NIT Rourkela researchers develop hybrid energy storage system to extend EV battery life

National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela researchers have developed a hybrid energy storage system that can improve the efficiency and lifespan of batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs). The researchers are ready to partner with EV companies, fleet operators and EV retrofit start-ups.

The research team is led by Monalisa Pattnaik, associate professor, department of Electrical Engineering, and includes Pradyumna Kumar Behera and Karan Gupta. The team has applied for and secured a patent for the technology filed on January 12, 2026.

Explaining the design, Monalisa Pattnaik said, “Our architecture contains three main components, one converter to connect both battery and supercapacitor to the vehicle’s electrical system, an inductor that is placed in the electrical path, and a single control system to handle the power flow.”

NIT Rourkela hybrid system

According to the NIT Rourkela researchers, existing hybrid systems might have limited response capabilities or may require additional electronic components. EV battery packs have many individual cells and can experience stress during sudden acceleration, deceleration and regenerative braking.

Frequent changes in power demand can put strain on the battery and affect its lifespan and performance. To find a solution to this issue, batteries can be combined with supercapacitors to build a hybrid energy storage system.  The system will protect the battery from sudden power surges, make better use of supercapacitors and reduce components for improving efficiency.

Pattnaik further said, “Our design is highly optimized for low-voltage EV platforms operating in the 24 V to 60 V DC range. This includes urban light electric vehicles such as electric scooters, electric motorcycles, electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws), cargo tricycles, and campus/industrial utility vehicles.”