Since technological innovation happens every day, the automotive industry has undergone rapid transformations. Previously, car manufacturers were striving to install vehicles with advanced technology. But the level of technology and technology-enabled services in today’s models is such that the ecosystem is witnessing a realignment. This shift has opened up new avenues for the industry as smart technology moves towards battery-powered vehicles.

The automotive industry is believed to be undergoing a paradigm shift, attempting to make a rapid transition to alternative energy sources. India, being in the same league, has made several attempts to move forward with modern policies to cope with the concomitant growth of automobiles and shift to electric mobility after considering various factors such as hassles of oil imports, global climate change issues, scarcity of natural resources, achieving sustainability, pollution, etc.

Considering this to be a big step forward, the Indian government has proposed several amendments to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules of 1989 to encourage electric mobility in India. India aspires to become a major global market for vehicles, with several automakers and start-ups working on relevant segments and technological gears.

In India, the growth of e-mobility requires the mandatory installation of EV charging stations. However, charging infrastructure is a critical factor in determining the opportunities for EV adoption in the country. Since electric vehicles are battery operated, the massive operation of the vehicle leads to the need to recharge the batteries, which also depends on the size and capacity of the battery. Therefore, charging stations are important for the long-term operation of electric vehicles. According to the report by NITI Aayog, it is possible that India will have a high level of EV penetration by 2030.

While the transformational push for electric vehicles is a big initiative that is being embraced all over the world, it brings with it a plethora of opportunities as well as challenges. Many global manufacturers have already taken their first step towards making the transition to electric vehicles a large-scale reality. These industry giants have expressed their optimism about the growth of electric vehicles and charging stations in India. India is gradually catching up with the rest of the EV charging ecosystem, based on recent developments.

Given the manufacturing part of the electric vehicle charging ecosystem and automotive components that must meet stringent vehicle safety standards. This eventually created a strong demand for power semiconductor modules developed by power semiconductor manufacturers which offer more reliability than industrial equipment modules.

These power semiconductors are undoubtedly the key to the energy efficiency and fuel economy of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV)/EV. HEVs/EVs help reduce emissions and reduce fuel consumption. The invention of power electronics technology has increased driving mileage, improving fuel economy and efficiency.

The development of power semiconductor devices has given way to the development of HEV/EV. The power system, drive, controls or any other luxury HEV application is highly dependent on high power switches. Cost, efficiency, comfort, and range improve with an increase in hybridization, which ultimately means more power electronics applications.

Current electric batteries are based on outdated technology, which limits their performance. As a result, electric vehicles can suffer from high costs and short lifespans. But new semiconductor innovations offer the potential for longer and more efficient battery life. Semiconductor chemistries such as gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) allow electric vehicle batteries to operate at higher voltages than traditional silicon wafers.

According to a report, the power semiconductor market for electric vehicles is expected to surge, which will be three times higher than current use and demand between 2020 and 2026, growing at a rate of 25.7% CAGR to $5.6 billion, driven by a major tech battle between insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) and silicon carbide (SiC) modules.

Nowadays, many semiconductor players are targeting SiC modules for EV applications, due to which the SiC module market is expected to reach 32% of the total EV/HEV semiconductor market by 2026. If that is If so, there is no denying that the power semiconductor market will soon have a grip on all major industries.

Warning: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the original author. These views and opinions do not represent those of Indian Express Group or its employees.