- 2nd Global EV Battery Safety Forum by IESA at Bharat Mobility Sets the Pulse for Safety and Sustainability
New Delhi, February 1, 2024: India’s leading industry body India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) organised the 2nd Global EV Battery Safety Forum at Bharat Mobility Global expo 2024. The conference unfolded a transformative dialogue on the crucial subject of electric vehicle (EV) battery safety. Against the backdrop of India's burgeoning role in the EV landscape, the forum, held at Bharat Mandapam, brought together industry visionaries, policymakers, and experts to navigate the challenges and chart the course for a secure and sustainable electric future.
India, recognized as a rising force in the global EV market, is set to witness a remarkable 49% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in its domestic EV market between 2022 and 2030, as per the Economic Survey of 2023. With a projected annual sales volume nearing 10 million units by 2030, the nation is poised to become a key player in the EV ecosystem.
However, the rapid expansion of the automotive sector comes with challenges, particularly in the realm of worker safety. Alarming statistics from the Directorate General Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes underscore the urgency to address safety concerns within the sector. In 2020, the automobile manufacturing sector in India recorded nearly 4,000 injuries, with 1,050 fatalities—65% of which were individuals under 30 years old.
The Bharat Mobility Forum tackled these challenges head-on, with a focus on EV battery safety. Debi Prasad Dash, Executive Director of IESA, welcomed participants, setting the stage for insightful discussions. Dr. Rahul Walawalkar, President of IESA & MD, CES India, emphasised the crucial role of safety in the face of the lithium-ion battery's immense power. Reflecting on the challenges faced globally, he underscored the need for comprehensive safety guidelines and heightened awareness. "Safety is something very important, and we at IESA have been focusing on it for the last seven-plus years." he emphasised. Dr. Walawalkar underscored the need for comprehensive safety guidelines and awareness, drawing parallels with the industry's historical challenges.
Hiren Pravin Shah, Founder and CEO of Replus Engitech, shared insights into safety responsibility in manufacturing. "Safety comes as a part of the responsibility of the manufacturer," he emphasised, urging the integration of safety culture into manufacturing systems. Shah stressed the importance of looking at the root causes of thermal runaway, emphasising the need for a robust system design to avoid incidents.
The forum covered a spectrum of topics, including an overview of battery fires in India, battery standards, design validation requirements, and a global EV battery safety overview. Specific discussions delved into electrolyte leak detection, testing requirements, and cell and battery development tailored for safe operations in tropical climates.
Dr. Yashodhan Gokhale, CTO, Battrix, delved into the intricacies of high-voltage systems and the impact of environmental conditions in a country like India. "It is very, very important how you manage and control each and every cell with temperature, especially in a country where humidity and temperature play a crucial role," he highlighted.
Anant Misra, Vice President of Lithium Business at Livguard Energy, presented a comprehensive approach, emphasising the critical role of product design, electronics, and system integration in ensuring battery safety. The forum featured a live demonstration of EV battery fire suppression.
As India propels towards becoming an EV manufacturing giant, the imperative to ensure the well-being of its workforce becomes paramount. The insights shared during this forum contribute significantly to the ongoing narrative of enhancing safety and sustainability in the electric mobility ecosystem. The 2nd Global EV Battery Safety Forum marked a pivotal moment, fostering collaboration among industry experts and stakeholders to collectively shape a future marked by safe and sustainable electric mobility, a stage for India to navigate the EV landscape securely and sustainably, aligning with the nation's aspirations and global expectations.
About India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA):
India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) is a leading industry alliance focused on the development of advanced energy storage, e-mobility, green hydrogen, and emerging technologies in India. Founded in 2012, by Customized Energy Solutions (CES), IESA’s vision is to make India a global hub for R&D, manufacturing, and adoption of advanced energy storage, e-mobility, and green hydrogen technologies.
Today IESA is a proud network of 200+ member companies, encompassing industry verticals from energy storage, EV manufacturing, EV charging infrastructure, green hydrogen, microgrids, power electronics, renewable energy, research institutes and universities, and cleantech startups.
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