NITI Aayog has released a draft battery swapping policy, under which all metropolitan cities with a population above 40 lakh will be prioritized for the development of a battery swapping network under the first phase. All major cities such as state capitals, UT headquarters, and cities with populations above 5 lakh will be covered under the second phase.
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Importance has been given to the two-wheeler and three-wheeler vehicle segments in growing cities. According to the draft policy, vehicles with swappable batteries will be sold without a battery, providing the benefit of lower purchase costs to potential EV owners.
What is Battery Swapping?
- Battery swapping is an alternative which involves exchanging discharged batteries for charged ones. Battery swapping de-links the vehicle and fuel (battery in this case) and hence reduces the upfront cost of the vehicles.
- Battery swapping is popularly used for smaller vehicles such as 2 and 3 wheelers which have smaller batteries that are easier to swap compared to other automotive segments wherein the same can be implemented mechanically.
- Battery swapping offers three key advantages relative to charging: it is time, space, and cost-efficient, provided each swappable battery is actively used.
- Further, Battery Swapping provides a level playing field for innovative and sustainable business models such as “Battery As a Service”.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- NITI Aayog Formed: 1 January 2015;
- NITI Aayog Headquarters: New Delhi;
- NITI Aayog Chairperson: Narendra Modi;
- NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson: Suman Bery;
- NITI Aayog CEO: Amitabh Kant.