"Revolutionary EV Batteries: Fast, Cool, Reliable for All-Day Driving"

The Evolution of Clean Electric: From EV Truck to Battery Innovation

This article has been published in partnership with Kalaari Capital.

In 2020, Akash Gupta, Abhinav Roy, and Ankit Joshi embarked on a journey in a dusty workshop in Bhopal with the dream of creating an electric last-mile delivery truck. As they delved into the project, they encountered a significant challenge that would reshape their focus.

They realized that the key to a successful commercial electric vehicle lies in its battery technology. Unlike diesel trucks that refuel swiftly, electric vehicles required longer charging times, posed questions on range, battery longevity, and safety. This realization led them to shift their attention to the core component that could revolutionize the electric vehicle industry.

Initially a trio working tirelessly on their vision, the team expanded as seven more individuals joined them. Together, they redirected their efforts towards developing a groundbreaking battery technology that could charge rapidly, endure years of use, and uphold safety standards without inflating costs.

Revolutionizing Battery Technology: The Journey Begins

The roots of Clean Electric date back to Akash and Abhinav's college days at IIT-BHU in 2013, where their passion for building racing cars, drones, and RC planes ignited their interest in product development.

Joined later by Ankit, an expert in electric powertrain technology, the trio had contemplated launching a business during their college years. However, they recognized the challenges of establishing a hardware startup and opted to gain industry experience post-graduation.

Fast forward to 2020, circumstances aligned for the trio to unite again, drawing from their diverse experiences in the automotive and technology sectors. This time, their goal was clear: to focus on perfecting battery technology for electric vehicles.

Outpacing Traditional Charging Methods

The pivotal innovation at Clean Electric was achieving rapid charging times for their batteries. Starting with a target of 30 minutes and eventually scaling down to an impressive 15 minutes in lab settings, the team surpassed industry standards.

However, the real challenge emerged in translating lab successes into practical, market-ready solutions. Balancing speed, range, safety, and cost efficiency posed intricate engineering hurdles that required unconventional approaches.

The team adopted immersion cooling, a technique where battery cells are surrounded by a non-conductive liquid to manage heat efficiently. This innovative cooling mechanism not only facilitated faster charging but also amplified safety measures by containing heat and preventing cell damage.

Innovative Solutions for Modern Challenges

Clean Electric didn't stop at just cooling efficiency. They developed the 0Kelvin system, incorporating intricate software to monitor temperature, voltage, and current during battery operation. This intelligent technology, known as Smart Temperature Modulation, dynamically adjusts charging rates based on real-time data, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

Furthermore, the introduction of Hive, a data collection platform, enabled the company to track battery performance in real-world scenarios. By leveraging insights from operational batteries, Clean Electric refined its technology, ensuring reliability and longevity for every pack manufactured.

Field testing proved instrumental in uncovering unforeseen challenges neglected in lab environments. Issues like coolant-water separation in cold regions highlighted the necessity for robust solutions adaptable to diverse conditions.

Empowering the Electric Vehicle Industry

Clean Electric's success story extends beyond technological breakthroughs, as their batteries found applications in commercial vehicles like autorickshaws. These robust batteries endured rigorous daily use, covering substantial distances while maintaining exceptional performance and safety standards.

Collaborating with renowned vehicle manufacturers like Omega Seiki Mobility and Baxy, Clean Electric's batteries have powered thousands of kilometers, showcasing minimal degradation and superior reliability. These strategic partnerships underscore the industry's trust in Clean Electric's innovative solutions.

Shaping the Future of Electric Mobility

As Clean Electric's technology evolves, it aims to redefine the benchmarks for electric vehicle batteries. The company's unwavering dedication to enhancing charging speed, longevity, and safety reflects its commitment to making electric vehicles more accessible, efficient, and sustainable.

What began as a vision in a modest workshop has blossomed into a pioneering operation in Pune, with over 6,000 batteries spanning 100 locations and surpassing 20 million kilometers collectively. Clean Electric's relentless pursuit of excellence continues to drive the future of electric mobility, one innovation at a time.