces for EVs.

Pollution or no pollution, in sustained torque/power capability, IC Engines will continue to rule!

With these limitations that have not been addressed yet, EVs at best will be  a stand by mode of conveyance & not prime ones! "

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NEAH and India's EKO Vehicles to Explore Merger and Acquisition Opportunities to Facilitate Global Growth

NEAH Power Systems, the company leading development in fuel cells for the military and portable electronic devices, announced today it has signed a letter of intent to explore acquisition or merger plans with EKO Vehicles of Bangalore, Private Limited, India's leading technology producer of two-wheeled electric vehicles. This combined venture is expected to provide additional opportunities for the
expansion of product lines and global growth. Both companies are undertaking due diligence efforts in order to determine the viability and the structure of the combination.

NEAH had previously announced a customer relationship with EKO to build fuel cells for EKO's electric scooter product line. The third generation of EKO product is currently being sold in Asia and will shortly be available in the United States and Europe. "We intend to take the synergistic relationship between Neah and EKO to new levels. In addition to the fuel cells for electric two wheelers, we see high demand for Neah's fuel cells for a variety of military and industrial applications in India and Asia, and this relationship could enable us to meet this demand. Our micro fuel cells may eventually replace batteries for most uses," said Dr. Chris D'Couto, President and CEO of Neah Power.

"We welcome NEAH's technology and we share the common goal of reducing the levels of air and noise pollution, provide cost effective power solutions for two wheeler and four wheeler applications, and enable global growth for our products," said Mr. Anil Ananthakrishna, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EKOVEHICLES Pvt. Ltd.

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