Body as a Battery (BaaB) Concept for Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Electric vehicle (EV) technology continues to evolve rapidly, with innovative approaches emerging to address efficiency and sustainability challenges. After Battery as a Service (BaaS), a new concept called "Body as a Battery" (BaaB) is now being introduced, aiming to revolutionise the EV industry. 

Introduction to BaaB by Axrad Renew Power Agri Machines (ARAM) 

Axrad Renew Power Agri Machines (ARAM), a Coimbatore-based startup, has unveiled a prototype of its self-charging electric light commercial vehicle (LCV), code-named ACV. This vehicle incorporates cutting-edge technology, including the BaaB concept. The concept integrates solar panels into the vehicle's body to generate power, thereby reducing dependence on traditional battery charging methods.

Bala Pachyappa, a prominent figure in India's EV industry and former CTO of Ampere Vehicles, has introduced the Body as a Battery (BaaB) concept through ARAM. 

Also Read: MG Windsor EV with SaaS

Key Features of the ACV

The ACV stands out with its innovative features designed for enhanced efficiency and sustainability. 

Sodium-Ion Battery

The ACV is powered by a 72V/200Ah sodium-ion battery, offering a 5C continuous discharge rate and a 14.4 kWh capacity. This enables a driving range of up to 120 km on a single charge.

Solar Power Integration

The BaaB concept allows the vehicle to generate energy from solar panels embedded in the body. In just six hours of sunlight, these panels can generate up to 9 kWh of energy, meeting over 50% of the vehicle's daily energy requirements. 

Lightweight Construction

The vehicle uses composite materials, reducing its weight by 90 kg compared to similar models. This lightweight design enhances overall efficiency.

Performance and Payload

With an 800 kg payload capacity, the ACV offers a top speed of 45 km/h. The vehicle also features regenerative braking, further optimising energy conservation. 

Charging Flexibility 

The ACV can be fully charged using AC power in under 4 hours. A fast-charging option allows the vehicle to gain 60 km of range in just 20 minutes, ensuring greater operational flexibility.

BaaB Technology

The Body as a Battery (BaaB) concept leverages solar panels installed on the exterior of the vehicle to serve as a supplemental energy source. This reduces the need for frequent external charging, with the system capable of generating between 41% and 62% of the vehicle's daily energy requirements from sunlight alone. 

Solar panels installed on both the top and sides of the load container can contribute up to 60.76% of the energy required for daily operations, significantly reducing charging times and boosting efficiency. By decreasing battery load, the BaaB system extends both the vehicle's range and battery lifespan.

Operational Cost Advantages

The ACV offers substantial cost savings compared to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) LCVs and even other electric models.

Operating Cost Comparison

• ACV: INR 0.40 per km
• Other electric LCVs: INR 1.23 per km
• ICE models: INR 5.15 per km

These savings can translate to an annual reduction of INR 1.75 lakh per vehicle for businesses operating daily routes of 120 km, making the ACV a highly cost-effective choice for commercial fleets.

Conclusion

The BaaB concept introduced by Bala Pachyappa through ARAM's ACV prototype has the potential to transform the electric commercial vehicle landscape. By integrating solar panels into the vehicle's body, BaaB significantly reduces energy costs and increases vehicle efficiency, positioning the ACV as a game-changing solution in the EV market.