India has seen a significant increase in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), with over 2.7 million EVs registered in the country as of July 2023. However, the rising number of incidents involving EVs and battery swapping stations catching fire has raised concerns among consumers and potential users. To address this issue, Bengaluru-based startup EMO Energy has developed a platform called ZEN that combines software, hardware, cloud, and intelligence to improve the safety and lifespan of batteries.
The team at EMO Energy recognized that various applications, from electric two-wheelers to agriculture to mining and construction, face similar issues related to battery safety and lifespan. They realized that the existing hardware in India was not strong enough to address these problems and decided to build their own system from scratch. EMO Energy developed a fluid in which battery cells are immersed, allowing for better heat transmission, energy absorption in case of a cell blast, and prevention of electricity transmission.
The company also built a layer of intelligence around the fluid, incorporating sensors to monitor temperature and voltage across the system. This data is then transmitted to a Battery Management System and can be accessed by users through an app. Additionally, fleet operators can use the platform to monitor drivers’ behaviors and charging habits, which can impact the vehicle’s range. The system can be connected to a standardized three-pin socket for efficient charging.
So far, EMO Energy has sold around 300 systems and has received orders for approximately 40,000 more. The startup aims to maintain a balance between performance and cost, offering the highest lifecycle in the ₹15,000+ segment with a per-cycle cost of around $3. By leveraging their direct thermal management system, in-house battery management system, and artificial intelligence capabilities, EMO Energy aims to reduce reliance on battery pack imports from China.
With its modular design approach, EMO Energy plans to scale its platform across various mobility applications, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and passenger and commercial vehicles. The startup also envisions expanding into sectors such as energy storage for residential and commercial applications.
