Revamping the Iconic TVS Vehicle: The Ultimate Electric Ride-Hailing Solution with Battery Swapping Technology

This study explores the conversion of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, specifically the TVS Scooty Pep, into electric vehicles (EVs) tailored for ride-hailing services. By incorporating battery-swapping technology, the retrofitted EV overcomes the limitations of conventional charging, enabling rapid battery replacement and minimizing downtime. The retrofitted vehicle has a 3 kW battery, a 0.5 kW motor, and an efficient gear system, achieving a range of 180 km per charge. This transformation reduces operational costs from <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$\unicode{x20B9}6.47 / \text{km}$</tex> for petrol to <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$\unicode{x20B9}1.5 / \text{km}$</tex> for electricity and cuts annual <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$\text{CO}_{2}$</tex> emissions from 4.5 tons to 1.2 tons, highlighting its environmental benefits. Battery swapping is a pivotal solution for improving fleet efficiency and ensuring uninterrupted service, particularly in high-demand applications like ridehailing. A detailed cost analysis demonstrates significant longterm economic advantages, with projected savings of ₹7,96,664 <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$\unicode{x20B9}8,41,664$</tex> over 15 years and a return on investment (ROI) achieved within the first year. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) further enhances the operational efficiency of retrofitted EVs by optimizing energy usage, route planning, and maintenance schedules. These advancements validate retrofitting as a viable, cost-effective alternative to acquiring new EVs, offering a scalable and sustainable pathway for accelerating electric mobility. By repurposing existing vehicle infrastructure, this approach reduces dependency on fossil fuels and supports global efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions in urban transportation systems.