Impact of battery swapping in the passenger sector: EV adoption, emissions, and energy mix
Minakshi Patel, Pratham Arora, Rhythm Singh, Diptiranjan Mahapatra, Vaibhav Chaturvedi, Santosh Kumar Saini
Abstract
Transport sector electrification will play a critical role in achieving India's net zero emission target by 2070; however, the adoption of EVs is hindered by challenges such as long charging times, high ownership costs, and limited range. Battery swapping (BS) offers quick recharging, unlike point charging (PC). This study examines BS subscription fees in India's passenger sector (buses, four-wheelers, three-wheelers, and two-wheelers). Furthermore, the assessment of its effects on EV adoption, the energy mix, and CO 2 emissions in India's passenger sector is analysed using the global change analysis model (GCAM). The results show that BS is cost-effective for four-wheelers and two-wheelers without subsidies. Providing similar subsidies to BS as to PC achieves cost parity or lower costs for three-wheelers and buses compared to PC. BS could reduce CO 2 emissions by 9 % by 2070, with a 6 % increase in EV adoption and an 8 % rise in electricity demand. With BS subsidies, EV penetration may increase by 10 %, resulting in a 14 % reduction in CO 2 emissions compared to PC. The study suggests BS is a viable option but may not entirely replace PC. • Battery swapping (BS) and point charging (PC) for EV charging were compared. • BS business models to compute subscription fees were developed. • BS is feasible for 4W and 2W without subsidy, and with subsidy for 3W and buses. • Compared to PC, EV adoption is projected to increase by 6 % with BS in 2070. • With subsidy, CO 2 emissions will be reduced by 14 % compared to PC in 2070.