We hear news of Electric two-wheeler vehicles(EVs) catching fire each week. Recently an Ather electric scooter caught fire at their Chennai dealership outlet. Is it the scorching heat, or is there any other reason that's causing these fire accidents? So let's dive into this article to find out.
It all started in April when EVs began catching fire. It includes big startups like Ola Electric, Ather Energy, Hero Electric, Okinawa scooters, PureEV, Jithendra EV, et al. The total EV fire incidents stand approximately at a count of 30 in the country. EVs catching fire is common but the rate at which fire accidents occur in the country is alarming.
So the government ordered an investigation into the incidents. The sales of Ola and Okinawa EVs already dropped in the month of may by an enormous number except for Ather Energy because their first accident took place recently. Electric vehicles work under a low-temperature range, but experts say it may not be the primary reason for these mishaps. There are some allegations that the EV makers are sending A grade batteries for testing but using B grade batteries ( Cheap and low quality) in their EVs to reduce the cost of making. Production-wise, they are even compromising on the quality of the scooters for mass production.
The two-wheeler EV sector has vast potential to grow and contribute to the GDP. The retail sales value of Electric scooters is expected to grow to over $1.0 billion by 2025.
Two-wheelers account for 70 % of the total vehicles in the country. Capturing it would even significantly decrease the carbon emissions in India because India is the third-largest carbon-emitting country in the world. That is why the government provides colossal tax exemptions and EV subsidies.
The two-wheeler EV sector is in its starting phase and needs so much research and development to produce safe and efficient EVs to be driven on the road.
There are many problems the EV sector is currently facing in India, including poor charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and new firing accidents.
These EV startups should first focus on improving their R&D because that mainly differentiates between Businesses and Industries. Setting up the world's giant EV factory (in the case of Ola) doesn't make it an industrial setup. Having the right mindset, technology knowledge, and necessary R&D is essential.
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