Ankit Sharma

Servotech Leads Green Push with Solar Powered EV Charging Station in Delhi Servotech Power Systems Ltd., a leading manufacturer of EV chargers and solar solutions, in collaboration with India’s apex solar organization, the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), has inaugurated Delhi’s first grid-connected Solar Powered EV Charging Station. This Solar-Powered EV Charging Station, established as a pilot project at the Hauz Khas Village parking station, marks a significant milestone in sustainable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure. Servotech has manufactured, designed, and commissioned the solar panels and EV chargers used to establish the carport. Additionally, Servotech has been responsible for designing and implementing the overall infrastructure for the carport. Dr. Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India and Bhutan, was the chief guest at the event, inaugurating the solar-powered EV charging station in the presence of Mr. Raman Bhatia (Founder and MD, Servotech Power Systems Limited) Mr. Amarjeet Singh, (CEO, BSES Yamuna Power Limited) Mr. Chintan Shah, (Principal Advisor, NSEFI) and Mr. Subrahmanyam Pulipaka, (CEO, NSEFI). This initiative is a collaboration between the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) and the Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft e.V (BSW), in cooperation with BSES and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The Solar-Powered EV Charging Carport was established under the KVP project framework. The KVP project is supported by the German non-profit company Sequa GmbH, as part of the Business Membership Organization Partnerships of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). This PV Carport introduces a new business model for DISCOMs and business operators aiming to replace last-mile delivery vehicles with an electric fleet. The system enables fast charging for two and four-wheelers in under an hour, facilitating efficient delivery services in inner-city and confined spaces. “We are thrilled to inaugurate Delhi’s first solar-powered EV charging carport along with NSEFI, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban mobility for a greener future. The newly inaugurated solar carport exemplifies our efforts to reduce carbon emissions and enhance living conditions through sustainable technology. This initiative will prove to be beneficial in decarbonizing mobility and electricity through solar energy. The growth of India’s solarand energy storage sectors across various fronts is dynamic, and by integrating renewable energy solutions into our infrastructure, we not only address current environmental challenges but also pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future for all. Servotech stands for innovation and is committed to leading the charge in sustainable energy solutions, driving positive change for the environment and society.” Raman Bhatia, Founder and Managing Director, Servotech Power Systems Ltd Why India needs Solar Powered EV Charging Station? India, with its rapidly growing urban population and increasing demand for transportation, is facing significant environmental challenges. The adoption of solar-powered EV charging stations can play a crucial role in addressing these issues. Here are several reasons why India needs to embrace this technology: Rising Air Pollution Levels: Major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore consistently rank among the most polluted in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution in India causes around 2 million premature deaths each year. Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) powered by renewable energy can significantly reduce emissions from conventional fossil fuel-powered vehicles, contributing to cleaner air and healthier living conditions. Economic Benefits: Solar energy has become increasingly cost-effective. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for solar PV in India is among the lowest in the world, at around $0.037 per kWh. By integrating solar power into the EV charging infrastructure, India can achieve significant cost savings on energy expenses, which can be redirected towards other developmental projects. Energy Security: Solar-powered EV charging stations enhance energy security by decentralizing power generation. Unlike traditional power plants, solar installations can be set up in various locations, reducing the risk of widespread power outages and ensuring a more stable and reliable power supply for EVs. Climate Change Mitigation: India is one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change. Extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and changing rainfall patterns pose serious threats to its economy and population. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the use of solar-powered EV charging stations, India can contribute to global efforts in mitigating climate change and protecting its environment.

Growth of Electric Vehicles in Tire 2 & Tire 3 cities Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer confined to the major metropolitan areas in India. An exciting shift is happening as Tier 2 and 3 cities drive significant growth in the EV market, reflecting a broader acceptance and enthusiasm for sustainable transportation. Lets see, the growth of Electric Vehicles in Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities in India Cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, and Thiruvananthapuram are emerging as new hotspots for electric car sales. These areas are not only embracing four-wheel EVs but are also showing a strong preference for electric two-wheelers, which are becoming increasingly popular. Between April 2023 and April 2024, India saw an impressive growth in EV sales, with a total of 1.67 million units sold. This includes a significant portion from Tier 2 cities. For instance, cities such as Lucknow have shown a unique trend where electric three-wheelers make up 76% of the sales, highlighting the importance of these vehicles in smaller urban centers​. Challenges in Tier 3 Cities Despite the positive trends, Tier 3 cities face unique challenges in EV adoption. Financial support and government subsidies play a crucial role in making EVs more accessible and affordable. Additionally, the lack of established ride-hailing infrastructure in these smaller cities hampers the market’s growth potential. List you EV Business on All India EV Business Directory Factors Driving Growth Several factors contribute to the growing popularity of EVs in these regions: 🔻 Model Availability: A wider range of EV models is now available, catering to different consumer needs and preferences.🔻 Dealership Expansion: The expansion of EV dealerships into smaller cities makes it easier for consumers to access and purchase EVs.🔻 Demographic Shifts: Younger populations with higher disposable incomes are driving demand in Tier 1 cities, creating a ripple effect in smaller towns The continued success of EVs in Tier 2 cities depends on further expanding sales networks and enhancing consumer awareness about the benefits of electric mobility. For Tier 3 cities, providing financial incentives will be critical to making EVs a viable alternative to traditional gasoline vehicles. As India’s EV ecosystem evolves, the growth in Tier 2 and 3 cities highlights the country’s shift towards sustainable mobility. These regions are set to play a pivotal role in the nationwide adoption of electric vehicles, paving the way for a greener future. Join our LinkedIn Community

Streamlined Approval for EV Charging Stations Proposed The government is set to streamline the approval process for power connections to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, a move aimed at boosting the infrastructure necessary for widespread EV adoption. This initiative is designed to address the increasing demand for accessible and efficient charging options as the number of EVs on the road continues to rise. Key Points: Faster Approval Process: The proposed changes will significantly reduce the time required for EV charging stations to receive power connections, expediting the overall installation process. Support for EV Infrastructure: By simplifying the approval process, the government aims to support the rapid growth of EV infrastructure, making it easier for drivers to find convenient charging options. Enhanced Accessibility: The initiative is part of a broader strategy to make EV charging stations more accessible across various regions, including underserved and rural areas. List you EV Business on All India EV Business Directory The proposal underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating the adoption of EVs. For example, programs like CALeVIP 2.0 in California have demonstrated success by providing funding and incentives for the deployment of fast charging infrastructure in both urban and disadvantaged areas​. This streamlined approval process is expected to play a crucial role in meeting the projected needs for EV chargers. Analysts predict that the United States will need to significantly increase the number of EV chargers to accommodate the growing number of EVs, with estimates suggesting a need for over 2 million Level 2 chargers and 172,000 Level 3 chargers by 2030​​. Join our LinkedIn Community

IESA Calls for GST Reduction on EV Batteries, Charging Infrastructure The India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) has presented a comprehensive wishlist to the government, advocating for significant tax reforms and increased incentives for the EV batteries and electric vehicle (EV) industries, aiming to bolster India’s sustainable energy sector. India Energy Storage Week 2024 (IESW) is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from July 1–5. In anticipation of the event, IESA President Rahul Walawalkar has made crucial recommendations to expedite the nation’s shift towards sustainable energy alternatives. List your business on All India EV exclusive business directory… (click here) At the core of IESA’s proposals is the call for a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on batteries and EV charging infrastructure. “We are urging the government to bring all batteries under the 18 per cent GST bracket,” IESA IESA President Rahul Walawalkar. Currently, lithium-ion batteries are taxed at 18%, while other batteries face a higher 28 per cent rate. The industry body also advocates for lowering the GST on charging infrastructure services and battery swapping from the existing 28% to either 5% or 18%. (You can now subscribe to our All India EV WhatsApp channel) While praising government initiatives such as the Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery (ACC-PLI) and Auto-PLI schemes, IESA pushed for further expansion of Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes to cover battery components and raw materials processing. The organisation also underscored the need for support in battery recycling initiatives and international collaborations to secure critical raw materials. Join our LinkedIn Community IESA’s recommendations extend beyond tax reforms, encompassing a broad spectrum of policy measures. These include continued incentives for large-scale battery storage systems, streamlined regulatory processes for clean energy projects, and innovative financial mechanisms to overcome the high upfront costs associated with EVs and charging infrastructure. Emphasising the importance of research and development, the industry body called for greater investment in innovation to drive down costs and improve the efficiency of clean energy technologies. IESA also stressed the need for public-private partnerships and skills development programs to support the growing clean energy sector. Click here for more such informative insights As India continues its push towards a greener future, these recommendations from IESA could play a crucial role in shaping the country’s energy landscape. With the IESW 2024 on the horizon, all eyes will be on the government’s response to these industry demands.

Tata Motors Unveils Ambitious ₹18,000 Crore EV Strategy According to a top Tata Motors executive, sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in the local market are projected to increase tenfold over the next five years. However, this growth will still fall short of the government’s earlier objective of 30% of new car sales. “We took a realistic call based on the current state of ecosystem development. Electric vehicles will likely account for 20% of new car sales in the industry. We are targeting 30-40% of our sales to come from electric vehicles by FY30.” Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Motors Electric Mobility. List your business on All India EV exclusive business directory… (click here) The company, which dominates electric car sales in India, had previously estimated that up to half of its volumes would come from EVs during this period. Significant Investment and Market Share Growth To support its electric vehicle business, Tata Motors plans to invest Rs 16,000-18,000 crore to strengthen its portfolio and develop an ecosystem for these vehicles, Shailesh Chandra said. Overall, the company expects the mix of CNG and EVs to increase and aims to raise its market share in passenger vehicles to 18-20% by FY30, up from 13.9% in FY24. “We will look at increasing our addressable market. Currently, with seven products, we are addressing 53% of the market, and in our addressable market, we have a 26% market share. We aim to increase our addressable market to 80% by FY30.” Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Motors Electric Mobility. (You can now subscribe to our All India EV WhatsApp channel) This expansion will include new model launches and upgrades of existing products. Over the next two years, the company has scheduled the launch of the Curvv EV, Curvv ICE (internal combustion engine), and Sierra EV. Strategic Focus Post-Demerger Separately, Tata Motors Group CFO P Balaji explained that the proposed demerger of Tata Motors’ commercial vehicles business will allow the two resultant companies to better focus on their growth strategies. “The commercial vehicle business, which has so far been the cash engine of Tata Motors, will after the demerger be able to invest its cash flows towards its own strategic goals,” Balaji said. Join our LinkedIn Community Meanwhile, the passenger vehicles (PV) business, which has only recently become self-sustainable, will focus on achieving 10% EBITDA (Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization) margins across its combustion engine and electric vehicle segments. Jaguar Land Rover will remain with the passenger vehicle arm and is expected to become debt-free by next year. The demerger of the commercial and passenger vehicle business is expected to be complete by the first quarter of the next fiscal year. Growth Drivers for Commercial Vehicles Girish Wagh, Executive Director of Tata Motors Commercial Vehicle, noted that the business is expected to perform well over the next five years. This optimism is driven by rising disposable income in the country, government spending on infrastructure, and measures being undertaken to ensure a larger play of the manufacturing sector in the GDP, leading to increased freight and passenger movement. Click here for more such informative insights Content Credit: EV Mechanica

Revised Guidelines and Standards for EV Charging Infrastructure: Key Highlights The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has issued a draft of the “Revised Guidelines & Standards for EV Charging Infrastructure” on June 28, 2024, inviting comments from stakeholders. These guidelines aim to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India by ensuring a safe, reliable, and accessible EV charging infrastructure. Here are ten key highlights from the document on Revised EV Charging Guidelines, along with an overview of the Indian EV charging network as of March 31, 2024. Comprehensive Applicability The guidelines are designed to cover a wide range of locations: Private Spaces: Owners/operators of EV charging infrastructure installed in privately owned parking spaces.Semi-Restricted Areas: Locations like office buildings, educational institutions, hospitals, and group housing societies.Public Places: Commercial complexes, railway stations, petrol pumps, airports, metro stations, shopping malls, municipal parking lots, and along highways and expressways. Enhanced Objectives The guidelines set forth four primary objectives: Faster EV Adoption: Ensuring the availability of safe, reliable, and accessible charging infrastructure.Rational Service Charges: Providing rationality in service charges levied by charging station operators.Proactive Infrastructure Support: Supporting the creation of a robust EV charging network.Electrical Distribution System Preparedness: Ensuring the electrical distribution system can handle the load from EV charging infrastructure. Timelines for Electricity Connections To expedite the establishment of EV charging stations, the guidelines specify the following timelines for providing electricity connections: Metropolitan Areas: Within three days of application.Other Municipal Areas: Within seven days of application.Rural Areas: Within fifteen days of application.Hilly Rural Areas: Within thirty days, with a possible ninety-day extension for new sub-stations. Open Access and Customer-Friendly Procedures DISCOMs are required to create a customer-friendly online single-window clearance system to streamline the process of obtaining electricity connections. This includes a standard operating procedure and a standardized application form to expedite approvals. Safety and Operational Standards EV charging stations must meet stringent safety and operational standards: Safety Requirements: Proper cabling, fire protection equipment, covered spaces for EVSE, and compliance with Central Electricity Authority regulations.Operational Standards: Adequate civil and lighting works, demarcated parking spaces, trained personnel, automated billing systems, and real-time data exchange capabilities. Tariff and Cost Structure The guidelines propose a single-part tariff for electricity supply to EV charging stations, capped at the “Average Cost of Supply” until March 31, 2026: Differential Tariffs: Lower rates during solar hours (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM) and higher rates during non-solar hours.Separate Metering: Mandatory separate metering arrangements for EV charging stations. Public EV Charging Infrastructure Public charging stations are required to comply with Indian Standards and must ideally have a capacity of 7.4 kW: Protocols and Features: Adoption of open charge point protocols, features for prepaid/postpaid service charges, online booking options, and amenities like washrooms and waiting areas for larger stations. Provisions for Residential and Community Charging Residential and community charging provisions include: Residential Charging: Private EV owners can use existing connections or apply for additional loads if required.Community Charging: Group housing societies must allocate at least 10% of their common parking capacity for community EV chargers, which should be accessible to visitors. Workplace and E-Bus Depot Charging Workplaces and e-bus depots have specific provisions: Workplace Charging: Offices can set up EV chargers using existing connections and apply for enhanced loads if needed.E-Bus Depot Charging: E-bus depots can obtain electricity through open access within 15 days of application and must install high-capacity chargers for heavy-duty EVs. Implementation and Monitoring The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will act as the central nodal agency to monitor the implementation of these guidelines: State Nodal Agencies: Each state will have a designated nodal agency to facilitate the establishment of EV charging infrastructure.Steering Committee: A committee under the Ministry of Power will review progress quarterly, ensuring compliance and addressing any issues. Indian EV Charging Network as of March 31, 2024 As of March 31, 2024, India has made significant strides in expanding its EV charging network: Total Charging Stations: India has over 15,000 public EV charging stations. Major Urban Areas: Metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai have robust charging infrastructure with over 3,000 stations collectively. Highway Corridors: Key highways and expressways are equipped with charging stations at intervals of 50-60 km to ensure seamless intercity travel. Policy Support: Government initiatives and subsidies have played a crucial role in enhancing the network, with several state-specific policies encouraging private and public sector participation. The revised guidelines aim to build on this progress, ensuring that India continues to lead in the adoption of electric mobility, reducing its carbon footprint, and promoting sustainable transportation solutions. Stakeholders are encouraged to review these guidelines and provide feedback to help shape a more efficient and effective EV charging infrastructure in the country.

Mobec is transforming EV charging with sustainable solutions Mobec has unveiled its latest advancements in EV charging solutions, tailored to meet the diverse needs of today’s electric vehicle owners. With a strong emphasis on mobility, sustainability, and seamless integration, Mobec is setting new benchmarks in the EV ecosystem. Recognizing the unique requirements of each client, Mobec offers customized charging solutions for residential complexes, office spaces, logistics companies, and roadside assistance services. These bespoke options ensure that clients receive highly efficient and effective charging infrastructure precisely tailored to their needs. List your business on All India EV exclusive business directory… (click here) Unlike conventional fixed charging stations, Mobec’s solutions are inherently mobile. Their portable charging units can be deployed on-demand, providing unparalleled flexibility. This mobility addresses range anxiety, a common concern among EV owners, by ensuring convenient access to charging facilities wherever and whenever needed. (You can now subscribe to our All India EV WhatsApp channel) Sustainability lies at the heart of Mobec’s operations. They employ green transportation methods such as electric scooters for short-range services and CNG vans for longer distances, with plans to transition to fully electric loaders and pickups. Their portable charging stations minimize reliance on extensive grid infrastructure, reducing environmental impact. Mobec’s innovative solutions effectively alleviate EV charge anxiety. Their mobile units offer on-demand charging, eliminating concerns about running out of power and enhancing the overall EV ownership experience. These solutions are compatible with all types of electric vehicles, from two-wheelers to commercial fleets, ensuring efficient charging across diverse scenarios. Join our LinkedIn Community Mobec is committed to creating a seamless charging ecosystem through advanced technology that integrates easily with existing systems. Their user-friendly mobile app allows for effortless locating, booking, and managing of charging sessions, akin to popular ride-sharing services. Looking forward, Mobec aims to bolster its recycling and e-waste management efforts, further reducing its carbon footprint and supporting the circular economy. By enhancing recycling rates and promoting sustainable consumption, Mobec continues to drive towards a greener future. Click here for more such informative insights