According to Reger, the critical mistake lies in the incorporation of consumer-grade electronics, originally designed for laptops, into sophisticated battery management systems. He advises against such practices, urging for the exclusion of consumer electronics from BMS setups.
He explained that the reason for using temporary solutions like bandaids in the Indian EV industry is due to the very narrow profit margins. He further mentioned that in such a competitive environment, it is challenging to invest in slightly more expensive battery management chips.
“They opted for the most budget-friendly options, resulting in recurring failures. The Indian market demands exceptionally low costs, leaving no room for slightly pricier battery management chips. Many fell into the trap of choosing inexpensive consumer solutions,” Reger remarked.
This observation coincides with the onset of summer, a time notorious for a surge in EV fire incidents. In recent times, several such incidents have garnered negative attention nationwide, implicating various EV companies such as Ola Electric, Okinawa Autotech, and Pure EV, alongside established brands like Tata.”
Last year, concerns were voiced by users regarding the safety of these vehicles. According to reports, a panel established by the government discovered that the EVs in question suffered from significant deficiencies in their Battery Management Systems (BMS) and were lacking essential safety features.
