- The Electric Vehicle market will be picking up almost 20% of the overall automotive business
- Naredi is creating a model to target the traditional gas stations as points for fast charging
- The company is targeting specialized services like precision charging, fast charging as well as high-end performance boosting for the automotive industry
Ever wondered an advancement that enables you to charge your EV faster than the time taken to refuel a conventional vehicle? Companies like Naredi Automotive Tools are making efforts to take this expectation closer to reality hasten such as charging infrastructure in India that would ease the EV adaptation in the country. In mid-2014, Naredi started its journey with the innovative idea to bring the right kind of battery charger for the automotive industry in India.
Over a period of 6 years, it grew its portfolio from battery chargers to jump starters to OBD tools that can be used by enthusiasts as well as professionals. The company has plans to expand its portfolio in the EV market and become a leading solutions provider for EVs. In an interview with the Machine Maker, G V Subramaniam, Technical Director, Naredi tells us more about these plans, product portfolio, and the Electric Vehicle market of India.
Tools for Automotive
Operating via a simple business model, Naredi imports products from countries outside India, such as Sweden, America, and Australia. But the USP of their business model is being ‘service-free’. If there is a problem with a product over time, the company simply replaces it with a new one thus eliminating the concept of service centers from the business as well as providing the customer with more trust and assurance. The product portfolio includes battery chargers, jump starters, and most innovatively – OBD tools.
These tools are specially designed for modern vehicles which are gradually becoming more electric and controlled by sensors rather than the manual or mechanical aspect. These tools help understand what is happening inside the engine, and all information on the vehicle is passed through a computer chip which can be read by the OBD tool. One can understand how hot the engine is getting or if it requires any fine-tuning. The company also provides services for battery, battery-related products, charging for the battery, jump-starting, and so on. The important customer segment includes big workshops, premium car showrooms, OEMs, and they cater to some of the top line automotive players such as Volvo, Fiat, and Mercedes.
Currently, despite tough times, we are witnessing very good response from customers, as more people are diverting to their own vehicles during the pandemic and need charging and technical knowledge themselves, hence creating a demand for their solutions
G V Subramaniam
Technical Director, Naredi Automotive Tools
Electric Vehicle: Prospects in India
India has witnessed great advancement in the Electric Vehicle (EV) sector in recent times. The fact that even till date, there’s a waiting period of 5-7 months to book an EV is proof enough of the product’s success as well as of the willingness of people to adapt and welcome this change. “I think the EV market in India is at an evolving stage and things are changing really fast. Not only are the types of batteries being used changing from normal to advanced ones such as the lithium battery bank; the charging services are also upgrading. I think there is great growth potential in the automotive industry.” Mr. Subramaniam said.
He further added that the growth of this market will eventually depend on how extensively the infrastructure for charging services is available and spread in India, especially on the highways as convenience is the key to improve the popularity of these vehicles. Battery manufacturing for the Electric Vehicle market is another big challenge that India is facing currently. There is no large battery manufacturers that can provide quality products that can compete with the ones being imported.
To help popularize Electric Vehicles, self-reliance in terms of locally manufacturing good quality batteries is a pre-requisite. He believes that the government is making several efforts to penetrate the Electric Vehicle market so that it can grow in India. However, a primary aspect that they can improve on is providing a simpler structure and more well-defined guidelines on what the specifications for batteries and charging systems should be. Mr. Subramaniam added:
We are heading towards being the biggest electrical market but this depends on the roadmap the government has laid out and the most crucial part is refining the manufacturing capabilities of these components within India. But very soon I feel that the Electric Vehicle market will be picking up almost 20% of the overall automotive business.
Making difference to Electric Vehicle space
Naredi plays an active role in ensuring they aid in the smooth transitioning of this sector towards a wider customer base. From importing the best of solutions for India to conducting extensive trials under local conditions on them, the company always aims at providing the most reliable tools. Currently, they are deliberating with various authorities and organizations on setting the network of charging stations. Their current plan involves setting up improved and fast Electric Vehicle charging stations along the highway.
The model would be to target the traditional gas stations as points for fast charging. At the station, one would also find access to swappable battery banks. He added, “We aim to replicate the process of normal petrol filling stations so that this option is equally convenient for the public. The motive is that the time taken by EVs should match the current time taken at a service station to fill up petrol”
Other nitty-gritty would include ensuring proper storage of battery banks in a gas station, understanding the time taken to replace batteries for different vehicles, and so on. However, there will be a learning curve and eventually, people will catch up to it. Currently, the company is planning to provide information online so that people understand where batteries are in terms of free toners so that they can then be aware when batteries are discharging and can decide which route to put them on. Their plan involves being present in the top and middle segment of the industry, looking at specialized services like precision charging, fast charging as well as high-end performance boosting for the automotive industry.
For more details, visit: www.naredi.in
