Nagpur: Union minister Nitin Gadkari, while inaugurating an electric-vehicle startup in Nagpur, said used lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles could be repurposed as a “second source” of power for homes, giving them a potential second life as stationary energy-storage systems.Gadkari said reusing EV batteries could also improve the overall value and sustainability of electric mobility.The startup, founded by Ashish Dokania, specialises in converting conventional petrol-powered mopeds into electric vehicles through retrofitting. The company already has plants in Bengaluru and Hyderabad and has now expanded operations to Nagpur.Dokania said lead-acid batteries are cheaper but have lower longevity, while lithium-ion batteries can run for up to 50,000km. Portable batteries can also be charged at home, he said.Gadkari suggested that the retrofitting should be affordable so that people from various sections of society can embrace EVs.The retrofit kit includes a battery, motor, controller, rear wheel, display, throttle, wiring and necessary mounts, while modifications are made to components such as the swing arm and suspension. As per Dokania, battery-related components account for nearly 50% of the overall cost.Dokania said the retrofitting model allows existing petrol mopeds to be converted into EVs without replacing the entire vehicle, potentially reducing the cost and environmental impact of transitioning to electric mobility.
