Like CNG, EV battery management systems need more investment, scrutiny

In the same way that compressed natural gas systems were aligned to Indian climate conditions, a better choice of battery cells and battery design is quite imperative now

The internal combustion engine may be on its way out, but planning for electric battery-run vehicles still needs many months of effort. 

Recent accidents have demonstrated the need for investing in improved management of batteries using emerging technologies. The choice of batteries, the cells and the systems which manage them are important even as policy incentives to use electric vehicles (EVs) increase. 

India has made similar fuel transitions before. When CNG was introduced for transport and domestic usage, several safety and management systems were put into place. It has taken several years but now a robust gas management system is