WRI organised a closed-door roundtable to understand the feasible battery technologies for e-rikshaws in India. It was evident that lithium is not the only way forward for e-rickshaws given their complex nature and low service availability. Whereas lead-acid has a higher recycling rate and good service centres network. The discussion also highlighted the need for more research and development for different battery technologies like sodium-ion.
“While not assuming the transition from Lead-acid to Lithium-ion battery, supporting research and development for different battery technology like sodium-ion, zinc; dynamic finance models and training and awareness at the grass-root level can help boost e-rickshaws in India. Also, proper certification, rules and regulations are required for their organised functioning,” said Trupti Deshpande, Senior Programme Manager, Electric Mobility, Shakti, at a Round Table on ‘Alternate battery technologies for e-rickshaws in India’.