Upcoming trending technologies that will affect the EV two-wheeler industry
The electric vehicle sales in India grew by around 47% to reach a phenomenal 1.5 million in 2023. This upbeat trend continued in the Q1 of 2024, with EV sales surging across various segments including two-wheelers, surpassing the surge of February 2024. For instance, in March electric two-wheeler sales grew to 139288 units from February’s from 82508. This surge increased the penetration rate in the two-wheeler category from 5.7% in February to 9.1% in March. It also shows the growing popularity of advanced electric two-wheelers as more individuals and entities opt for this vehicle segment for their daily commute needs or to advance their last-mile delivery business. Undoubtedly, technological advancements have played a key role in making electric two-wheelers appealing to the broader consumer base who were previously more comfortable with traditional bikes and scooters. Judging by the current momentum, the upcoming and evolving technologies are likely to accelerate this growth further and boost electric two-wheeler adoption in the country. Hence, we should expect continuous improvements and advancements in the latest technologies that are steadily gaining ground in the EV segment and being implemented across various levels.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication (V2X)
This advanced technology helps facilitate safer commutes by enabling vehicles to connect and converse with nearby vehicles and infrastructure. To elaborate, V2X’s intricate architecture depends on the efficient operation of OBUs, RSUs, DSRC, cellular, and cloud-based infrastructure to create a network of communication between the vehicles and their immediate surroundings. Typically, the technology is designed to allow software controllers to exchange information with internal and external components to facilitate remote diagnostics, charging status, GPS-based services, and over-the-air software. Such an exchange helps alert riders of potential hazards, such as traffic congestion and blind spots. More such advancements will help enhance riders’ safety, making advanced electric two-wheelers a reliable option for those seeking safer vehicles to navigate busy urban roads.
Battery Upgrades
Battery advancements are crucial in addressing the much-discussed range of anxiety issues synonymous with EVs. Manufacturers are investing in battery upgrades to make modern two-wheelers more reliable and range-efficient. As a result, the EV market is witnessing a surge in advancements in battery chemistries and designs. Lithium-ion and solid-state batteries, in particular, are becoming a focus of technological upgrades to address gaps in battery performance and vehicle appeal. Such efforts could help curb range issues more effectively and make efficient batteries more accessible to the public. The ongoing R&D efforts to enhance battery technology will further help reduce the cost of manufacturing lightweight and efficient batteries and, in turn, lower the cost of two-wheelers.
CAN-based Chargers
Another trending technology that is likely to change how electric two-wheelers perform would be CAN-based chargers. A Controller Area Network (CAN) is basically a communication protocol that aids various EV components to connect and communicate. Integrating such an advanced protocol into chargers would enable fast charging and allow users to monitor the process in real time. This efficiency will help improve the two-wheeler’s overall battery performance and ensure longevity. It would not be surprising if CAN-based EV chargers emerged as the standard practice in this EV segment down the road.
Traction Control Technology & Regenerative Braking Systems
Modern riders seek both safety and performance, so electric two-wheeler manufacturers are now more focused on integrating technology that caters to these needs. For instance, more manufacturers are integrating traction control technology into their electric two-wheelers to prevent the scooters from losing grip and skidding on wet or slippery terrain. This safety feature will enable riders to navigate tricky road conditions, especially during peak monsoons.
Many two-wheeler companies are embracing regenerative braking systems for upgrading their vehicle’s safety features. Such a braking system is designed to recollect the vehicle’s kinetic energy and promptly convert it into electrical or mechanical energy, in turn, allowing the energy to be stored in its flywheels or battery, which is later used to power the battery. This efficient energy management helps increase vehicle range and lower brake wear and tear, lowering the cost of maintenance and accelerating adoption.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in electric two-wheelers has gained a lot of momentum among manufacturers. This innovation allows for gathering crucial data on performance and usage patterns, which helps them improve their vehicle’s performance and design. For this reason, we can expect to see more notable advancements in the use of IoT in two-wheelers and related accessories. For instance, equipping IoT and AI into helmets to boost safety and convenience can become more prevalent in the coming years.
These evolving trends backed by upcoming technologies will help address concerns related to range, battery performance, and safety norms. This will make new-age electric two-wheelers ideal for modern riders, adding to their appeal in the broader EV market. Needless to say, it will accelerate the adoption rate and help India meet its 80% market share for EV2Ws by 2030.