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Tax Incentives Crucial for EV Growth: Audi India

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Tax Incentives Crucial for EV Growth: Audi India New Delhi: Continued support in terms of lower GST for electric vehicles is necessary till the volumes reach an appropriate level and the industry can sustain on its own, according to Audi India Head Balbir Singh Dhillon. Thanks to Economic Times for providing valuable insights and information that have been instrumental in this article. Dhillon said subsidies are needed for the growth of the EV segment. “till the time we reach a decent penetration level. There is no science behind this, it’s just a gut feeling that maybe by the time we reach 50% penetration in the luxury (electric) space, we need that support (lower GST) and thereafter it is driven by itself,” Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India Currently, the total tax incidence on hybrid vehicles in the country is 43%, which is inclusive of GST, while battery electric vehicles attract a tax of about 5%. Dhillon noted that lower GST will help faster adoption of electric vehicles. When asked about Audi India’s sales expectation from the EV segment, he stated, “Probably by midterm..next 5-6 years from now, at least, we intend to go close to 40-50 per cent by 2030.” The electric vehicles currently account for just 3 percent of Audi’s overall sales in the country. The automaker plans to expand the product range, and add affordable models, to achieve its ambitious sales target. The company is however yet to firm up plans as to which nameplates could be introduced in India over the next few years, Dhillon said. He also ruled out introducing hybrid models in the country stating that the company remained firmly focussed towards electric mobility. “In our global portfolio we have plug-in hybrids, but at this point in time the decision is very clear that we will focus only on petrol and going forward electric,“ Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India Audi has already globally announced that beyond 2033, it will sell only battery-electric (BEV) cars. Dhillon said the company aims for sustainable business growth in India, focusing on profitable operations that reinvest in new technology and better services. He noted that the domestic luxury car market has grown by around 8% in the first six months of the year. “The festive season is expected to drive stronger growth in the second half of the year with overall sales expected to cross the 50,000 mark. Reaching the significant milestone of 1,00,000 Audi cars sold in India is a profound testament to the trust our customers place in the Audi brand,“ Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India Audi India on Thursday launched the new version of its flagship model Q8 at a starting price of Rs 1.17 crore (ex-showroom). The automaker also announced a sales milestone of 1 lakh cars in the Indian market in just over 15 years. It would be the highest yearly sales figure so far with the best to date being 48,500 units in 2023. Join All India EV Community Click here for more such EV Updates

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Greaves Finance and River Mobility Partner to Drive Electric Scooter Sales

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Greaves Finance and River Mobility Partner to Drive Electric Scooter Sales At the helm of this initiative is Greaves Finance Limited, an NBFC. Moreover, in a bid to see more adoption of electric vehicles across India, the Bengaluru startup River Mobility Private Ltd. is collaborating with Greaves Finance to help more customers own electric scooters. It has entered into a collaboration for evfin—Greaves Finance’s committed electric vehicle lending platform—to make available competitive financing options. By easing the process of owning the stylish and versatile range of electric scooters by River. The alliance is aligned with the Greaves Finance aim of driving sustainable transportation. Competitive Financing Options for River Mobility Customers Evfin’s attractive financial products for River Mobility customers across the country will be easy through this partnership. Moreover, the products are competitive with low-interest loans and lease options that will make ownership via the River electric scooter easy. One of the key highlights of this alliance is the availability of loans that start at a very attractive interest rate of 5.99%. However, a rate that is highly competitive and is offered with the very objective of making the availability of River vehicles possible for a larger audience, at an affordable cost, and thus taking electric mobility to the farthest corners of the country possible. CEO of Greaves Finance Limited, expressed, “It is a privilege to collaborate with River Mobility, a company that aligns with our vision of empowering consumers. River Mobility has demonstrated impressive growth and introduced high-quality products to the market. Through our partnership, we are committed to enhancing the accessibility of River’s products to a broader audience. Our tailored financing solutions will provide consumers with optimal value and competitive deals on their offerings.“ River Mobility Confident in Partnership’s Impact on Customer Satisfaction According to a River Mobility spokesperson, “At River, we prioritize exceptional customer experience and satisfaction. Our partnership with evfin is a step in that direction. We believe this will benefit River customers by offering tailored financial solutions for future Indie purchases.” What makes evfin’s digital platform different from the rest is the ability to close loan approvals in five minutes. However, this treatment ensures barriers that may come about in EV ownership will be eliminated. Moreover, giving the customers an easier way out to make the purchase of their coveted electric vehicles. Innovative Upgrade and Buyback Programs Evfin goes beyond traditional financing by offering innovative upgrade and buyback programs. Which are specifically designed for River customers. Moreover, these programs provide flexibility, allowing customers to easily transition to newer River models or take advantage of attractive buyback options. However, this ensures that customers can maximize the value of their investment in River electric vehicles. In addition to serving River customers, evfin offers a diverse range of financing products, including zip.fin, eco.fin, smart.fin, ride.fin, and protect.fin. Furthermore, these products are available across leading EV two-wheeler dealerships, such as Ather Energy, Ampere, Vida from Hero Motocorp, OLA Electric, Bajaj Chetak, and TVS iQube, spanning 31 cities in India. Furthermore, this widespread availability makes it easier for customers to access affordable and flexible financing options for their electric two-wheeler purchases. Join All India EV Community Click here for more such EV Updates

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Consumer Affairs Minister to Launch EV Testing Facility in Bengaluru

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Consumer Affairs Minister to Launch EV Testing Facility in Bengaluru Food and Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Shri Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, laid the foundation stone for the Electric Vehicle (EV) Testing Facility. It will be located at the National Test House (NTH) RRSL Camp in Bengaluru on Thursday, August 22, 2024. NTH Expands Testing Capabilities with New Bengaluru Facility NTH is eyeing South India as a strategic move to augment its footprint. It is done to get a hold of the electric vehicle market that is yet to boom. However, the organization is setting up a satellite center at the RRSL Jakkuru campus in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The facility will add great capability to the NTH in areas such as battery and charger testing. The NTH, on the other hand, is aggressively working in business to ensure that all aspects of electric vehicle testing. Moreover, this is in coordination with the big aspiration of conserving the environment and promoting innovation in vehicle technology. A Boost for Southern India’s EV Industry The new Bengaluru-based electric vehicle testing facility at NTH is going to turn out to be the southern Indian electric vehicle. The laboratory is equipped with ultra-modern equipment that can cater to a multitude of tests. Ranging from electrical safety, EMC, functional safety, durability, climate tests, mechanical, and material evaluations,. This would be a major facility in terms of full testing for electric vehicle manufacturers in the region. Supporting them with the relevant tools and equipment necessary for ensuring product safety, performance, and reliability. Hence, by contributing to the growth of the EV industry, NTH is playing a major role in India’s shift toward green energy solutions. The state-of-the-art facility center vindicates India’s commitment to building a robust infrastructure for electric vehicles. It will act as a center where all kinds of tests on EVs are carried out. It will make sure that they adhere to the highest standards of quality before they get to the consumer. A Pioneer in Testing and Quality Assurance The National Test House (NTH) is the premier scientific organization in the Department of Consumer Affairs. It has acted as a lynchpin in testing and quality assurance in the country. NTH, with its established record of performance in diverse fields, has built up a reputation as an authority in the industry. It is an empaneled testing and quality assurance agency for many of the most prestigious national projects, such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, Bullet Train, Metro projects, fertilizer testing, and electricity projects. Furthermore, NTH has a very critical role in quality and safety assurance for these projects. Moreover, NTH is the only government agency in the country to have the privileged position of testing and certifying drones in the country, which again proves its expertise in technologies. Strategically placed, testing laboratories are spread across Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Ghaziabad, Guwahati, Jaipur, and Varanasi to fully arm NTH in meeting the disparate testing needs of various industries and government agencies across the country. Join All India EV Community Click here for more such EV Updates

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Ola Breaks Ground: Four EV Scooters Secure PLI

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Ola Breaks Ground: Four EV Scooters Secure PLI Ola Electric has clinched another victory in the electric vehicle arena. The company’s S1 X 3 kWh and S1 X 4 kWh scooters have successfully secured Production Linked Incentive (PLI) certification from the Automobile Research Association of India (ARAI). Moreover, this achievement underscores Ola Electric’s dedication to local manufacturing and development. Meeting the 50% minimum localization requirement set by the Ministry of Heavy Industries. Ola Electric has solidified its position as a key player in India’s electric scooter market. Ola: Incentives and Stock Surge The company has emerged as a major beneficiary of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the automobile. However, the company is set to receive substantial incentives ranging from 13% to 18% of the sales value. For its compliant products for the next five financial years, starting from Fiscal 2024. This PLI boost solidifies Ola Electric’s position as a leader in the electric vehicle (EV) market. With the certification of its S1 X scooters, Ola Electric becomes the only EV manufacturer to have four products – the S1 Air, S1 Pro, and S1 X models in both 3 kWh and 4 kWh versions – compliant with the PLI scheme. Moreover, the S1 Air had previously secured PLI certification at the Auto PLI Conclave in January 2024. The PLI incentives are expected to significantly boost Ola Electric’s profitability and fuel its growth plans. The shares of Ola Electric surged by 4.4% on Wednesday, closing at INR 143.8 on the BSE. However, this surge reflects the market’s confidence in Ola Electric’s future prospects and its ability to capitalize on the growing demand for electric vehicles in India. Boosting Revenues and EV Leadership Ola Electric Mobility said in a statement, “S1 X 3 kWh and S1 X 4 kWh together contribute to almost half of our revenues, and with the PLI now in place, we will be able to further improve our bottom line. Receiving the PLI certification for the premium and mass-market products affirms our vertically integrated manufacturing strength marking a significant achievement in advancing India’s EV vision. The government’s ambitious Auto PLI Scheme is poised to enhance local supply chains, foster domestic manufacturing, and assist companies in achieving economies of scale.” Ola Electric was one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Center’s Production Linked Incentive scheme for the automobile. The PLI scheme was launched in 2021, which had a budget of INR 25,938 crore. Moreover, it aims to incentivize domestic manufacturing of AAT products to encourage investments in the automotive value chain within India. It focuses on Zero Emission Vehicles—electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles—with incentives for car manufacturers and component producers. Apart from the PLI on AAT products, Ola Electric has also won a 20GWh capacity allocation under the PLI scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage. The company was granted the capacity in March 2022, with associated incentives to be given for a period of five years beginning from the commercial production date at Ola Gigafactory, Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. A Boost for India’s EV Industry from Ola The recent PLI certification of Ola Electric for its S1 X scooters is one such major feat for the industry of electric vehicles in India. Successful completion of rigorous component localization testing and verification demonstrates its commitment to fostering domestic manufacturing. Under this PLI scheme, this support can prove to be important in making supply chains local and bringing about economies of scale to provide huge impetus to the country’s EV sector. PLI approval for Ola scooters comes just after the flagship FAME II subsidy offered by the government to the EV industry expired in March. However, though the FAME II subsidy has been replaced by the EMPS, the new FAME 3 subsidy is being worked upon by the government, announced Union Heavy Industries Minister HD Kumaraswamy. Coupled with the PLI scheme and supported by the upcoming FAME 3 subsidy, India’s EV industry stands on fertile ground for continuous growth and for further innovation to be sustained. Join All India EV Community Click here for more such EV Updates

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Hindustan Zinc and JNCASR Partner on Zinc-Based Battery Tech

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Hindustan Zinc, JNCASR Partner on Zinc-Based Battery Tech Hindustan Zinc and JNCASR have teamed up to revolutionize zinc-based battery technology. This strategic partnership will focus on developing zinc alloys for high-performance anodes in zinc-ion and zinc-air batteries. Moreover, creating advanced electrolytes and designing sustainable recycling processes for zinc metal-based batteries. This collaboration has the potential to significantly advance the development of zinc-based batteries. Offering a more sustainable and efficient energy storage solution. Hindustan Zinc and JNCASR to Advance Zinc-Based Batteries Hindustan Zinc Limited has entered into a lead-breaking tie-up with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research for developing innovative zinc-based battery technologies. However, the initiative has come at the right time to overcome the drawbacks of lithium-ion batteries. Zinc could provide a credible substitute by having the ability to allow sustainable and economic options for energy storage. Furthermore, the partnership brings together Hindustan Zinc’s expertise in zinc production and the scientific prowess of JNCASR. Paving the way for the rapid commercialization of zinc-based batteries will herald a new green era. Zinc Batteries: A Sustainable and High-Performance Alternative Zinc-based batteries offer a very strong alternative to the traditional energy storage solutions in the marketplace. However, with their performance, affordability, durability, and safety record in use, they can fit into a great number of applications. From powering critical infrastructure like data centers and 5G telecom to renewable energy and high-end defense sectors. This Hindustan Zinc-JNCASR collaboration will mostly put efforts into the development of zinc-based batteries through investigations on zinc alloy anodes, advanced electrolytes, and much-needed efficient processes for recycling. Moreover, if such a partnership works together, then it can unlock the full potential of zinc batteries as a truly green and high-performance solution for energy storage in the future. “This collaboration demonstrates our crucial role in catering to the increasing demand for alternative energy solutions by being an active contributor of critical raw materials for the development of emerging clean technologies.” said Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Limited. Pioneering Zinc Battery Innovation Hindustan Zinc, a leading player in the zinc industry, is committed to driving the transition to sustainable energy solutions. However, zinc, a versatile metal with applications across industries like steel, renewable energy, and battery storage, plays a crucial role in achieving a greener future. By partnering with JNCASR, a renowned research institution led by Professor Premkumar Senguttuvan, Hindustan Zinc aims to accelerate the development of advanced zinc-based battery technologies. Moreover, JNCASR’s expertise in materials research will be instrumental in enhancing the performance and reliability of these batteries. With a track record of innovation and a commitment to promoting startups, JNCASR is well-positioned to contribute significantly to this groundbreaking collaboration. Dean R&D of JNCASR, Prof. Sreenivas, said. “Prof. Premkumar Senguttuvan, brings extensive expertise in battery technology, with significant experience in lithium, sodium, and zinc-based systems. His research has leveraged the unique benefits of these elements for energy storage applications. Zinc’s widespread availability, minimal environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and safety characteristics position it as a key player in advancing sustainable energy solutions. Prof. Senguttuvan’s proposed work in zinc-based battery technologies, in collaboration with Hindustan Zinc, holds the potential to make significant contributions to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.“ Join All India EV Community Click here for more such EV Updates

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Panasonic supports CAMX Power’s GEMX® for latest Lithium-Ion Batteries

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Panasonic supports CAMX Power’s GEMX® for latest Lithium-Ion Batteries LEXINGTON, Mass., Aug. 21, 2024 – CAMX Power Inc and Panasonic Energy Corporation, announced that Panasonic, has taken a strategic license to the revolutionary CAMX GEMX® platform technology for lithium-ion batteries. Moreover, the purpose of the collaboration is to create next-generation batteries with elite functionalities and sustainability. CAMX Power’s GEMX® platform is a game-changer in the world of lithium-ion batteries. Built on a foundation of over 30 patents granted globally, GEMX® leverages molecular engineering to revolutionize cathode particle design. By strategically placing elements like cobalt, aluminum, and others at critical points within the cathode particles, GEMX® achieves a remarkable balance. However, it reduces cobalt usage while simultaneously enhancing stability, performance, and cost-effectiveness across all classes. The innovative GEMX® platform has given rise to a series of groundbreaking products, including gNMC®, gNMCA®, gNCA®, and gLNO®. These derivative materials are poised to redefine the future of battery technology. CAMX Power’s GEMX® Platform: A Breakthrough in Battery Technology The GEMX® Platform by CAMX Power changes everything in Lithium-ion Batteries. Moreover, it is built on over 30 granted patents globally, it fundamentally converts the design of cathode particle with molecular engineering. GEMX achieves this balance by infusing small amounts of cobalt and aluminum. Among other things, at precise locations within the cathode particles. This decreases the usage of cobalt while increasing stability, performance, and cost competitiveness for all classes of nickel-based cathode materials, including the high-manganese types. Panasonic Energy Partners with CAMX Power to Drive EV Innovation Sachin, the president and founder of CAMX, said, “Instead of attempting production ourselves, CAMX, through license agreements like these can have its inventions rapidly and more broadly come to market for the benefit of society,“ He added, “With a 100-year history of innovation in batteries spanning battery cell technology and business operations, Panasonic Energy has been the power and the powerhouse behind EV and thus the key enabler of the EV revolution now rapidly spreading across the globe. The addition of the Kansas plant to the Sparks, NV gigafactory will keep Panasonic Energy as the premier cell maker,“ Panasonic Energy: Powering the Future Incorporated in April 2022, Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. joins the dynamic Panasonic Group. As a worldwide leading innovative battery technology supplier, Panasonic Energy is committed to safe and reliable power solutions. From electric vehicles all the way through renewable energy storage, medical devices, and consumer electronics, the products and services that Panasonic Energy offers take the world into the future. Moreover, its commitment to innovation and society for a sustainable world sets the group apart. With lithium-ion batteries, storage battery systems, and dry batteries, Panasonic Energy envisions opening a new frontier not only in mobility, social infrastructure, healthcare, and the consumer markets. Furthermore, engaging people, society, and the environment toward a happier, more sustainable world is demonstrated in every business that it manages. CAMX Power’s GEMX® Platform CAMX Power of Massachusetts is an innovator and leading lithium-ion battery material maker. However, among the Massachusetts-based innovator’s flagship inventions is globally patented GEMX Cathode Platform, an electric vehicle, portable electronics game-changer. GEMX massively reduces cobalt usage while enabling performance boosts—making it a highly sought technology for top cell and material makers. With Panasonic Energy joining the growing list of licensees, the GEMX® platform will change across the battery industry. For advanced battery technologies, CAMX supports promising ideas through the best material synthesis facility, a pilot plant for scalability, and advanced cell-making facilities to bring it to maturity. Innovation within CAMX is de-risked and uniquely scaled up through rigorous development, IP protection, and strategic partnerships for mass production. By licensing our technologies to large manufacturing partners, CAMX empowers these companies to extend, make, and sell these innovations. However, this collaborative approach ensures that breakthrough battery technologies reach the market more rapidly. The effort will be faster, and consumers and the planet will certainly benefit. Join All India EV Community Click here for more such EV Updates

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How BluSmart is working for Sustainable Mobility in UAE

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How BluSmart is working for Sustainable Mobility in UAE Co-founder of BluSmart, one of India’s leading ride-hailing startups, Anmol Singh Jaggi, has laid down an ambitious goal for the decarbonization of mobility at scale. Moreover, BluSmart will start its operations in Dubai in June, and the company is looking at expansion across UAE with an all-electric taxi fleet. This would help the company to attract environmentally-conscious travelers and give a tough fight to established market rivals like Careem. “We will have to pay for these sins sooner or later,” says Jaggi. BluSmart has a vision of a cleaner, more sustainable future, and focusing on decarbonization will ensure that. Decarbonization of the UAE shows that it could set a very powerful example to other nations, despite being regarded as a country rich in oil. Jaggi has commented. “If the UAE can do it, all other countries will find no problem whatever in adopting electric mobility,” he said. BluSmart will enter Abu Dhabi immediately and, within a year, make a strategic push in Saudi Arabia. This showcases how serious the company is about making a difference in the region’s electric mobility scene. BluSmart Offers Premium Electric Mobility in Dubai The electric car top-of-the-line mobility company, BluSmart, is currently creating ripples in Dubai with its zero-emission and luxurious service. However, they offer a chance for a zero-emission ride experience in Audi e-tron rides, where comfort and driving that does not harm the environment are the hallmark features. BluSmart takes pride in its assurance of dependability: no cancellations by the driver, and no surge pricing with an increase in traffic or weather conditions. The basic fare for any city ride would be Dh25 ($6.8), and anyone who would like to rent a car for a minimum of two hours can do so for Dh299. Currently operating with a fleet of 30 Audi e-trons and engaging 60 distinctive drivers, BluSmart has an order placed to scale up an additional 70 electric vehicles, which should be in place by this October. Before this year’s end, the BluSmart fleet is expected to comprise 150 EVs and 225 distinctive drivers. Fueled by the demographic and tourism attributes of the UAE, BluSmart eyes a promising green transportation market. Its marketplace sales projections are driven by the demographic and tourism attributes of the UAE; by 2025, the company expects 1,200 EVs, 1,800 drivers, and the creation of thousands of jobs across the country. The target for BluSmart would be around 10 to 15 percent of market share with UAE’s fleet expected to rise from 25,000 to 35,000 vehicles within the next three years. It simply shows how dramatic the company is into believing that they can cope with the ever-increasing demand for high-end luxury transportation means in Dubai. BluSmart Targets UAE’s Growing EV Market The ambitious push that the UAE is making into renewable energy is likely to dramatically transform its transport sector. A boon, therefore, to ride-hailing companies, including one of the newest entrants. BluSmart differentiates itself through an aggressive car electrification agenda. Its fleet and drivers are directly managed to provide reliable service, ensure cleanliness of the vehicle, and assure fulfillment of all bookings. That is a singular approach, says Mr. Jaggi, which would help the company attract riders away from rivals—not only in India but also in new markets like Saudi Arabia. Indeed, all these markets often suffer because of customers’ dissatisfaction with an unclean car, unreliable services, and inconsistent pricing. Green transportation is an underpinning element of the UAE’s goals concerning sustainability. The Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative, a mammoth investment of Dh600 billion in clean and renewable energy over three decades, was announced by the country in 2021. The UAE is the first of the Gulf states to have set a target for net-zero emissions by 2050. Electric mobility is one of the major ways to make the cities smart in the UAE. Abu Dhabi has moved up significantly to take the 10th place on the Smart City Index 2024, prepared by the International Institute for Management Development. Dubai has also moved up in the rankings to the 12th position from 17th. BluSmart’s Electric Journey: From Pandemic to Growth Backed by BP Ventures and responsAbility Investments AG, BluSmart began operations in Delhi in December 2019. The business was derailed by the pandemic within three months, compelling it to shut down for 18 months starting March 2020. BluSmart began operations in Bengaluru once things eased a bit with COVID-19. Today, BluSmart India has an EV fleet of 8,000, over 10,000 drivers, and 4.2 million downloads of the app. It has saved close to 40,000 tonnes in carbon emissions. Mr. Jaggi is a serial entrepreneur and a petroleum engineer. He co-founded BluSmart after his earlier venture, GenSol Engineering, was engaged in the business of manufacturing solar energy. For Jaggi, entering the electric mobility sector was easy because he was already dealing in the realm of renewable energy. “I was looking for a new challenge in clean and green. Electric mobility seemed like the most promising area to get into. In 2019, the adoption of clean mobility was still at a nascent stage, even smaller than what it is today,” Jaggi explained. He added, “EVs make for commercial sense and for environmental sense. As a personal passion of being in the clean energy sector, it gave me the next fillip of what I wanted to do“ BluSmart’s Vision for a Greener Future Mr. Jaggi exudes confidence when he has to express his views regarding the future of electric mobility. Indeed, he expects further development in electric battery technology, which will double its capacity and halve its price over the next 12 to 18 months. He added that such technological progress would provide a huge tailwind to the entire sector, forcing central governments, banks, and companies to invest in electric vehicles. Jadgi sees an opportunity for BluSmart to capitalize on the early-mover advantage. He wants to create a financially viable model of electric mobility to attract investment from

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IKEA Introducing EV Delivery Fleet Expands Make in India

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IKEA Introducing EV Delivery Fleet Expands Make in India IKEA India has made a significant leap towards sustainability. The company has transitioned to a fully electric delivery fleet in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune. This move aligns with its global sustainability goals and sets a new standard for green business practices in India. IKEA India Sets New Sustainability Goals IKEA India is soon moving ahead with its commitment to sustainability. The EV First approach will be taken in all new markets, including Delhi NCR. Further, same-day delivery will soon be piloted in Hyderabad, and the service will be expanded nationwide in the next year. 2019 was the first year of EV exploration on IKEA’s road to a green future. By 2023, the company had managed 28% green deliveries, which is now an 88% electric fleet. All these efforts are very important in reducing carbon emissions and ensuring climate control. It has therefore associated with local original equipment manufacturers and startups in a bid to spearhead this transformation. This will create an economic ripple effect by way of new job creation and the rise of powerful local entrepreneurs. Susanne Pulverer, IKEA India CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, focused on a sustainable value chain as a base for company growth. She was proud to point out leading the EV initiative from its early days in India. IKEA India’s Electric Journey: A Green Leap Forward IKEA India started zero-emission deliveries in 2019 with the introduction of electric vehicles. Before that, the company used 3-wheeled tuk-tuks for smaller deliveries. Over time, it expanded its EV fleet to include bigger retrofit trucks for larger furniture and built a robust in-house charging infrastructure. Saiba Suri, country customer fulfillment manager at IKEA India, said the company worked not only on the adoption of EVs but also on building effective infrastructure, skill development, and future value chain opportunities. Unlike a lot of others, however, IKEA is actively working to expand the country’s large EV charging network. All its big-format stores now have EV charging infrastructure in place, enabling delivery vans, customers, and coworkers. The company’s EV fleet is designed with advanced telematics technology that can handle a range of loads, from 680 kg to 1,700 kg. Through large-scale EV fleets focused on continuous innovation in the area and a push towards sustainable operations through collaboration with the government, IKEA aims to make 100% EV deliveries in all its Indian operations by 2025—the same stride it hopes to make worldwide at IKEA, which aims to become climate-positive by reducing the volume of greenhouse emissions by half in 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The sustainable transportation practices of IKEA are not limited to India. With the company rolling out EV solutions designed around local conditions and infrastructure within many countries, all of which reveal its global commitment toward reducing its environmental footprint, it really does spell a grand statement. IKEA’s Electric Revolution: A European Success Story The company has also made huge strides toward electrifying its delivery fleet across Europe. IKEA reached a milestone in 2018 when it transitioned to 100 percent electric home deliveries in Amsterdam. Now the initiative is being expanded to other European cities, which evidences how dedicated IKEA really is to becoming more sustainable. In the UK, IKEA partnered with Renault to design custom electric vans for last-mile delivery in London. This is part of a broader ambition by the company to electrify its entire UK and Ireland delivery fleet by 2025. Before becoming the CPO, Vinayak was the Technical Director and Principal Engineer at Ultraviolette. Since 2017, he has been leading the development of the F77 Mach 2 and F99 Racing Platform. Vinayak has been responsible for aligning all product development, engineering, operations, and manufacturing functions. Vinayak Bhat Joins Ultraviolette as Chief Product Officer He joins Ultraviolette as Chief Product Officer. With this enhanced role, Bhat will be in charge of scaling the product portfolio at Ultraviolette from concept and design to development and market launch. He will also work on widening the product portfolio of the company. Before coming to Ultraviolette, Bhat had work experience in the aerospace and auto sectors. He started his career as a structural engineer with the Indian Space Research Organization in 2013. He then moved to Safran Engineering, where he worked as a design analyst. At Safran, he contributed actively to some of the main projects for Airbus and Boeing, such as landing gears, nacelles, and components of the fuselage area. Bhat said, “My goal is to craft exceptional products for global markets through our strategy of vertical integration – Specifically across critical elements like the battery technology, drivetrain and vehicle architecture. Our aim: redefine standards and solidify Ultraviolette’s position as a global leader in electric mobility,“ “Vinayak’s in-depth understanding of aerospace and electric vehicle technologies provides him with a unique perspective that will be critical in driving our culture of innovation.” Narayan Subramaniam, CEO and co-founder, added. Bhat co-founded a startup focusing on technology that makes drivetrains and batteries for electrically powered vehicles. This particular entrepreneurial venture provided him a platform to engage further with the field of electric vehicles. Join All India EV Community Click here for more such EV Updates

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Tube Investments to spend INR 3k crore on EV platforms

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Tube Investments to spend INR 3k crore on EV platforms Tube Investments of India (TII) is on an accelerated growth path with respect to its electric mobility plans for EV via its subsidiary TICM, or Tube Investments Clean Mobility. The company has committed ₹3,000 crore over the coming period of three to four years to make this happen. “We have very big investment plans,” said Arun Murugappan, executive chairman of TII, during a recent interaction with TOI. “Of the total investment, ₹450 crore is for a small commercial vehicle project that it is being done in partnership with Jayem Auto.“ He added that TII is also increasing its capacity to ensure that ₹3,000 crore is fully realized by 2027-28. It’s also a strong signal of the kind of commitment TII has put in for the electric vehicle space and the kind of pivotal role it wants to play in the reshaping to sustainable mobility for India. TII’s Expanding Electric Mobility Ecosystem This capex will be incurred on four EV product platforms, including a passenger and cargo three-wheeler, and a 55-tonne truck. An SCV is a commercial vehicle; it is a tractor. “We’ve already launched the passenger three wheeler which is being manufactured in our Ambattur plant in Chennai which has a 90,000 units a year capacity,” he said. The company is currently selling about 1000 units a month. It has also launched the e-truck which is being made in its factory in Manesar. “The SCV will be out by the end of Q2 and the e-tractor by the beginning of next year,” he said. But beyond that, the company is “putting up a battery packing plant in Coimbatore which will also supply inhouse and go on stream by the end of this year,” said Murugappan. This is included in the INR 450 crore spend for the SCV project. TII’s Expanding EV Portfolio: A Strategic Capex Plan Tube Investments of India (TII) doesn’t limit itself to the focus on its core electric vehicle (EV) projects alone; it is also exploring opportunities within the broader e-mobility ecosystem. He also pointed out the possibility of CG Power, a TII subsidiary, producing EV motors. According to him, this option looks good for the company. Besides, TII has been working with other partners who have put their money into the charging infrastructure. Murugappan said they are keeping an eye on how these initiatives unfold. Its electric mobility subsidiary, TICM, is looking to diversify its product offering beyond simple EVs. E-cycles and e-rickshaws are the two products that can make strategic additions to their product lineup. In this regard, Murugappan added that TII has already initiated production of e-cycles and has received very promising export enquiries from Europe and the US. He also evinced interest in scaling up sales of e-cycles in the domestic market. Though the current offerings do not include e-rickshaws, Murugappan says that they are certainly in the works. He also stated that e-rickshaws would be the next product following the e-three-wheeler cargo. Join All India EV Community Click here for more such EV Updates

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How Ola is Launching Electric Scooters with Gen 3 Platform

Leave a Comment / EV News / kartik sharma

How Ola is Launching Electric Scooters with Gen 3 Platform Ola Electric, the country’s leading electric two-wheeler manufacturer, has revved up a level ahead by introducing its third-generation scooter platform. This is going to be one such revolutionary platform where advanced technologies are going to ensure greater performance and efficiency of upcoming scooters at the company. The other major highlight of the Gen 3 platform is affordability. Ola has already reassured consumers that scooters coming out of this platform will come cheap, therefore making electric mobility more inclusive. With advanced technology married to such an affordable commitment, Ola’s position will be still stronger as a forerunner in India’s electric two-wheeler market. Ola Electric’s Gen 3 Platform: A Revolution in Electric Scooters Since it is a structural part of the platform, the battery pack provides stability and balance. This design makes the performance better and safer. The versatility of the Gen 3 platform is a clear high point, allowing Ola to roll out very different scooters, from commuters to performance-oriented ones. The company has also claimed an improvement of 26% in performance and a reduction of 22.5% in cost over its previous architecture. The innovative culture at the company, boded out in the Gen 3 platform, takes electric scooter technology to new benchmarks. Ola’s New Battery Technology: A Quantum Leap in Electric Scooters Now, the company Electric has set another record by developing an in-house battery that will run on 4680 cells. These cells are larger and further uprated than the more traditional 2170 cells, with several advantages. These 4680 cells have helped the company streamline the manufacturing process for the product, which has led to reducing production time. Also, these cells have better thermal efficiency and shock resistance, thus improving the overall performance and durability of its electric scooters. Join All India EV Community Click here for more such EV Updates

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