Pratson, LincolnDonowitz, Nicholas2010-04-272012-04-272010-04-27http://hdl.handle.net/10161/2155India has yet to see meaningful market penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) into its automotive fleet, despite presenting extremely strong growth in vehicle ownership over the past decade. Projections maintain or increase these growth numbers over the next ten years. With heavy traffic, low city speeds, a general acceptance of small vehicles, and a consumer base that is extremely price-sensitive to fuel price volatility, EVs appear to present an interesting alternative to conventional vehicles. As importantly, the increase in vehicles and their emissions present large environmental and societal health implications for the major urban centers in India that could be drastically improved with the mass adoption of electric vehicles. Despite potentially large benefit from EVs, a major reason for their lack of success in India stems from the lack of reliable electricity in the nation. A dreadfully underperforming electricity grid produces regular power shortages that limit citizens‘ access to power and subsequently reduce public confidence in the grid. This has a deleterious effect on consumers‘ willingness to adopt an automotive technology that depends on electricity, despite major reductions in operating costs, maintenance, etc. This study puts forward that what is needed for the mass adoption of electric vehicles in India is the appropriate supporting infrastructure for EVs. This study examined the benefits of meaningful market penetration of electric auto rickshaws in India, depending on battery-swapping as that critical supporting infrastructure. The study focuses on auto rickshaws (three-wheeled motorized taxis) as a proxy for small cars and motorcycles. Specific analysis focused on the environmental benefits, the economic value to the customer, the technical ability for the grid to support additional electricity loads, and the financial benefit that a private firm might realize where it to invest and operate battery—swapping infrastructure. Results indicate that the benefits of EVs are widespread and positively affect the environment, the customer, and the provider of the infrastructure service. However, many uncertainties exist and further work is needed to assess the optimal localities where this infrastructure strategy may prove viable and profitable. Technical advances, policy shifts, and alternative competitive infrastructure strategies all exist as inherent risks that would significantly impact the viability of such an infrastructure strategy.972770 bytesapplication/pdfen-USElectric VehiclesEmerging EconomiesIndiaInfrastructureBattery-SwappingClean TechnologyMasters' project