Telecom companies are an integral part of the electric vehicle revolution, setting the foundation for timely information extraction, transmission, and scheduling including charging, health monitoring, battery management, etc. 

Having global expertise in the connected car solutions and automotive space, companies such as Vodafone Idea are facilitating several functions across the value chain with end-to-end integrated IoT solutions designed specifically for EVs.

We believe telecom connectivity and new technologies can create a huge impact in pushing the growth and success of EVs in India. Areas where technology can have a positive impact are: 

• Extracting and transmitting information: 4G services being offered by telcos help in extracting and transmitting information up and down the value chain. Right from real-time battery charge levels and recommended route options for optimised battery performance to having access to such real-time information is essential for a seamless EV experience.  

• Finding the nearest charging stations: EVs need to be charged and recharged continuously. Since drivers have to ensure their vehicles have enough (charge) to finish a journey, telecom services can help them locate the nearest stations as well as reserve a spot thereby reducing stress and time on the road. 

• Ensuring smart grid operations: Since the adoption of EVs could put more load on existing electricity supplies and networks, ensuring optimum performance requires constant and consistent supply of electricity. Mobile networks along with smart grid technology can blend electricity generation and consumption with advanced communication requirements. This can allow both service providers and utilities real-time access to the grid and take action for optimum grid efficiency. 

• Battery management: Telcos also play a great role in enabling and ensuring efficient battery management. Low latency and high bandwidth connections can allow EV makers to constantly monitor and share battery-related information. Such realtime insight into the operating conditions of batteries can ensure cars do not break down or driver safety isn’t compromised. 

EVs are not just more eco-friendly but demand less service as compared to fuel-run cars, leading to a huge reduction in maintenance, service costs and fuel costs. In a populous country like India, the business use cases for EVs are many: 

• Ride-hailing and fleets: With more people now opting for convenient, environment-friendly transportation on demand, ride-hail and ride-share companies can benefit greatly from the EV boom. Using these services, passengers can easily get to their destinations without requiring a car of their own or contributing to carbon emissions. 

• Employee transportation: As employees get back to working from the office, EVs can help in transporting them daily. In congested cities, EVs can help bring down pollution levels and improve air quality. 

• Last-mile deliveries: Moving goods from warehouses, shops, and restaurants and bringing them to peoples’ homes in big cities with narrow streets is not easy. Since it is difficult for companies to set up warehouses in jammed cities, using EVs for such deliveries can not only reduce vehicle emissions but also ensure goods are rolled off the truck and directly onto the EV for quick transportation. 

Our company’s smart mobility solutions have helped EV makers gain complete visibility of their moving assets in real-time. The Bluetooth-enabled remote ignition with fallback ensures the e-Scooter can remain operational even in areas with low network coverage. The sensors and network allow easy monitoring of e-bikes. The buzzers in the vehicle are powered by robust access management controls that prevent unauthorized access and theft.

IoT touches every part of the EV value chain right from vehicle tracking and battery monitoring to EV charging station management. One of the key trends driving EVs is a surge in demand for fast deliveries. In the foreseeable future,telecom services will play a vital role in India’s EV industry.