Reasons for failure of batteries in EV

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Reasons for failure of batteries in EV as per Committee set up by Indian Govt.

On increasing numbers of fire incidents in batteries of two wheelers, the Union Road Transport & Highways Ministry led by Nitin Gadkari informed through a tweet in April,22 that an expert committee/panel has been formed to inquire into these incidents. He also said that “if any company found negligent in their processes, a heavy penalty will be imposed, and a recall order will also be ordered.”a

The center for Fire Explosive & Environment Safety was appointed to investigate the fire incidents in batteries of two wheelers.

Now, this expert committee has completed its investigation & come out with following observations (which was available in newspaper on 29th June, 22)–

  • These batteries even have no ‘basic safety systems’.
  • There was no ‘venting mechanism’ for overheated cells to release energy.
  • The ‘battery management system’ was seriously deficientReasons of failure of batteries in EV

The panel has pointed out that many electric 2 wheelers came with ‘minimum functionality’ only and ‘shortcuts’ were taken in safety during manufacturing of batteries. Final report on this matter will be submitted by the committee/panel within one week time but recommendation has already been shared with EV manufacturers for corrective actions.

Upon investigation of the matter, committee observed that batteries cells have failed certain tests, in some cases venting mechanism not provided which helps in releasing pressure/energy that further helps cells preventing from bursting, cells are catching fires & bursting. In other words, we can say that cells are of poor quality.

Committee also pointed out that 2- wheelers are coming with very basic Battery Management System (BMS). Actually, a particular cell when it gets overheated must be identified & cut off by BMS, but such important feature is not found in this system. An updated BMS system should monitor & regulate current supply of the battery to prevent it from overcharging & overheating.

Govt is very tough with EV manufacturers. They shared committee’s recommendation with EV companies & asked them that why they should not be prosecuted legally for not ensuring safety in the vehicle. Battery of an EV must adhere safety guidelines set by ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India). These safety measures are being ignored by the companies due to increase in production of 2 wheelers to meet the demand of vehicles in the market.

FAME I & II Scheme in India

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FAME I & II Scheme in India

FAME stands for Faster Adoption of Manufacturing of Electric & Hybrid Vehicles in India.

FAME scheme was launched by Indian Govt on 1st April, 2015 to promote electric vehicles in India with an objective of sustainable growth by reducing the pollution produced by diesel & petrol vehicles.

This scheme was launched by the Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises. It has two phases FAME I & FAME II.

 

FAME I :

This is first phase of the scheme which was functional for four years from 1st April, 2015 to 31st March, 2019 with following objectives –

  • Demand creation for electric vehicles,
  • Technology platform required to promote/support electric vehicle manufacturing
  • Setting up of Pilot projects &
  • Develop charging infrastructure

Its an incentive scheme to encourage fast adoption of electric & hybrid vehicles in all segments such as 2 wheelers, 3 wheelers, 4 wheelers light commercial vehicles & buses. Under this scheme, Ministry allocated yearly fund where about 2.78 lakh xEVs were supported with a total demand incentives of Rs. 343 Crore [Approx]. Also, 465 buses were sanctioned to various cities/states under this scheme.

 

FAME II –

The Department of Heavy Industry notified phase-II of FAME scheme on 8th March, 2019 after success/experience of phase I scheme for next three years starting from 1st April, 2019 to 31st March, 2022. (Complete detail is available on department’s website www.dhi.nic.in). Now this scheme has been further extended for next two years i. e. up to 31st March, 24.

Govt has allocated Rs 10,000 Cr in ph-II scheme. Following actions are to be taken in this phase –

  • 86% of the fund has been allocated for demand incentive so as to create demand for EVs in the country.
  • This scheme will be utilized in following verticals –
  1. Demand incentives,
  2. Establishment of network of charging stations
  3. Administration of scheme including Publicity, IEC (Information, Education & communication) activities.
  • The efforts of central govt to promote e-mobility need supplemental support from state govt in the form of non-fiscal incentive which includes waiver/concessional road tax, exemption from permit, waiver/concessional toll tax, waiver/concessional parking fee, concessional registration charges.

 

A brief detail of scheme is given below –

  1. Demand Incentives:

     

The proposed demand incentive is given Rs 10,000/- per KWh (of battery capacity) for all electric vehicles except buses. Incentive for buses is Rs 20,000/- per KWh (of battery capacity). Complete details of vehicles eligible for incentive are given below –

 

Max No. of Vehicle               Approx. size of           Total Approx.         Max Ex-factory price

to be supported                   battery in Kwh              Incentive               to avail incentive 

  1. Registered -e 2 Wheelers:

            10,00,000                           2 Kwh                        Rs 20,000/-                Rs. 1.5 Lacs

 

  1. Registered – e 3 Wheelers (including eRikshaw):

5,00,000                           5 Kwh                        Rs 50,000/-                Rs. 5 Lacs

 

  1. e -4 Wheelers:

35,000                           15 Kwh                       Rs 1,50,000/-            Rs. 15 Lacs

 

  1. 4 W Strong Hybrid Vehicle:

20,000                           1.3 Kwh                       Rs 13,000/-               Rs. 15 Lacs

 

  1. E-Bus:
  •    7090                                250 Kwh                       Rs 50,00,000/-          15 Lacs 

  1. Establishment of network of charging stations: 

  • This scheme will support in setting up of sufficient charging stations with help of all stakeholders such as Govt agencies, PSE (Public Sector Enterprises) & Industries to boost confidence amongst EV users.
  • These charging infrastructures/stations will be established as per Ministry of Power notifications named ““Charging Infrastructure for Electrical Vehicles – Guidelines and Standards”. Notification no is 12/02/2018-EV dated 14th Dec, 2018.
  • It is also proposed to provide one slow charger for each e-bus & 1 fast charger every 10 electric buses to funded under this scheme for charging purpose.

 

  1. Administration of scheme: 

  • Knowledge partners/technical expertise & other logistic support shall be provided for smooth operation and implementation of the scheme.
  • An awareness program which includes Information, Education & communication (IEC) shall be undertaken by Department of Heavy Industry etc through business meets/seminars etc.
  • Projects sanctioned under FAME I shall continue as per terms & conditions issued time to time.
  • The responsibility of implementation of this scheme will be with Department of Heavy Industry.

Reasons of failure of batteries in EV as per Committee set up by Govt

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Reasons of failure of batteries in EV

On increasing numbers of fire incidents in batteries of two wheelers, the Union Road Transport & Highways Ministry led by Nitin Gadkari informed through a tweet in April,22 that an expert committee/panel has been formed to inquire into these incidents. He also said that “if any company found negligent in their processes, a heavy penalty will be imposed, and a recall order will also be ordered.”

The center for Fire Explosive & Environment Safety was appointed to investigate the fire incidents in batteries of two wheelers.

Now, this expert committee has completed its investigation & come out with following observations (which was available in newspaper on 29th June, 22)–

  • These batteries even have no ‘basic safety systems’.
  • There was no ‘venting mechanism’ for overheated cells to release energy.
  • The ‘battery management system’ was seriously deficient.

The panel has pointed out that many electric 2 wheelers came with ‘minimum functionality’ only and ‘shortcuts’ were taken in safety during manufacturing of batteries. Final report on this matter will be submitted by the committee/panel within one week time but recommendation has already been shared with EV manufacturers for corrective actions.

Upon investigation of the matter, committee observed that batteries cells have failed certain tests, in some cases venting mechanism is not provided which helps in releasing pressure/energy that further helps cells preventing from bursting, catching fires & bursting. In other words, we can say that cells are of poor quality.

Committee also pointed out that 2- wheelers are coming with very basic Battery Management System (BMS).

Actually, a particular cell when it gets overheated must be identified & cut off by BMS, but such important feature is not found in this system. An updated BMS system should monitor & regulate current supply of the battery to prevent it from overcharging & overheating.

Govt is very tough with EV manufacturers. They shared committee’s recommendation with EV companies & asked them that why they should not be prosecuted legally for not ensuring safety in the vehicle. Battery of an EV must adhere safety guidelines set by ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India). These safety measures are being ignored by the companies due to increase in production of 2 wheelers to meet the demand of vehicles in the market.