Impact of battery swapping in the passenger sector: EV adoption, emissions, and energy mix

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 CO2 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 CO2 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 CO2 emissions compared to PC. The study suggests BS is a viable option but may not entirely replace PC.