In a significant development, the Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT-Jodhpur) has successfully developed a revolutionary adapter that will empower electric vehicle (EV) owners to harness the power of solar energy for charging their vehicles. This groundbreaking innovation is expected to be priced below Rs 1,000 and has the potential to be a game-changer in the government’s mission to promote EV adoption and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The ingeniously designed adapter seamlessly connects solar panels with EV chargers, allowing users to generate and utilize their own renewable energy for charging their vehicles. This innovative solution effectively addresses the challenges associated with extracting maximum power from solar panels and operating EV chargers without a power converter. The adapter’s ability to draw power directly from solar panels eliminates the need for additional equipment and ensures efficient charging.
Recognizing the growing popularity of EVs and the government’s commitment to providing subsidies for their purchase, IIT-Jodhpur Assistant Professor Nishant Kumar expressed optimism about the adapter’s potential impact. Kumar highlighted the two connection points featured in the adapter, one for the solar panel and the other for the company-provided charger, ensuring optimal power supply based on the vehicle’s requirements.
To address the critical issue of insufficient charging stations and resources for EVs, countries like the United States, Canada, China, Russia, India, and Australia are actively pursuing the installation of rooftop solar panels. These plans involve placing solar panels on poles with attached solar sockets, with EV companies assuming the responsibility for their operation.
The lack of adequate charging infrastructure remains a major concern for potential EV buyers, particularly in hilly and remote areas where battery discharge is a significant problem. However, this adapter offers a compelling solution by enabling EV owners to charge their vehicles using solar power, even in areas with limited access to traditional charging stations.
A prototype of the adapter has been successfully created and tested, and it is anticipated to be launched in the market soon. This exciting development is a testament to the commitment of IIT-Jodhpur to innovation and its dedication to finding sustainable solutions for the transportation sector.
