Open Access
Dr. Ashish Raj
Dr. Javed Khan Bhutto
Dr. Surendra Kumar Sharma
Dr. Sunil Kumar Gupta
- Associate Professor Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Poornima University, Jaipur Rajasthan India
- Associate Professor Department of Electrical Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha Saudi Arabia Dubai
- Associate Professor Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Poornima University Rajasthan India
- Professor Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Poornima University, Jaipur Rajasthan India
Abstract
Electric vehicles (EVs) represent a pivotal shift toward sustainable transportation and climate change mitigation. In India, the transition to EVs is driven by government policies, technological advancements, and growing environmental awareness. However, the sustainability of EVs extends beyond their operational efficiency to the materials used in their construction. This paper explores the role of recyclable polymers and composites in enhancing the sustainability of EVs in India. The study highlights the advantages of using these materials, including weight reduction, improved fuel efficiency, and recyclability, aligning with the principles of a circular economy. The research delves into the properties and benefits of various recyclable polymers and composites, such as Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) and Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP), compared to traditional automotive materials like steel and aluminum. The analysis reveals that these advanced materials significantly reduce vehicle weight, leading to enhanced fuel efficiency and extended driving range. For instance, the Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra eVerito, incorporating these materials, demonstrate notable improvements in range per charge and overall performance. Environmental benefits are also a key focus, with recyclable polymers and composites offering lower CO2 emissions and energy consumption during production compared to traditional materials. The paper presents detailed comparisons of energy consumption and CO2 emissions, emphasizing the environmental advantages of these sustainable materials. Despite the high initial production costs of advanced composites, the long-term economic benefits, including material reuse and reduced fuel consumption, are substantial. Case studies of Tata Motors and Mahindra Electric illustrate the practical implementation of recyclable polymers and composites in EV manufacturing. The Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra eVerito models showcase significant weight reduction and improved efficiency due to the integration of these materials. The paper also addresses the challenges of adopting recyclable polymers and composites, such as the need for robust recycling infrastructure and the high initial production costs.In conclusion, the research underscores the potential of recyclable polymers and composites to transform the EV industry in India, contributing to sustainable development goals. The study calls for increased investment in research and development, enhanced recycling technologies, and supportive policies to facilitate the widespread adoption of these materials. By leveraging the benefits of recyclable polymers and composites, the automotive industry can make significant strides toward achieving a greener, more sustainable future.
Keywords: Electric Vehicles, Recyclable Polymers, Composites, Sustainability, India, Automotive Industry
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Journal of Polymer and Composites
| Volume | |
| Received | May 23, 2024 |
| Accepted | June 11, 2024 |
| Published | June 25, 2024 |