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2025 | Book

A Primer on Electric Vehicles in India

A Machine-Generated Literature Overview

Editors: Saon Ray, Deb Mukherji

Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore

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About this book

This book presents the result of an innovative challenge, to create a systematic literature overview driven by machine-generated content. Questions and related keywords were prepared for the machine to query, discover, collate and structure by Artificial Intelligence (AI) clustering. The AI-based approach seemed especially suitable to provide an innovative perspective as the topics are indeed both complex, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary, for example, climate, planetary and evolution sciences. Springer Nature has published much on these topics in its journals over the years, so the challenge was for the machine to identify the most relevant content and present it in a structured way that the reader would find useful. The automatically generated literature summaries in this book are intended as a springboard to further discoverability. They are particularly useful to readers with limited time, looking to learn more about the subject quickly and especially if they are new to the topics. Springer Nature seeks to support anyone who needs a fast and effective start in their content discovery journey, from the undergraduate student exploring interdisciplinary content to Master- or PhD-thesis developing research questions, to the practitioner seeking support materials, this book can serve as an inspiration, to name a few examples.

It is important to us as a publisher to make the advances in technology easily accessible to our authors and find new ways of AI-based author services that allow human-machine interaction to generate readable, usable, collated, research content.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter

Electric Vehicles

Frontmatter
Chapter 1. Introduction
Abstract
The introductory chapter sets the stage for the book, inspired by India’s announcement at COP 27 of its Long Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) and commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Decarbonizing transport, particularly through electric vehicles (EVs), plays a key role. India’s EV transition is uniquely driven by two- and three-wheelers, supported by government policies. This book provides comprehensive insights into EVs in India. Key takeaways include understanding EVs as a paradigm shift for the automotive industry, identifying domestic and export opportunities for Indian companies, and addressing battery supply chain challenges and technology gaps.
Saon Ray, Deb Mukherji

Upstream

Frontmatter
Chapter 2. Sourcing Minerals for the Battery
Abstract
This chapter examines the critical role minerals play in the EV value chain. EV batteries rely on minerals like lithium and cobalt, but India faces a disadvantage due to the absence of domestic mines for lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese—essential for cathodes. While graphite is available for anodes, it requires processing to reach cell-grade quality, potentially utilizing steel by-products. Despite plans to source materials from Chile, Argentina, and Australia, India remains reliant on China for refined battery-grade materials, raising concerns about critical mineral security. Securing cobalt is particularly challenging. Solutions include investing in research partnerships and battery recycling to mitigate dependency.
Saon Ray, Deb Mukherji
Chapter 3. Technology for EVs
Abstract
This chapter examines the battery technology of EVs in the Indian context. Battery technology dictates the materials used in manufacturing. Lithium-ion batteries typically use lithium for the cathode and graphite for the anode. Ongoing global R&D aims to mitigate lithium scarcity, potentially changing future demand for critical minerals. India lacks reserves of key battery materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt. To address this, the Indian government is promoting EV battery reuse and recycling. Recycling spent batteries recovers valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese, along with by-products like graphite, iron, copper, and aluminum. Beyond manufacturing, opportunities exist in battery management software for performance monitoring. Recent EV battery fires and voluntary recalls by EV producers have highlighted the need for improved safety and quality standards.
Saon Ray, Deb Mukherji

Making in India

Frontmatter
Chapter 4. Value Chain for Manufacture and Assembly
Abstract
The EV manufacturing and assembly value chain involves multiple steps. Some parts, such as clutch/torque control, start/stop systems, pistons, spark plugs, and turbochargers, are common to both ICE and EVs. However, new EV-specific components include a power distribution module, onboard charger, battery management system, vehicle interface control module, and DC/DC converter. The most critical element is the battery, with two electrodes—cathode and anode—between which charged lithium atoms travel in lithium-ion batteries. The cathode largely dictates battery performance, cost, and environmental impact, and is predominantly produced in Asia. This chapter discusses India's progress in battery assembly and future battery manufacturing prospects. Regarding the other parts, India needs to set up an elaborate industrial base where we will have raw material suppliers at the base and then the suppliers of parts, and components for various industries higher in the value chain. Such a value chain would be self-sufficient in materials, manpower, machinery, and finances.
Saon Ray, Deb Mukherji
Chapter 5. Imports and Exports of Components
Abstract
This chapter assesses the significance of imported components in India’s EV value chain. Currently, India’s EV supply chain relies heavily on imports of raw materials and components, with most electric and electronic parts sourced from abroad, while metal components and other aggregates are domestically produced. The chapter also explores the export of component items from India. As noted in Chap. 2, key minerals essential for batteries are imported, with China dominating the supply of crucial battery materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. This dependence on imports underscores challenges in building a self-reliant EV ecosystem in India.
Saon Ray, Deb Mukherji
Chapter 6. FDI and Investment Gap in the EV Sector
Abstract
India's EV transition requires substantial investments, including foreign direct investment (FDI). Estimates suggest $180 billion is needed by 2029-30 to meet EV targets. This chapter details the nature and volume of investment and FDI entering the sector. While significant investment has already flowed in, more is anticipated. However, major gaps remain on the supply side of the EV ecosystem. A robust supply chain involving numerous parts, technologies, and raw materials is crucial. Key areas like batteries, battery management systems (BMS), motors, controllers, and power electronics face challenges due to insufficient investment. These capital-intensive industries typically yield returns over 5-7 years, necessitating greater industry commitment.
Saon Ray, Deb Mukherji

Ecosystem

Frontmatter
Chapter 7. Policies and Regulations at the Central Level and States
Abstract
This chapter evaluates whether these policies and regulations effectively foster an EV transition. Central policies like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) I and II, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Cell Chemistry, aim to support the EV transition in India. Most states have their own EV policies. Supportive initiatives, such as FAME II, PLI Schemes (Auto and ACC), budget exemptions on customs duties for capital goods machinery, and reduced duty on lithium-ion batteries from 21% to 13%, have aided sector growth. The chapter also identifies policy gaps that need to be addressed for further progress.
Saon Ray, Deb Mukherji
Chapter 8. Financing EV Transition in India
Abstract
Financing the EV transition is crucial for its success. This chapter explores various methods of raising capital and examines whether private domestic investment is flowing into the sector. It also evaluates the environment for foreign direct investment (FDI) and private domestic investment. The biggest challenge facing India's nascent EV industry is securing sufficient financing for this transformation. Funding is required at two levels: capital investment (availability and cost of capital) and vehicle financing for end users. Nearly 90% of commercial ICE vehicles (three-wheelers, trucks) are sold through financing, offering a potential model for EVs. SMEV suggests a green tax on ICE vehicles as subsidies phase out.
Saon Ray, Deb Mukherji
Chapter 9. Skills and Workforce Training
Abstract
The transition from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric vehicles (EVs) will necessitate workforce changes, as some ICE-related skills may become redundant. This chapter explores the skills needed for EV assembly, manufacturing, and repair, and examines the training programs required to equip workers with this expertise. It also delves into the implications of the EV transition for the workforce, comparing the roles and engagement of workers in the ICE and EV sectors. The analysis highlights how the shift to EVs may reshape job dynamics and the skill demands within the automotive industry in India.
Saon Ray, Deb Mukherji

Looking Ahead

Frontmatter
Chapter 10. Conclusion and Way Ahead
Abstract
The final chapter concludes the book’s exploration of electric vehicles in India. Using a value chain approach, the books covers both upstream and downstream activities in the battery value chain. It examines the EV ecosystem, relevant policies, regulations, and financing mechanisms for the EV transition. Additionally, it addresses skills and jobs within the EV value chain. The chapter outlines possible pathways for India's EV transition, emphasizing that these routes will be shaped by numerous factors, including geopolitics. This holistic overview ties together key aspects critical to India's evolving EV landscape and its role in decarbonizing the transportation sector.
Saon Ray, Deb Mukherji
Metadata
Title
A Primer on Electric Vehicles in India
Editors
Saon Ray
Deb Mukherji
Copyright Year
2025
Publisher
Springer Nature Singapore
Electronic ISBN
978-981-9789-66-5
Print ISBN
978-981-9789-65-8
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-8966-5

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