Ankit Sharma

BPCL Partners with Bounce Infinity to Launch eDrive Stores for Expanding EV Presence Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has announced a strategic partnership with Bounce Infinity to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption across the nation by introducing innovative “eDrive stores” at selected BPCL retail outlets. List your business on All India EV exclusive business directory… (click here) These new BPCL “eDrive stores” will act as multi-brand hubs for selling electric two-wheelers, strategically located within BPCL fuel stations. This initiative is designed to improve EV accessibility and raise awareness among potential customers, allowing direct purchases of electric scooters at BPCL locations for the first time. The collaboration, outlined in a joint media release, leverages BPCL’s vast network to transform specific fuel stations into EV centers where consumers can buy, experience, and test-ride Bounce Infinity’s electric scooters. The eDrive stores will be managed either directly by Bounce Infinity or through BPCL’s network of dealers, ensuring a seamless customer experience. Each outlet will also be equipped with charging infrastructure to facilitate on-site vehicle charging. (You can now subscribe to our All India EV WhatsApp channel) “At BPCL, we are continually enhancing our offerings to support the nation’s sustainability objectives. The collaboration with Bounce Infinity aims to strategically convert our fuel stations into adaptable energy centers that meet changing customer demands and advance environmental sustainability goals.” Pardeep Goyal, Business Head, Retail at BPCL. Join our LinkedIn Community “This collaboration reinforces our commitment to sustainable mobility solutions. Bounce Infinity will leverage BPCL’s expansive retail footprint to provide consumers convenient access to our innovative range of electric two-wheelers. The adaptable operational approach of eDrive stores guarantees uniform compliance with rigorous quality standards and operational efficiency at every site.” Vivekananda Hallekare, CEO and Co-founder of Bounce Infinity. Click here for more such informative insights

India’s EV Sales Expected to Soar to 5.9 Million by 2040, Up from 96,000 in 2023 India’s electric vehicle (EV) market is poised for a massive boost, with sales expected to rise from 96,000 units in 2023 to about 284,400 by 2027, marking a 199% growth, according to a BloombergNEF report. By 2040, EV sales are projected to surpass 5.9 million units under the Economic Transition Scenario (ETS). The report emphasizes the importance of India achieving 100% zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales by 2038 to meet its net-zero passenger vehicle goals. It also predicts that India’s fleet of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars will peak at 64.5 million vehicles in 2033, three years earlier than the ETS forecast, highlighting a quicker shift to EVs under the Net Zero Scenario (NZS). List your business on All India EV exclusive business directory… (click here) The expected rise in EV sales is driven by several factors: ╰┈➤ Rapidly falling battery costs ╰┈➤ Advancements in battery technology making EVs more affordable compared to ICE vehicles ╰┈➤ Growing consumer interest with more EV models being launched India’s ICE vehicle fleet is set to peak in 2033 at about 64.5 million vehicles and then decline, indicating a faster transition to EVs under the NZS compared to the ETS forecast. (You can now subscribe to our All India EV WhatsApp channel) The report notes that while EV adoption has been uneven globally, with slower growth in the U.S. and Europe due to regulatory and political changes, countries like India are catching up quickly. The share of electric cars in new passenger vehicle sales in India is expected to jump from 17.8% in 2023 to 33% by 2027, eventually reaching 73% by 2040 under the ETS. Join our LinkedIn Community Globally, China, the U.S., and Europe dominate the EV market, accounting for 89% of global passenger EV sales in 2027. However, India is emerging as a key market with more affordable electric vehicles designed for local buyers. As India moves towards its net-zero goals, the report stresses the need for strong policy support to speed up EV adoption. This includes potential incentives for consumers and manufacturers, as well as infrastructure development like widespread charging stations. The BloombergNEF report provides a detailed roadmap for stakeholders in the automotive and energy sectors, outlining the significant changes needed to achieve the 2050 net-zero targets. The findings highlight the urgent need for collaboration between the government, industry leaders, and consumers to embrace electric mobility. Click here for more such informative insights

Amara Raja Invests €20 Million to Boost Stake in Slovakian EV Battery Company InoBat Amara Raja Energy & Mobility, a battery maker, has added €20 million (~$21.4 million) to its position in InoBat, a Norwegian company that makes electric vehicle (EV) batteries, for a 4.5% ownership. Amara Raja currently owns 9.32% of the Slovakia-based company InoBat. It had previously given the business €10 million to help it establish a presence in the European EV market. Custom-designing EV batteries to satisfy the demands of global mainstream and specialty original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive, commercial vehicle, racing, and aerospace industries is InoBat’s area of expertise. List your business on All India EV exclusive business directory… (click here) Amara Raja offers a wide range of products, including industrial and automotive lubricants, new chemical exploration, EV chargers, energy storage solutions, and lithium-ion cell manufacture. “Our investment in InoBat underscores our commitment to being at the forefront of the energy revolution. InoBat’s innovative approach to battery technology complements our mission to deliver sustainable and cutting-edge energy solutions.” Vikramadithya Gourineni, Executive Director of Amara Raja, said. (You can now subscribe to our All India EV WhatsApp channel) Gotion High-Tech, a Chinese battery producer, purchased a 25% share in InoBat in September. Amara Raja revealed in May 2024 that its revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 increased by 15% year over year to ₹27.96 billion (~$338 million). The strong performance was ascribed to the lead-acid battery and new energy industries’ combined impetus. In the lead-acid market, the company experienced robust volume growth in the automotive and industrial sectors. Join our LinkedIn Community Amara Raja established Telangana’s first gigafactory in the Mahbubnagar district to produce lithium cells and battery packs in May 2023. With a maximum capacity of 16 GWh, the facility serves both local and foreign markets.   A memorandum of agreement was signed by the Telangana government and Amara Raja Advanced Cell Technologies, a subsidiary of the Amara Raj Group, regarding Li-ion cell chemistries tailored to the Indian subcontinent. Click here for more such informative insights

Kinetic Engineering Embarks on Ambitious EV Component Venture with New Subsidiary As electric vehicles (EVs) rapidly increase their market share in India, particularly in two-wheelers, Pune-based Kinetic Engineering Limited (KEL), one of India’s oldest automotive component and vehicle manufacturing companies, is strategically positioning itself to not be left behind. Strategic Investment in EV Components KEL has earmarked Rs 54 crore to invest in a new subsidiary, Kinetic Watts & Volts, dedicated to manufacturing EV components such as motors, axles, frames, controllers, and batteries. The company has meticulously identified key products ranging from electric two-wheeler frames, axles, electric three-wheeler chassis, and gearboxes for electric two- and three-wheelers, aiming to tap into both domestic and export opportunities. List your business on All India EV exclusive business directory… (click here) Commitment to Innovation and Market Adaptation The company has a top-driven mandate to explore all potential avenues for success in the EV product range. Kinetic Watts & Volts will explore the market and strategize KEL’s entry into the EV segment, depending on its strengths and market forecasts. While it has already identified EV axles, gearboxes, and chassis among the key products to start with, the company might add further products for a strong and sustainable future. (You can now subscribe to our All India EV WhatsApp channel) End-to-End EV Solutions in the Offing KEL is actively engaging with potential OEM customers for its EV solutions under the Watts & Volts umbrella, aiming to offer integrated solutions for its potential EV customers. “Some of the key components on offer will be e-motors, controllers, and batteries. Moreover, our objective is to serve potential EV customers, both smaller and larger ones, by providing a one-stop solution for these crucial EV components. We are also in discussion with several of our existing customers to include us in their EV plans,” Firodia said. Strategic Partnerships and Advanced Manufacturing KEL has secured partnerships with prominent names like Kinetic Green, Eblu, and E-Fill, and has completed a dedicated manufacturing facility for Mahindra & Mahindra. The company plans to leverage technological advancements to enhance the efficiency, capacity, and overall quality of its products. Join our LinkedIn Community “We aim to prioritize the upskilling of our workforce in automation, IoT, and cybersecurity to effectively harness these technologies and tackle emerging challenges,” Firodia highlighted. By emphasizing the importance of diversifying its sourcing channels, Kinetic Engineering aims to mitigate potential disruptions in its supply chain. The company plans to integrate IoT-driven predictive maintenance measures to minimize downtime and optimize operational efficiency at its manufacturing facilities. Recognizing the transformative potential of 3D printing, IoT, and AI within the electric two-wheeler sector, KEL is confident of leveraging these technologies for rapid prototyping, predictive maintenance, and enhancing customer experiences. Click here for more such informative insights “This holistic approach ensures that KEL remains well-positioned to seize export opportunities while maintaining a strong presence in the domestic market,” Firodia signed off. Content Credit: Autocar Professional

Jupiter Electric Mobility Reaches Milestone in Advanced Battery Technology for Indian Railways Jupiter Electric Mobility, a subsidiary of Jupiter Wagons (JWL), in collaboration with Log9 Materials, a leading Indian company in deep tech innovation and energy storage technologies, has announced a significant milestone in the development and certification of its Lithium-Ion Phosphate (LFP) battery technology, aimed at enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of rail transport in India. Key Achievements: 1️⃣ RDSO Certification for Non-AC Coaches: Jupiter Electric Mobility successfully completed a six-month trial of its 11.2 kWh LFP battery pack for rail coaches, becoming the first company to receive certification from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO). This marks a significant step forward in advancing battery technology for Indian Railways. List your business on All India EV exclusive business directory… (click here) 1️⃣ Contract Awarded by Siemens: Jupiter Electric Mobility has been awarded a purchase order by Siemens for the supply of 36 auxiliary batteries, each with a capacity of 72.8 kWh, for 9 Vande Bharat Trainsets. This order highlights the trust and reliability Siemens places in these advanced battery solutions. Additionally, the 72.8 kWh LFP battery pack has received RDSO approval, further validating its performance and safety. 3️⃣ Technical Qualification by BHEL: The 72.8 kWh LFP battery pack has been technically qualified by BHEL for use in Vande Bharat Trainsets. This qualification by BHEL, a major player in the railway sector, showcases the robustness and technical excellence of Jupiter’s battery solutions. (You can now subscribe to our All India EV WhatsApp channel) The company stated, “These milestones reflect our commitment to supporting the modernization and electrification of Indian Railways, contributing to a greener and more efficient transportation network. Our LFP battery technology offers superior performance, safety, and longevity, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of railway applications.” Join our LinkedIn Community Additionally, Jupiter Electric Mobility received ARAI approval for the JEM TEZ, a 1-ton commercial electric vehicle, marking a milestone in EV innovation with advanced fast-charging technology and real-time monitoring capabilities. Click here for more such informative insights

EKA Mobility Secures Additional Mitsui Investment To Accelerate EV Growth Electric commercial vehicle manufacturer EKA Mobility announced on Thursday that Mitsui & Co., Ltd. has made a second tranche investment as part of a previously planned phased investment. This strategic capital infusion will be directed towards capital expenditures (Capex) and working capital, bolstering EKA Mobility’s growth and fostering innovation in the EV sector. “Mitsui & Co., Ltd. has completed a second tranche investment as part of the phased investment initially announced, reinforcing their commitment to our company,” EKA Mobility stated. List your business on All India EV exclusive business directory… (click here) In December last year, EKA, Mitsui, and Dutch technology and manufacturing firm VDL Groep entered into a strategic long-term partnership. This collaboration includes phased joint investments totaling USD 100 million (Rs 850 crore), equity, and technology cooperation aimed at establishing a leading global OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) in India. Earlier this year, Mitsui’s initial tranche investment enabled EKA Mobility to establish one of the country’s largest R&D centers for electric commercial vehicles, supporting new product development and enhancing export capabilities. (You can now subscribe to our All India EV WhatsApp channel) “This investment aligns with Mitsui’s strategic emphasis on sustainable and progressive industries. We are confident that EKA Mobility will play a key role in the future of transportation. We look forward to leveraging Mitsui’s global network to promote the export of EKA’s competitive products to international markets,” Hiroshi Takeuchi, Deputy General Manager of Mobility Business Unit 1 at Mitsui. Under this cooperation, EKA Mobility will benefit from significant strategic investments from Mitsui, as well as technological support and an equity partnership from VDL Groep. Join our LinkedIn Community Sudhir Mehta, Founder of EKA (Pinnacle Mobility Solutions), stated, “The ongoing investment from Mitsui and VDL Groep will accelerate our growth, enable us to introduce innovative EV solutions to the market faster, and further our mission of building a sustainable and green transportation ecosystem.” Click here for more such informative insights The company also announced that its order book has grown significantly, with over 1,000 electric buses and more than 5,000 electric light commercial vehicles on order.

Tamil Nadu’s EV Industry Poised for Significant Growth Tamil Nadu produces over 40% of the nation’s four-wheeled electric vehicles (EVs) and about 70% of its two-wheeled EVs, according to A.S. Ramadhas, director of the Global Automotive Research Centre in Coimbatore, on Thursday. Speaking at the opening session of the Society for Smart E-Mobility (SSEM) conference on “Electric Vehicles and Allied Industries – Electric Vehicles, the Future of Mobility,” he claimed the data demonstrated Tamil Nadu’s EV industry’s potential for expansion. In the nation, 38.50 lakh EVs were sold up until the previous fiscal year. 95% were two- and three-wheelers, 1.67 lakh four-wheelers, and 7,700 buses. List your business on All India EV exclusive business directory… (click here) The NITI Aayog had predicted that the EV industry would develop at a compound annual growth rate of 49% till 2030. With the EV30@30 program, India hopes to reach 30% EV sales by 2030. A strong charging infrastructure, as well as cooperative efforts from the federal, state, and local governments, were required to realize this ambition. “India’s transformation towards e-mobility has been an ongoing process,” says K. Ramasamy, chairman of Roots Group of Companies and patron and trustee of SSEM. It was crucial to have access to a strong infrastructure network for EV charging. Even though the central government put in place some laws to encourage the growth of the charging infrastructure network, it was still necessary to adapt it to the particulars of the Indian transportation ecosystem and develop stakeholder capacity for on-ground expansion. (You can now subscribe to our All India EV WhatsApp channel) In energy storage applications, lithium-ion batteries, or LIBs, were rapidly gaining popularity. However, there was a significant fire risk connected to their use. The finest in dependability, toughness, performance, and safety were required due to India’s varied driving conditions and variety of terrains. With a restricted funding of ₹500 crore for four months, the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme, 2024 sought to increase the uptake of electric two- and three-wheelers till July 31. 3.72 lakh EVs were intended to be supported by the program, with incentives given preference to those with sophisticated battery technology. Join our LinkedIn Community With a restricted funding of ₹500 crore for four months, the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme, 2024 sought to increase the uptake of electric two- and three-wheelers till July 31. 3.72 lakh EVs were intended to be supported by the program, with incentives given preference to those with sophisticated battery technology. According to him, stability and ongoing investment and innovation in the EV sector would result from the government’s consistent support. S. Chandrasekar, corporate director of Roots Group of Companies and vice-president of SSEM, said that Coimbatore was seeing investments in the development and manufacture of electric vehicle (EV) two-wheelers and components. He suggested that the State government provide Coimbatore with the necessary shared facilities. Click here for more such informative insights

Coal India Partners with US Company to Explore Lithium Assets in Argentina Coal India Ltd is partnering with a US company to explore lithium blocks in Argentina, according to an informed Indian source on Tuesday. This initiative is part of India’s involvement in the US-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), which the country joined last year to secure a steady supply of minerals essential for achieving zero-carbon goals. In a collaborative effort, India and the United States announced on Monday their co-investment in a lithium resource project in South America and a rare earths deposit in Africa to diversify their critical minerals supply chains. This move aims to reduce dependency on China by fostering collaboration in lithium processing with several countries, including the US, as previously reported by Reuters. List your business on All India EV exclusive business directory… (click here) “Coal India has shown interest in the Kachi block in Argentina, where a US company and two other nations are keen to explore under the MSP,” the source revealed, requesting anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions. Preliminary studies are currently underway. In February, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the US’s interest in critical mineral investments, especially lithium, during a visit to Argentina. Neither Coal India nor India’s Ministry of Mines immediately responded to Reuters’ requests for comments. (You can now subscribe to our All India EV WhatsApp channel) Through the MSP, New Delhi was invited to participate in 20-25 critical minerals projects, with four identified by the Indian government, two of which are in collaboration with the US, the source added. The second project involves the Kangankunde block in Malawi, explored by India’s state-owned IREL (India) Ltd for rare earths. IREL did not respond to a Reuters email seeking comments. Additionally, the Indian government has instructed miners to explore critical minerals in Australia’s Dubbo region, the source noted. Join our LinkedIn Community India has also proposed a critical minerals trade deal with the US, similar to the US-Japan agreement, which would prevent the imposition of tariffs between the two nations. This deal aims to grant wider access to US electric vehicle tax credits for Indian automakers. Currently, the US and India are negotiating a bilateral critical minerals memorandum of understanding (MoU), both countries confirmed on Monday. Click here for more such informative insights

Gensol Engineering Secures Another BESS Project from GUVNL On Wednesday, Gensol Engineering announced a significant milestone: securing a 500 MW/250 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL). This new project increases the company’s order book in this category to an impressive Rs 3,100 crore. Notably, GUVNL had previously granted Gensol a BESS project of comparable capacity. The recent allocation includes a greenshoe option of 250 MW/500 MWh, boosting the project to 500 MW/1000 MWh BESS capacity. According to Gensol Engineering’s exchange filing, the 500 MW of battery energy can sustain power for over an hour, resulting in a total output of 1,000 MW. List your business on All India EV exclusive business directory… (click here) For the duration of the 12-year Battery Energy Storage Purchase Agreement (BESPA), the project, which encompasses both the first and second tranches, is expected to generate Rs 2,685 crore in revenue. This initiative will meet Energy Storage Purchase Obligations, enhance grid resilience, and extend renewable energy availability beyond solar hours by delivering electricity to Gujarat state’s discoms on a “On-Demand” basis during peak and off-peak hours. (You can now subscribe to our All India EV WhatsApp channel) Upon the commissioning of two Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO) substations, the project will deliver 500 MW/1000 MWh of energy, enabling two charge/discharge cycles per day. Gensol Engineering, a leader in the renewable energy sector, specializes in electric mobility solutions and solar power engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services. This recent achievement underscores the company’s pivotal role in advancing energy storage solutions and enhancing the stability and availability of renewable energy in India. Join our LinkedIn Community Additionally, in March 2024, Gensol Engineering secured a Rs 450 crore BESS project from GUVNL, emerging as the lowest bidder for a 70 MW/140 MWh component of a larger 250 MW/500 MWh standalone BESS project. This project, developed under a Tariff-Based Global Competitive Bidding model, positions Gensol at the forefront of energy storage solutions, highlighting its capability in the rapidly evolving sector. Click here for more such informative insights