Public Buses Ideal For Electrification In India: Daniel Biro (Fraunhofer)

Last-Mile First: India’s Unconventional EV Path

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“India’s Electric Vehicle journey is very different from countries like Germany,” said Dr. Biro. “It is primarily being shaped by two- and three-wheelers, particularly in cities. These smaller vehicles are essential for last-mile transport—whether for passengers or cargo.”

According to Biro, the growing penetration of electric scooters and rickshaws is paving the way for broader infrastructure development, which could accelerate the adoption of electric buses and four-wheelers. “Public buses are ideal candidates for electrification. They cover shorter distances, carry heavy loads, and run in stop-and-go traffic—conditions where electric drivetrains are highly efficient,” he said.

He added that India’s prevalence of electric rickshaws—rare in Europe—represents a strategic advantage. “They are light, don’t require large batteries, and are already widely visible. Their electrification makes both economic and operational sense.”

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Collaboration Potential with Germany

On Indo-German ties, Dr. Biro pointed to Fraunhofer’s longstanding presence in India through its international office staffed by local professionals. “This local bridge is crucial. It allows direct engagement with Indian firms and public agencies—through both direct contracts and bilateral co-funded research programs,” he noted.

Fraunhofer’s model enables Indian and German companies to jointly work on advanced technologies, supported by funding calls and innovation partnerships. “There’s scope for deeper and more frequent engagement. These long-term collaborations are essential for building India’s battery ecosystem,” he said.

Fraunhofer Battery Alliance: End-to-End Innovation

Dr. Biro also detailed the work of the Fraunhofer Battery Alliance, a network of 26 institutes spanning the entire battery value chain—from material research and cell production to system integration, recycling, and simulation.

“We work on current technologies like lithium-ion as well as emerging ones such as lithium-sulphur, metal-air, and solid-state batteries. Our applied research supports e-mobility, stationary storage, power tools, and even aviation,” he said.

LFP Emergence and a Push for Sustainability

Among the most transformative developments, according to Dr. Biro, is the global uptake of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. “LFP is cobalt-free, safer, and highly scalable. It has become dominant in stationary storage and is rapidly gaining traction in mobility due to cost advantages,” he said.

Battery prices have plummeted to around $50/kWh, he added—thanks largely to scale-up efforts in China. At the same time, battery manufacturing is becoming more energy-efficient, helping reduce its carbon footprint.

Yet sustainability challenges remain, particularly around recycling. “As cobalt and nickel use declines in LFP batteries, recycling becomes less commercially attractive. But we must prepare—today’s batteries will reach end-of-life in 8–10 years. Without a recycling ecosystem, we risk generating massive waste,” he warned.

Beyond EVs: Energy Storage and Electric Aviation

While transport remains central, Fraunhofer’s work spans beyond road mobility. “Stationary storage is a major focus—especially to integrate solar and wind power, where batteries are needed for short-term balancing and hydrogen for longer durations,” Dr. Biro said.

He also noted growing interest in high-density batteries for electric aviation. “Aircraft batteries require extreme energy density, safety, and performance. This is an emerging field we are actively supporting,” he said.

As India ramps up its EV ambition, Dr. Biro believes it can emerge as a global leader—provided it builds innovation ecosystems early. “With the right mix of policy, technology, and partnerships, India has the potential to leapfrog in clean mobility and battery sustainability,” he said.