How EVs are Leading the Way for Safer Two-wheelers in India?

Introduction

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are finally becoming more mainstream in India. It is projected up to 30% of the fleet of all automobiles in India will be electric by the year 2030. According to India Today, From April 2023 to March 2024, India sold 1,665,270 EVs, marking a 41% increase compared to the previous year. 

With this obvious switch to EVs and an increasing adoption rate, it is necessary to raise the essential questions of safety and security related to the use of EVs in India. The safety concerns are not only concerned with the use of EVs but also the lifespan and safety of the batteries used in the EVs.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in 2022, India reported 461,312 road accidents, marking an 11.9% increase from the previous year. Such stats are alarming, as not only do they result in thousands of fatalities (168,491 deaths in the year 2022), but they also cost India approximately 3% of its GDP in losses.

With the recent developments in the EV sector, it’s getting more and more probable that EVs will be the change required to finally achieve road safety in India.

The Rise of EV Two-Wheelers in India

According to Business Today and EVReporter, In FY 2022-23, electric two-wheelers accounted for 55% of total EV sales in India, with 779,158 units sold, representing a staggering 179% increase from the previous year.

The majority of India still uses two-wheelers for their daily commutes (two-wheelers make up 75% of the automobile fleet in India, according to Statista). This statistic gives a clear ground for where the implementation of EVs can be a boon for India.

Coming to the actual heat of the topic, EVs are reported to be much safer than their traditional fossil-fuelled counterparts. This safety is not only in terms of driving and maintenance safety but also of environmental safety as well. In cities like Delhi NCR, the capital region of India, automotive pollution caused by emissions is a major contributor to health issues, particularly lung infections such as bronchitis. A study in 2015 found that 4 in every 10 children in Delhi suffer from severe respiratory issues due to excessive air pollution.

So, how exactly can an EV revolution result in the safety of drivers and the environment? Read the next section to find out.

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How EVs are Leading the Way for Safer Two-wheelers in India?

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Why EVs are Much Safer than their Counterparts?

There’s a reason that the entire world is switching to Electric Vehicles. Fossil fuels are running out, and the best (and thankfully safer) alternative is to use electricity to drive our vehicles and renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind energy, to recharge our vehicles.

Here are the major reasons why EVs are much safer than their traditional counterparts:

Lower Top Speed: Electric two-wheelers typically come with a capped top speed ranging from 70 to 100 km/h. This is a deliberate design choice, as high-speed accidents are one of the leading causes of fatalities in India’s road traffic. These lower speeds are primarily designed to prolong battery life on a single charge but result in much safer driving experiences as well. 

Lower speeds reduce the risk of severe accidents, especially in congested urban areas where abrupt braking or rapid swerving by miscreants and rash drivers can lead to catastrophic results. Unlike conventional motorbikes, which often boast higher top speeds as a special feature to buy them for, electric vehicles aim to have a balance between speed and safety, making them ideal for urban commutes and day-to-day driving.

Increased Stability: The stability of EV two-wheelers is a key factor in reducing accident rates. This stability is achieved through the strategic placement of their batteries, which gives them a low centre of gravity. EV batteries are usually very heavy (100-500 kg for two-wheelers) and are usually placed right at the centre of the vehicle. 

As a result, riders experience better balance and control, especially when manoeuvring through traffic or making sharp turns, two features that plague India’s roads. This increased stability, combined with the lower top speeds, makes EVs much safer than their petrol counterparts.

Regenerative Braking: A significant safety innovation in electric two-wheelers is regenerative braking. While braking, regenerative braking converts the kinetic energy into electricity to store in the battery.  Unlike conventional braking systems, which rely solely on friction and can lead to sudden brake failure or overheating, regenerative braking allows for a more controlled deceleration.

As the rider slows down, the braking system not only reduces speed smoothly but also feeds energy back into the battery, enhancing overall efficiency. This two-in-one mechanism ensures that the braking system remains effective and does not erode over time due to friction. Coupled with lower top speeds, the brakes have a much simpler time in stopping vehicles, which means they stay at optimum efficiency for longer times, resulting in a much safer driving experience.

Battery Safety and How Far It Has Progressed

Another component of EVs that often comes into heat is the safety of their batteries. To any logical person, batteries of such large capacities might seem like a danger to always be close to. However, there are a lot of safety features implemented in EV batteries to make them safe, sustainable and long-lasting.

Some of these are:

• Improved Battery Management Systems (BMS): A crucial safety enhancement feature in modern EV two-wheelers is the incorporation of smart battery management systems (BMS). These systems monitor multiple factors like temperature, charge levels, and battery performance in real-time. Any time a statistic goes above the recommended safety levels, the battery cuts off power to the vehicle to prevent accidents.
  
  They prevent overcharging, overheating, or discharging below safe levels, automatically shutting down the battery if any irregularities are detected. This level of monitoring significantly reduces the risk of battery failure, protecting both the rider and the vehicle. BMS are technological wonders as such, precision battery control has been invented specifically to lead a change towards the adoption of EVs.

• Thermal Runaway Prevention: Another major concern with electric vehicles, in general, has been the possibility of thermal runaway—a chain reaction caused by overheating that can lead to battery fires. There have been instances in India where thermal runaway has been the reason for fires and other hazards. To combat this, manufacturers like Ather and Ola Electric (leaders in two-wheeler EVs in India) have introduced fire-retardant materials and advanced thermal management systems in their batteries.
  
  These materials prevent the buildup of heat within the battery cells, ensuring that any overheating is detected and controlled before it becomes hazardous. These innovations, along with robust casing to protect the batteries from external shocks or damage, have drastically reduced the risk of fire in EVs. Such accidents are statistically negligible now, making normal users comfortable with opting for EVs.

• Battery Safety Stats: Government regulations have played a significant role in ensuring battery safety. In 2023, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) introduced new, stringent battery safety standards under AIS 156, which all manufacturers are required to comply with. This move has had a tangible impact—EV battery fire incidents have been reduced by approximately 30% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
  
  This is huge because, at this rate, battery hazards will soon become extinct. This reduction in incidents is a testament to how far battery safety technology has come, giving consumers the confidence that modern EV two-wheelers are built with safety as a priority.

Companies Leading the EV Charge in Two-Wheelers

Coming to the names leading the EV change, Ola and Aether come to mind first in the case of two-wheelers. While Tata has been making strides in the four-wheeler segment, Ola and Aether have been the largest consumer suppliers of EVs.

Ola Electric:

Ola Electric has a share of 41% in the market for two-wheeler EVs in India. Ola’s signature two-wheeler EV, the Ola S1, sold more than 300,000 units in the year 2023. The Ola S1 comes equipped with a powerful 3 kWh battery and a range of up to 141 km on a single charge. It offers a top speed of 90 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 40 km/h in just 3.6 seconds.

Ola also has a S! Pro model, which offers a higher range of up to 181 km and a top speed of 116 km/h, making it ideal for long-distance commuters. It also includes a 4-kWh battery and a Hyper Mode for quick acceleration, reaching 40 km/h in just 3 seconds.

These two models combined recorded sales of over 500,000 units in the year 2023, which is a big milestone since Ola has only entered the two-wheeler market in 2021.

Ola Electric Mobility also recently had its IPO (Initial Public Offering) and went public.  The Rs 6,145-crore initial public offering of Ola Electric Mobility received 4.27 times the subscription. This shows us that Ola Electric is growing steadily and is all set to become a giant in the EV market of India.

Aether Energy:

Ather Energy, one of India’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, holds a 13% market share in the competitive two-wheeler EV sector. The company’s flagship model, the Ather 450X, has sold over 120,000 units in 2023, cementing Ather’s position as a key player in the Indian EV market. The Ather 450X is equipped with a 3.7 kWh battery, offering a range of up to 146 km on a single charge. With a top speed of 90 km/h, the scooter accelerates from 0 to 40 km/h in just 3.3 seconds, making it one of the fastest in its category (even better than Ola S1).

Ather also offers the Ather 450 Plus, a more affordable option designed for city commuters. The 450 Plus provides a 3.24 kWh battery, a range of 108 km, and a top speed of 80 km/h. This model emphasizes efficiency without compromising on essential safety and performance features. It is much better suited to daily users who want to commute to their offices in urban settings of high traffic.

Coming to Aether’s growth, In 2023, Ather Energy crossed the milestone of 200,000 units sold across both its models, showcasing its growing popularity. Ather’s focus on technology and user experience has driven this success, with features like smart BMS (Battery Management System), over-the-air (OTA) updates, and the Ather Grid charging network, which includes over 1,500 fast-charging stations across India.

The company has also made strides in promoting battery safety, with its IP67-rated water and dust-resistant batteries and fire-resistant materials, helping it meet stringent government safety regulations. IP67 rating means a lot in hot and humid countries such as India.

Recently, Ather Energy raised ₹900 crores ($109 million) in a new funding round, led by Hero MotoCorp, further boosting its expansion plans. With growing sales and strategic investments, Ather Energy is poised to become a formidable force in India’s EV revolution, continuously innovating to meet the demands of eco-conscious, safety-focused consumers.

Other large players in the EV market include Revolt, TVS Motors, and Bajaj.

Regulations Supporting the Shift Towards EVs

The Government of India has set up a strong legal infrastructure to promote the adoption and manufacture of EVs. Recent changes in battery manufacturing rules also focus on the sustainability and recycling aspects of battery management. The demand for lead acid battery recycling has also witnessed an upward trend.

FAME II Scheme

The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME II) Scheme was launched in 2019 as part of the Indian government’s push toward a sustainable and electric mobility future. Focused on promoting electric two-wheelers, this initiative offers incentives to both manufacturers and consumers, aiming to reduce vehicular emissions and encourage safer, advanced EVs.

• Incentives and Subsidies: FAME II offers a subsidy of ₹10,000 per kWh of battery capacity for electric two-wheelers, with a maximum cap of ₹20,000 per vehicle. This significantly reduces the upfront cost of purchasing EVs, making them more affordable and competitive with petrol bikes. Loans are also made more affordable under this scheme, to ensure the all-round promotion of EVs.

• Sales Target: The scheme aims to support the sale of over 1 million electric two-wheelers by 2024, contributing to the faster adoption of cleaner, greener mobility solutions across India.

• Reducing Emissions: FAME II is a critical part of India’s strategy to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and cut vehicular emissions, aligning with broader environmental goals to combat air pollution.

Battery Safety Standards (AIS 156)

The Battery Safety Standards (AIS 156), introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in 2023 are part of India’s commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of electric vehicles and their promotion to mainstream usage, especially for two-wheelers. These standards aim to address battery-related safety concerns, such as overheating and fire hazards, ensuring that EVs meet stringent safety criteria.

Key Highlights of AIS 156:

• Thermal Management Systems: EV batteries must have effective thermal management systems to prevent overheating and thermal runaway (a chain reaction leading to excessive heat buildup and potential fires).

• Shock Protection: Batteries are required to be housed in robust, shock-resistant casings to ensure safety in case of accidents or rough road conditions. Checks for shock protection have also been made more stringent and mandatory.

• Short-Circuit Prevention: Design measures must be in place to prevent short-circuiting in the battery packs, reducing the chances of electric fires. This is the major safety concern in the adoption of EVs, hence, it is paid due attention by the government.

• Water and Dust Resistance: Batteries must meet IP67 standards for water and dust resistance, making them suitable for Indian weather conditions, particularly during monsoons.

• Fire Retardant Materials: Manufacturers are required to use fire-retardant materials in battery design to minimize the risk of fire spread in the event of malfunction. These prevent fires and explosions in case overheating or short-circuiting does unfortunately happen.

• Overcharging Protection: Modern Battery Management Systems (BMS), mandated under AIS 156, prevent overcharging and overheating by continuously monitoring battery health.

To initiate the entrepreneurial journey in the EV space, company registration is the first step. Besides this, getting environmental clearance to perform the operations smoothly is crucial.

Conclusion

The data stated above in this blog clearly shows how the Indian market is rapidly evolving to meet the global EV revolution. With rapid advancements in battery technology and EV innovation, mainly led by China and the USA at the moment, the EV revolution is fully set to take over traditional fuel.

This is a welcome change, as climate experts have been excessively warning us about the impending danger of automotive pollution. With fossil fuel prices rising considerably in the last decade, pocket-conscious consumers in India are strongly considering a switch to electricity in their automotive choices, which is cheaper. According to the Times of India, a small petrol car may cost around Rs 7-8 per km to run, while an EV may cost around Rs 1 to 1.5 per km.

All in all, all the factors are in favour, the government is actively involved, and the key players are growing. India is all set to become an EV-first country in the coming years.

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