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We Asked: EVs are fast emerging as an eco-friendly transport option. But should there be a Stepney battery arrangement for drivers to use a new battery when the old one is exhausted while getting the other charged? Also, there is a need to install many more battery charging stations …
The transportation industry is changing due to electric vehicles (EVs), which provide a sustainable substitute for automobiles that run on fossil fuels. EVs are a vital component in the fight against climate change because of their reduced greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, and quieter operation. However, overcoming issues with range anxiety and charging infrastructure is necessary before widespread EV use is feasible. Stepney battery systems could be incorporated as one creative approach. A stepney battery would serve as a transportable backup that drivers could swap out while they were out and about, much like a spare tire for cars. This strategy would cut down on charging downtime, especially for lengthy journeys or locations with insufficient charging stations. To allow the used battery to recharge at home or a service facility, drivers could exchange their empty battery for a charged one. This technique fits in with the idea of battery-swapping technology, which is already being tested in nations like China and India, where businesses like NIO and Ola Electric provide swapping services. Furthermore, it's imperative to address the lack of charging infrastructure. Establishing a vast network of charging stations requires cooperation between public and commercial entities. To make EVs feasible for all users, these stations ought to facilitate rapid charging and be positioned thoughtfully along highways, in cities, and rural areas. Adoption can be further promoted by offering incentives for charger installation at public parking lots and places of employment. An extended network of charging stations combined with Stepney batteries may help reduce range anxiety and enhance user satisfaction. Even if these developments need funding and standardization, they have the potential to quicken the EV revolution and make environmentally friendly transportation more widely available and practical. Such workable solutions will be essential in turning dreams into reality as we move toward a greener future. The following energy storage systems are used in all-electric vehicles, PHEVs, and HEVs: lithium-ion batteries; nickel-metal hydride batteries; lead-acid batteries, and ultracapacitors. Since so many different types of batteries are being used in different electronic vehicles, it would be advisable to have a stepney battery to support emergency backup as such varieties of battery replacement may not be feasible easily.- Dr Vibhuti Rai & Namrata Singh, Department of Geology, University of Lucknow
Significant strides in the automotive industry, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. This evolution in transportation not only impacts vehicle technology but also profoundly influences the landscape of EV recruitment, as the demand for specialized skills and knowledge in this sector grows exponentially. One of the most pressing challenges that EV owners face is the time it takes to charge the vehicle’s battery. However, the advent of battery-swapping technology appears to be a game-changing solution. Battery swapping is a revolutionary innovation in the electric vehicle sector that allows for the quick and efficient replacement of a depleted battery with a fully charged one. This process is reminiscent of refueling a traditional gasoline vehicle at a petrol station. The primary difference is that instead of refilling a fuel tank, a battery is swapped out. The battery-swapping process is relatively straightforward. When an electric vehicle requires a recharge, the driver navigates to a dedicated battery-swapping station and parks in a designated bay. A robotic system then extracts the depleted battery from the vehicle and replaces it with a fully charged one. The entire process can be completed in under five minutes, enabling drivers to continue their journey with minimal disruption. There are several benefits to this innovative technology. Firstly, battery swapping significantly reduces the time required to recharge an electric vehicle, a common inconvenience for EV drivers. This speed and efficiency can make long-distance travel more feasible, reducing the range anxiety often associated with electric vehicles. Furthermore, battery-swapping stations are generally much less expensive to construct than traditional fuel stations, making them a more accessible refueling option in various communities. This could have a particularly impactful influence in rural areas or developing countries where the popularity of electric vehicles is on the rise. Several companies are leading the charge in the development of battery-swapping technology. One notable example is Ample, a San Francisco-based startup that has pioneered a unique automated system for swapping batteries. As the technology continues to evolve and improve, battery swapping will likely become an increasingly popular solution for EV recharging. With its many benefits and potential to drive sustainable change in the automotive industry, battery swapping is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of electric vehicles. The future of electric vehicles is exciting and full of potential. As battery-swapping technology continues to evolve and improve, we can expect to see a significant shift in how we think about EV charging. This forward-thinking approach to solving one of the biggest challenges in the EV sector is another step towards a greener, more sustainable future.- Manoj Kumar Chaturvedi, a bank employee, and animal activist, Lucknow, UP
आज के समय में बढ़ते प्रदूषण और ईंधन की महंगाई के चलते इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों (EV) का प्रचलन तेजी से बढ़ रहा है। भारत जैसे देश में, जहां वायु प्रदूषण एक गंभीर समस्या है, इलेक्ट्रिक वाहन एक पर्यावरण-अनुकूल और स्वच्छ परिवहन विकल्प बनकर उभर रहे हैं। लेकिन इस बदलाव को प्रभावी और सुचारू बनाने के लिए हमें कुछ नई व्यवस्थाओं की आवश्यकता है। इनमें सबसे प्रमुख है - ‘स्टेपनी बैटरी‘ की सुविधा और अधिक बैटरी चार्जिंग स्टेशनों की स्थापना। इसके साथ ही हमें स्वच्छ ऊर्जा के उत्पादन पर भी ध्यान देना होगा क्योंकि वर्तमान में देश में होने वाले कुल ऊर्जा उत्पादन का करीब 54ः कोयला, तेल और गैस से हो रहा है और उत्तर प्रदेश जैसे बड़े राज्य में ये आंकड़ा और भी बहुत ज्यादा है। तो इस प्रकार की ऊर्जा से इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों को चलाना पर्यावरण के लिए अधिक नुकसानदायक होता है। अतः ऊर्जा उत्पादन के तरीके को बदलना भी बड़ा आवश्यक है। इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों के उपयोग से प्रदूषण में कमी आती है और यह वाहन पारंपरिक ईंधन आधारित वाहनों की तुलना में कहीं अधिक टिकाऊ होते हैं। लेकिन, अभी भी एक बड़ी समस्या है जो इन वाहनों के व्यापक उपयोग में बाधा डालती है, और वह है - चार्जिंग की सुविधा और बैटरी की क्षमता। वर्तमान में अधिकांश इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों की बैटरी एक बार चार्ज करने पर सीमित दूरी ही तय कर पाती है, जिसके कारण कई लोग लंबी दूरी के लिए इन्हें अपनाने में हिचकिचाते हैं। चार्जिंग स्टेशनों की कमी और चार्जिंग में लगने वाला समय भी इस समस्या को और बढ़ा देता है। क्या है ‘स्टेपनी बैटरी‘ का विचार? स्टेपनी बैटरी का विचार बिल्कुल उसी तरह काम करता है जैसे कि हम वाहनों में स्टेपनी टायर रखते हैं। अगर ईवी में एक अतिरिक्त बैटरी रखने की सुविधा हो तो, ड्राइवर जब चाहें, जरूरत के समय इसे बदल सकते हैं। जैसे ही एक बैटरी का चार्ज खत्म हो, ड्राइवर दूसरी बैटरी को लगाकर वाहन की यात्रा जारी रख सकते हैं, जबकि पहली बैटरी को चार्ज किया जा सकता है। इस प्रकार के समाधान से न केवल समय की बचत होगी, बल्कि यह यात्रा को सुविधाजनक और बाधारहित भी बनाएगा। यह विचार खासकर भारत के लिए बहुत उपयुक्त है क्योंकि यहाँ लंबी दूरी की यात्रा करने वाले लोग अधिक हैं और चार्जिंग इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर की कमी है। स्टेपनी बैटरी की सुविधा के साथ-साथ अधिक बैटरी चार्जिंग स्टेशनों की स्थापना भी आवश्यक है। भारत में अभी ईवी चार्जिंग स्टेशन की संख्या सीमित है, जो कि ग्रामीण और छोटे शहरों में लगभग न के बराबर है। अधिक चार्जिंग स्टेशनों की स्थापना से लोगों को इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों की ओर आकर्षित किया जा सकेगा, क्योंकि इससे चार्जिंग के लिए प्रतीक्षा समय कम हो जाएगा और यात्रियों को बैटरी खत्म होने की चिंता से भी मुक्ति मिलेगी। भारत के बड़े महानगरों के साथ-साथ छोटे शहरों और गाँवों में भी चार्जिंग स्टेशन स्थापित करने की जरूरत है ताकि इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों का उपयोग व्यापक स्तर पर बढ़ाया जा सके। नीतिगत समर्थन और सरकारी पहल की भूमिकाः भारत सरकार ने ‘फेम‘ (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) योजना के तहत इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों को प्रोत्साहित करने के लिए कई कदम उठाए हैं। लेकिन चार्जिंग इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर और बैटरी स्वैपिंग की सुविधा में और सुधार की आवश्यकता है। सरकार को स्टेपनी बैटरी और चार्जिंग स्टेशन के विचार को प्रोत्साहित करने के लिए नीतिगत स्तर पर समर्थन देना चाहिए। इसके अलावा, विभिन्न राज्य सरकारों को भी अपने स्तर पर ईवी इन्फ्रास्ट्रक्चर को बढ़ावा देने के प्रयास करने चाहिए। पर्यावरण को सुरक्षित रखने और प्रदूषण को कम करने के लिए इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों का उपयोग बढ़ाना एक सकारात्मक कदम है। लेकिन इसे और भी प्रभावी बनाने के लिए हमें स्टेपनी बैटरी जैसी सुविधाओं पर विचार करना होगा, जिससे यात्रा में रुकावट कम हो और चार्जिंग स्टेशनों का इंतजार खत्म हो सके। अधिक चार्जिंग स्टेशन और स्टेपनी बैटरी जैसे समाधान भारत में इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों के भविष्य को मजबूत बना सकते हैं और पर्यावरण संरक्षण के उद्देश्य को प्राप्त करने में मदद कर सकते हैं। - अभिषेक दुबे, पर्यावरण एवं पशु सशक्तिकरण कार्यकर्ता, नेचर क्लब फाउंडेशन, गोण्डा (उप्र)
Today global warming and the consequential climate changes are the biggest challenges before humanity. It is the result of more and more emissions of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide. Globally, and so in India, road transportation emits almost 15% of the total carbon dioxide besides other greenhouse gases. But it is quite heartening to see the emergence of EVs that is electrical vehicles as an eco-friendly transportation option that emit almost no carbon dioxide. However, there are many limitations and challenges before it. Such limitations include range limitations, limited charging infrastructure, battery technology constraints, and high initial costs due to typical batteries. Most electric cars can travel up to 200-300 km with a charged battery and the charging facilities are quite few that don't allow the long journey by EVs. Even recharge time on a charging station, if available in the way, may take hours. It could take a long journey to spread the charging infrastructure. EVs are also typically heavier and larger than petrol engines due to the large lithium batteries that store and supply electricity to EVs. Even electrical motors used are often heavier than petrol engines with similar power output. Due to its already heavier and bigger size and more cost, it is also not possible to install a stepney battery in the car for long journeys and that is why there is no such model available with stepney. But today there is a good substitute available with hybrid models that combines the power of both conventional internal combustion engines and electric motors. Such models are becoming more popular today due to the limitations of pure EVs. However, we expect technology to come that will make EVs more sustainable and affordable which will help mitigate global warming. -VP Srivastava, Member Commercial Tax Tribunal (retd), President C-CARBONS
In today's era, when environmental concerns are rising, the option of electric vehicles (EVs) is rapidly gaining popularity. However, the limitations of the batteries installed in electric vehicles still pose a significant challenge. Can we not create a new system in the spirit of a 'stepney' that makes electric vehicles attractive and a priority for everyone? I mean to say that we should develop an additional battery system for electric vehicles. Imagine, that when the battery of an electric vehicle runs out, the driver can easily replace it with a fresh, fully charged battery. This system will not only make the travel experience smoother but also more convenient and attractive. Role of the government: If our Vishwaguru wishes, they can further accelerate the sidelining of petrol, diesel, and CNG usage. They just need to create an effective plan. If the government can help in providing rental batteries and setting up battery charging stations on the lines of start-ups, it will not only create employment for the youth but also help in reducing pollution and strengthening the country's economy. By creating a network of these battery charging stations, drivers can travel without any worries, as they will have access to a newly charged battery wherever they need to stop. This will not only increase the use of electric cars, motorcycles, and tractors but also create new jobs in the process. Youth and innovation: This can be a golden opportunity for the youth, where they can work in this field through their start-ups. From setting up establishments to providing battery charging services, they will get a platform to showcase their creativity. Such systems will not only provide easy travel facilities but also inject new life into the Indian economy. Therefore, we are not just imagining; we need to create this plan. Making electric vehicles on the lines of stepney batteries can make them more affordable and practical. If the government takes concrete steps in this direction, it can not only be a successful business but also lead India towards a clean and smart nation. We need new thinking, new plans, and new energy. If we collectively work in this direction, electric vehicles can become everyone's choice. Fossil fuel consumption can be reduced and limited. Green energy sources should be promoted. Because people have bioscopes, should the world be forced to keep watching them? The world is witnessing the effects and consequences of excessive profits from fossil fuels, while also harming the environment. The time has come for solar, wind, methane/gobar gas, and wave energy. Monopolies should be ended. We have Russia spending petroleum money on Ukraine, as is the case in the Arabian Peninsula. Clean and green energy will always be available. Dairy animals can still be useful due to methane. Stray animals can start gathering food for themselves.- Brij Khandelwal, senior journalist & environmentalist
Topic of the month: Which, do you think, is the primary source of air pollution during the winter months- parali burning, bonfires, industrial coal burning, garbage burning, vehicular emissions, construction work?. You may send your views (either in Hindi or English) in 300 words or more to [email protected]. Please also attach a colour photo of yourself.
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