The electric vehicle adoption is quite technology-dependent, and the fast advancement of technologies is taking us closer to the electrification of our transport sector. Over the last decade, we have seen technologies being researched, piloted, and made commercially available to the public. What is coming to our doorway next? The cost differentials between Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) technology and Electric Vehicle (EV) technology are gradually narrowing. This is partly due to our technological innovation and the improved efficiencies. Let’s explore three emerging technologies that will change our charging infrastructure landscape for EVs. Some are already commercially available to users, and some are still in the piloting stage.
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)
EVs traditionally draw power from the grid to charge their batteries. However, V2G (vehicle-to-grid) technology allows for a two-way flow of power where users can send excess energy back to the grid. This requires a special charger that enables the two-way flow of power. V2G technology allows vehicles to act as energy storage systems during times of low electricity demand and send back power to the national grid during peak periods. Furthermore, if EVs are charged during the day using renewable sources like solar power, the excess energy can be sent back to the grid at night, thereby optimizing the supply in a sustainable way. The technology also allows users to sell back excess energy to the national grid, making it a commercially viable option. In addition, there are benefits in the form of energy resiliency. In China, research is underway for commercial use of V2G technology (Zhang Lin, Nikkei Asia). In Thailand, Delta Electronics, a public company, has introduced bi-directional chargers.
Battery Swapping
This technology enables the replacement of depleted or partially charged batteries with fully charged ones. It is particularly suitable for two and three-wheelers, where battery swapping is easier compared to cars and other heavy vehicles. This means users no longer wait for long hours to charge up their vehicles. However, standardization of battery size and standards with the vehicles is necessary. The technology has revolutionized the commercial business model for EVs because owners no longer need to own the battery, but instead rent them. Detaching batteries from the vehicles also reduces the purchase cost of the vehicle. Battery swapping stations offer a commercial value proposition to investors. Several cities in Asia have introduced this technology. Selex Motors, with funding support from ADB, in Vietnam has introduced 56 battery swapping stations across three major cities.
Inductive Charging
What if we could charge our electric vehicles using wireless technology, similar to how mobile phones can be charged these days? Inductive charging technology makes this possible, liminating the need for a wired connection to charge EV batteries. To charge, a transmitter is required on the ground or buried, as well as a receiver on the vehicle. This technology is particularly suitable for taxi services, as vehicles can be charged during idle time at taxi ranks, which is less disruptive compared to wired chargers. Several countries have conducted pilot projects and feasibility studies on this technology. Volvo is currently testing wireless EV charging technologies in Sweden
(Kris Holt, Joint TechCrunch+, 2022). In 2018, the UK government provided an innovation grant to deploy wireless charging infrastructure for commercial use.
