Source: ETAuto

The necessity of urgently addressing the optimisation of LEV charging solutions was addressed at the 9th edition of ETAuto Conclave in New Delhi.

The urgent need to optimise charging solutions for light electric vehicles (LEVs) was a key topic at the 9th edition of the ETAuto Conclave, held in New Delhi on December 11-12, 2024. As LEVs continue to gain global traction due to their sustainability and efficiency, the industry faces significant challenges in developing effective charging infrastructure that accommodates diverse regional requirements and fosters global standardisation.

At the event, Kevin Ng, Chief Strategy Officer and Group Vice President of Chogori Technology, underscored the importance of adapting to the evolving LEV landscape. He highlighted that charging infrastructure varies widely across regions, reflecting differences in LEV adoption rates, vehicle types, and local policies.

Importance of meeting regional needs

One key consideration is addressing regional charging needs. For example, battery swapping has emerged as a popular solution in India and China, offering quick turnaround times for users and catering to the demands of motorcycle taxi drivers in Africa. Local infrastructure plays a critical role as well. In Southeast Asia and Africa, extreme weather conditions necessitate the use of waterproof connectors designed for durability and resilience. Meanwhile, Europe and Japan are seeing the development of fast-charging infrastructure, often equipped with connectors that support higher amperage to meet growing demand.

Standardisation challenges

However, the absence of global standardisation remains a notable hurdle. While some regions have adopted Type 6 and Type 7 connectors, a universally accepted standard has yet to be established. This fragmentation requires charging providers to supply solutions tailored to each market while simultaneously contributing to efforts aimed at creating global standards.

Ng acknowledged this dynamic, stating, “We don’t set any of these standards. We just work on supporting the market and the customers based on what they need us to do”

His comments reflect the industry’s balancing act between meeting immediate market demands and promoting long-term standardisation.

As the global LEV market continues to expand, the evolution of charging infrastructure will be critical to supporting increased adoption. Standardisation, in particular, is seen as essential to creating a more streamlined and efficient path to global mobility. By addressing both regional needs and universal requirements, the LEV industry is poised to drive sustainable growth and innovation.