Closed Door MHI Meeting Aims to Establish Standardisation of Swappable Batteries

The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has taken a significant step towards addressing the issue of standardization in battery swapping technology. To resolve the impasse between charge-point operators and vehicle manufacturers, MHI has called for a closed-door meeting with industry organizations. The meeting, scheduled for September 29, aims to streamline the requirements for battery-swapping technology, ensuring interoperability across different electric vehicle (EV) models and charging stations.

The discussions on battery swapping have been stuck due to the lack of consensus on standardization. With multiple charge-point operators and vehicle manufacturers involved, it has become crucial to find common ground to move forward. The closed-door meeting will provide an opportunity to re-examine the deadlock and find solutions that benefit the entire industry.

Standardization is essential for the widespread adoption of battery-swapping technology. It ensures that EV owners can easily access charging infrastructure and swap batteries without compatibility issues. Additionally, standardization enables interoperability, allowing EVs from different manufacturers to use the same charging stations. This promotes convenience and accessibility for EV users, ultimately driving the growth of the electric vehicle market.

More than 18 months ago, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman released a draft policy on battery swapping, emphasizing the need for compatibility across various EV models and charging stations. However, the policy has faced challenges in implementation due to the differing viewpoints of stakeholders. The closed-door meeting aims to address these challenges and create a stable policy framework that can be universally adopted.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries is taking a proactive approach in facilitating discussions and finding common ground among industry stakeholders. Senior MHI officials, including Joint Secretary Dr Hanif Quershi and MHI Secretary Kamran Rizvi, will lead the meeting, ensuring that the concerns and perspectives of all parties involved are heard.

Meeting objectives

The meeting will also focus on the technical aspects of standardizing batteries. This includes discussions on how to wire batteries to vehicles and ensure compatibility with unique dimensions, hardware, and software. Vikrant Singh, Co-founder and CTO of BatX Energies, proposes the installation of specific software in each battery. This will allow authorized individuals or organizations to access and charge the batteries. This common protocol ensures safe and efficient charging at any swapping station.

To address the challenges associated with exchanging older batteries, Khurana suggests the implementation of a smart battery management system (BMS). This system would store critical data and securely communicate with the charger, monitoring the battery’s status and taking appropriate action if any deterioration or improper usage is detected. This would ensure the safety and optimal performance of swapped batteries.

The closed-door meeting called by the Ministry of Heavy Industries is a step towards standardization of battery swapping technology. By bringing together key stakeholders from the industry, the meeting aims to find common ground. The collaboration between the government and industry leaders reflects a commitment to innovation and the growth of the electric vehicle market. Through creative solutions and technical advancements, India can pave the way for a seamless and efficient battery-swapping ecosystem.