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BatX Energies Secures Rs 42 Crore in Pre-Series A Funding to Fuel Operational Expansion A lithium-ion battery recycling start-up called BatX Energies has raised $5 million (about Rs 42 crore) in pre-series A funding led by Zephyr Peacock with participation from Lets Venture, as well as current investors JITO Angel Network and family offices of BluSmart, Excel Industries, Mankind Pharma, and other companies. The company plans to use the money to grow its recycling operations across the nation and broaden its market reach. The money will be used to start the commercial R&D for pCAM development from recycled battery minerals, expedite the scaling up of the Hy-electro-based critical material extraction and refining capacities, and start the commercial scale second life stationary energy storage applications (ESS & BESS) production unit. Using its IP and proprietary zero-waste, zero-emission hydro-electro process, BatX extracts 99.95% pure lithium, nickel, and cobalt from the black mass high yield. Founded in 2020 by Utkarsh Singh and Vikrant Singh, the company claims to utilise cleverly used batteries into battery grade materials. With the help of its in-house developed machines and processes, BatX has already recycled 220 million batteries. “At BatX, we envision a transformative approach to the extraction of Li-ion battery materials, addressing the environmental complexities it entails. While these batteries are vital for clean and technological advancements, their current extraction methods present daunting environmental challenges—high carbon emissions, land degradation, excessive water usage, and contamination risks. We are very focused on reducing the imports of critical materials for India and producing them by recycling, thus making India Atma Nirbhar. With this growth capital, we will showcase tremendous developments in setting up industry standards. This investment signifies our unwavering commitment to reshaping the energy sector and circular economy. It advances our mission to amplify efforts towards a sustainable future for generations ahead and job creation for the green sector.” Utkarsh Singh, Co-founder & CEO, of BatX Energies said “Through strategic allocation of these funds, we’re poised to power our vision of sustainable energy solutions. We’re directing resources towards pioneering R&D initiatives, elevating the production of superior battery-grade materials. This investment propels our mission to expand globally and establish micro facilities nationwide, fostering a future where clean energy is not just a choice, but a standard.”  Vikrant Singh, Co-Founder & CTO, of BatX Energies said “India is witnessing rapid adoption of electric vehicles and personal electronics. This rapid growth has led to an increase in demand for raw materials, most of which are imported. BatX solves this issue by converting used batteries into critical materials for new batteries. The company is poised to become a crucial stakeholder in the battery supply chain in India as recyclers will be a significant source of critical materials for Li-ion battery manufacturing.” Pankaj Raina, MDA, Zephyr Peacock said Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community Content Credit: Express Mobility

`Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Market to Reach US$ 347 Billion by 2033 According to a recent analysis by Fact.MR, the global electric vehicle (EV) battery market is expected to undergo substantial growth at an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.5%, reaching a valuation of US$ 347 billion by the conclusion of 2033, a significant increase from the 2023 figure of US$ 63.55 billion. The demand for Electric Vehicle Batteries is anticipated to surge throughout the forecast period, with the market having been valued at USD 91 billion in 2020. The driving forces behind the escalating sales of electric vehicle batteries include the increasing demand for zero-emission vehicles, driven by rising fuel costs, depletion of fossil fuel reserves, and stricter pollution regulations.  The global electric vehicle battery industry is poised to benefit from ongoing developments in new battery chemistries designed for electric cars. The preference for lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt-aluminum oxide (NMCA) alloys, owing to their superior energy density and extended life cycle, is on the rise, creating new avenues for growth. The electric car market is witnessing rapid global expansion, with major vehicle manufacturers entering the market to meet the growing demand for EVs. This influx is expected to stimulate long-term demand for EV batteries. Leading manufacturers such as Toyota, Tata Motors, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai are actively developing electric vehicle models to solidify their positions in the industry. The acceleration of electric car development is anticipated, driven by the keen interest of major manufacturers in the electric vehicle sector. Surging E-mobility Trends and their Impact on EV Battery Sales: The increasing sales of electric vehicles are set to propel the e-mobility trend during the projection period. The ongoing establishment of integrated charging stations and the construction of green power-generation capabilities are expected to further contribute to the market’s growth. Strategic collaborations between e-mobility providers, battery manufacturers, and energy suppliers represent another trend likely to boost electric vehicle battery sales. Concurrently, automakers are driving technological advancements to ensure robust propulsion for their electric vehicles. Insights by Country Anticipated growth for electric vehicle batteries in the United States is remarkable, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19.2% throughout the forecast period. The United States has emerged as a dominant force in the electric vehicle battery sector. The ongoing advancement of electric vehicles is fostering increased competition among industry players, leading to a surge in product launches. Factors such as heightened electric vehicle sales, stringent government emissions regulations, and the presence of renowned electric vehicle manufacturers contribute significantly to market expansion. The growing consumer preference for environmentally friendly products and the increasing adoption of cutting-edge technology further bolster market growth. Insights by Battery Type The market is categorized into lithium-ion batteries, lead acid batteries, nickel hydride batteries, and other batteries based on battery type. Lithium-ion batteries currently dominate the global market with a 63% share. The increasing popularity of lithium-ion batteries is largely attributed to their favorable capacity-to-weight ratio. Advantages such as high energy density, charge retention capacity, and low maintenance have propelled lithium-ion batteries to the forefront of the battery industry. The growing demand for lightweight, high-energy-density batteries to power efficient electric cars is expected to drive the sales of lithium-ion batteries. Presently, all pure electric cars and hybrid electric vehicles rely on lithium-ion batteries as their primary power source. Compared to earlier battery technologies, lithium-ion batteries are considerably safer, and stringent safety regulations are followed by all battery manufacturers to ensure customer safety in the event of a battery failure. Competitive Dynamics Leading manufacturers in the electric vehicle battery sector are prioritizing innovation, stringent quality control, adherence to product standards, collaborations, and efficient supply chain management. Concurrently, major automakers are strategically forging alliances with battery producers to ensure a dependable and consistent supply of batteries. Illustrative Example: ✅️ Panasonic’s Breakthrough in 2021: In 2021, Panasonic unveiled its groundbreaking Tesla-specific 4680 battery cell. Claiming a sixfold increase in power capacity and fivefold surge in energy, the new battery cell is anticipated to offer heightened efficiency, extended range, and potentially lower costs. This innovation signifies a significant stride toward advancing battery technology, especially in the context of compact battery packs. Key Industry Players Key suppliers of Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries around the world include CATL, LG Energy Solution, BYD, Panasonic, SK on, Samsung SDI, CALB, Guoxuan, Sunwoda, SVOLT, etc. Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

FreshBus Seeks ₹100cr Investment to Expand The founder of the bus booking platform AbhiBus, Sudhakar Reddy Chirra, founded FreshBus, a sustainable shared mobility startup, hopes to raise 100 crore in a Series-A round from private equity and venture capital investors next year. To date, the startup has raised 23.5 crore from November 2022 to date, and Chirra said on Thursday that the round is expected to close by March 2024. Established in 2022, FreshBus offers inter-city electric-bus connectivity. To date, investors including TVS Motor MD Sudarshan Venu, Darwinbox founders Rohit Chennamaneni, Jayant Paleti, and Chaitanya Peddi, travel portal ixigo, Cred founder Kunal Shah, and Rivigo’s Deepak Garg have contributed funds to the venture. “By March 2027, we are aiming for 1,000 buses and 40 charging stations across multiple states to cater to 100 cities across nation,” Chirra said. The sustainable shared mobility startup FreshBus, which was founded in 2022 and has already raised Rs 23.5 crore, plans to raise an additional Rs 100 crore in a Series-A round next year. The startup offers inter-city electric-bus connectivity, and the funds will be used to expand its fleet from 20 to 170 e-buses, covering 30 major cities in South, West, and North India by March 2025. By March 2027, FreshBus hopes to have 1,000 buses and 40 charging stations across the nation. Co-founded by former MD of Puma India Abhishek Ganguly, Agilitas Sports has raised Rs 100 crore from Nexus Venture Partners and is developing manufacturing capabilities, product design labs, and R&D centers. Agilitas Sports recently raised Rs 430 crore from Convergent Finance and other investors. In order to expand its manufacturing footprint, Agilitas Sports acquired Mochiko Shoes, a contract manufacturer of major international brands that brought in Rs 800 crore in revenue in the previous fiscal year. The board of SpiceJet approved the issuance of equity shares/equity warrants. SpiceJet, which is facing a financial crisis, intends to raise an additional Rs 2,250 crore through private placement in order to strengthen its product presence, expand its market reach, and build a strong financial foundation. SpiceJet posted a net loss of Rs 428 crore for the quarter that ended in September, which is an improvement over the previous year’s loss of Rs 835 crore. Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

Revamp Moto Partners with Bolt.Earth to Transform Electric Vehicle Performance Revamp Moto and Bolt.Earth is working together. They want to make Revamp’s cars better by adding new technology from Bolt. Earth. This will make the cars work smarter and be more useful for people who drive them. Pritesh Mahajan, who is the boss at Revamp Moto, is excited about this teamwork. He says Bolt.Earth’s fancy tech matches what Revamp wants to do—make cars that are dependable, easy to change, and stay connected. They’re planning to add cool stuff like better systems to manage the cars and groups of cars, smart screens, and a special app for customers. This teamwork should help more than 250,000 Revamp customers by 2025. Both companies will benefit from this. The Bolt.Earth system will bring smart abilities to Revamp’s cars. This means cool screens, a great app, and good systems to manage lots of cars. Together, they’re setting a high standard in cars with extra safety, updates you can do through the air, connecting with Bluetooth, and getting detailed info about how you drive. Jyotiranjan Harichandan, who helped start Bolt.Earth, said teaming up with others is a big deal for them. It means they can share their technology with more people. This collaboration makes use the Bolt.Earth app is easier for everyone and helps both the people who run groups of electric cars and the people who use them. It should make using electric cars better overall. Also, Revamp customers will get to use Bolt.Earth’s big network of charging spots. They’re working together to control all car settings with one system (VMS) and to manage groups of cars better (Fleet Management System). This teamwork shows how electric cars can get even cooler in the future. They hope that by doing this, electric cars will become a regular thing that everyone uses, not just something special. About Revamp Moto  Revamp Moto is an Indian company that develops electric scooters with modular and transformable features. The company was founded by Jayesh Tope, Pushkaraj Salunke and Pritesh Mahajan in 2021. The company received an investment of ₹1 crore from Aman Gupta and Anupam Mittal on Shark Tank India. The company also raised $1 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Veda VC and Venture Catalysts.  The company recently launched the RM Buddie 25, which it claimed to be the country’s first transformable EV. The RM Buddie 25 can be customized with different attachments such as a child seat, a freezer box, a delivery box, etc. The scooter is priced at ₹66,999 and has a battery warranty of 3 years. The company aims to empower India’s hustlers while accelerating the transition to a zero-emission society. About Bolt.Earth Bolt.Earth is a company that provides smart EV charging stations and software solutions for businesses and individuals. It was founded in 2017 by Mohit Yadav and Jyotiranjan Harichandan to make EVs more accessible to everyone, especially in emerging markets with higher densities of 2- and 3-wheeled EVs.  Bolt.Earth has developed the world’s largest EV charging infrastructure and an advanced OS for electric vehicles, tailored for these markets. Bolt.Earth also offers a mobile app that enables users to locate, pay, and charge their EVs at any of the charging points in the network. Bolt.Earth is a leading player in the EV industry, with partnerships with several OEMs, dealers, and fleets. Bolt.Earth’s vision is to help create a sustainable, clean-energy future with EVs.  Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

Hindustan Zinc Initiates Electric Truck Deployment For Sustainable Mining Hindustan Zinc, part of the Vedanta Group, just rolled out new Electric Vehicle (EV) Trucks at Rampura Agucha. These trucks are made for India, can carry a hefty 55 tons, and charge up super fast—reaching full power in just 90 minutes. They’ve been running smoothly on Indian roads for over two years, supplied by IPL Tech Electric Pvt Ltd., a company from the Murugappa Group. Priya Agarwal Hebbar, the Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc, is proud of this move towards greener mining. By using these EV trucks, they’re hitting goals to cut down on carbon emissions and showing how mining can be done responsibly on a global scale. This is just one step in Hindustan Zinc’s bigger plan to be carbon neutral by 2050. Teaming up with Inland EV Green Services fits right into their targets approved by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). They’re aiming to slash emissions by 50% in certain areas by 2030 as part of their sustainability mission. About Hindustan Zinc Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to sustainability includes the earlier deployment of LNG-powered vehicles, with plans for a fleet of 180 such vehicles, showcasing progress toward net-zero emissions across the value chain by FY2050. The company’s dedication to sustainable practices has garnered global recognition, ranking third globally and first in the Asia Pacific Region in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2022 in the metal & mining sector.  Praveen Somani, Managing Director of Inland EV Green Services, emphasized the move towards sustainable mining as a major step towards carbon neutrality, setting a global standard for environmentally responsible practices. Hindustan Zinc partnered with industry leaders such as Epiroc, Normet, Sandvik and ABB to accelerate its growth plans and achieve its sustainability goals. The company aims to deploy battery-electric vehicles, tap into more solar and wind power potential and recycle waste heat from its captive power plants. The company also plans to invest up to $1 billion in the next five years to “go green”. Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

Exponent Energy secures $26 million in investment from Eight Roads Ventures Exponent Energy, a cool new energy company, just got a bunch of money – $26.4 million! They’re great at making electric cars charge super fast in just 15 minutes and guaranteeing they’ll last for 3,000 cycles. This time, Eight Roads Ventures led the way in giving them the money. And guess what? Some other folks who already believed in them, like Lightspeed, YourNest VC, 3one4 Capital, AdvantEdge VC, and even Pawan Munjal’s family office from Hero MotoCorp, threw in more money. Plus, a brand new investor named TDK Ventures joined in too! The Bengaluru-based business was scheduled to raise the money at a valuation of $100–120 million in October to finish its first investment round in over a year. The Bengaluru-based business was scheduled to raise the money at a valuation of $100–120 million in October in order to finish its first investment round in over a year. According to a corporate statement, the three-year-old startup has secured $44.4 million in total so far with the most recent funding, which it will utilize to expand to five new locations by the end of the financial year in March 2024. According to the statement, the business intends to deploy 1,000 e^pumps, its charging stations, and have 25,000 electric cars powered by Exponent Energy by 2025. It also expects to grow its offering in the electric three-wheeler area and join the intercity e-bus segment in 2024. “Exponent’s focus on the Indian commercial vehicle space is a massive opportunity which constitutes 10% of vehicles but consumes 70% of the on-road energy, with more vehicles transitioning to electric over the next few years,” This is the fund’s first investment in the electric vehicles industry. Aditya Systla, partner, Eight Roads Ventures, said. “I was impressed by Arun and his talented team when I met them in their office in Bengaluru earlier this year… This collaboration represents an exciting stride toward a more sustainable and electrified future,” Nicolas Sauvage, president, TDK Ventures, said. “With this round, we’re set to scale operations from battery manufacturing to on-ground network presence across categories & cities, and simplify the broken energy ecosystem at scale,” Arun Vinayak, co-founder and CEO, Exponent Energy, said. Vinayak and Sanjay Byalal Jagannath, two former executives of Ather Energy, founded the firm in 2020. Its technology promises to fully charge a car in 15 minutes, a significant reduction from the standard three hours. The battery pack (e^pack), charging station (e^pump), and charging connector (e^plug) make up Exponent’s patented energy stack. Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

Erisha E Mobility Partners With Uttarakhand Government in INR 1900 Crore Electric Vehicle Initiative Big news! Uttarakhand’s government is teaming up with Erisha E Mobility Private Limited, a major electric vehicle company, to make transportation more eco-friendly. They signed an agreement on December 8, 2023, to work together on creating an Electric Vehicle Park and setting up 100 high-tech charging stations for electric vehicles all over Uttarakhand. The Honorable Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, was present at the MOU signing ceremony, as was Dr. Darshan Rana, the Chairman and Managing Director of Erisha E Mobility Private Limited. “We are excited to partner with the Uttarakhand Government in their mission to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. Our expertise in electric mobility solutions, combined with the government’s commitment to sustainability, will undoubtedly create a positive impact on the environment and drive economic growth.” Dr. Darshan Rana, expressing enthusiasm for the future collaboration, stated At 320 acres and INR 1500 crores, the proposed Electric Vehicle (EV) Park is a ground-breaking project in the region that is positioned to become a centre for innovation, research, and development in the field of electric mobility. The EV Park will offer a platform for the manufacturing of electric vehicles, the setup of ancillary units, technology providers, and researchers to collaborate, fostering the growth of the ecosystem for electric vehicles in Uttarakhand. Additionally, the project promises to create 5000 jobs (Direct + Indirect). The initiative also intends to create a strong charging network by installing 100 strategically placed electric vehicle charging hubs, with an estimated investment of INR 400 crores. This will guarantee easy access to charging stations, encouraging the use of electric vehicles and lowering Uttarakhand’s transportation sector’s carbon footprint. The INR 1900 crores total investment will be spread over ten years. About Erisha E Mobility Private Limited  Erisha E Mobility Private Limited is a company that manufactures and supplies electric vehicles in India. It is part of the Rana Group and was incorporated on 18 April, 2022. Some of its products include electric rickshaws, electric buses, electric cargo vehicles and electric charging stations. The company aims to provide reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation solutions. Erisha E Mobility has also appointed former Indian cricketer Saurav Ganguly as its brand ambassador.  Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

OTO and Flashaid in Collaboration to offer Embedded EMI Protection to 2-Wheeler Buyers OTO riders set to benefit from stress-free experiences with their vehicle financing Bengaluru, December 14, 2023: OTO, a pioneering digital commerce platform and a leading player in two-wheeler financing, today announced its partnership with Flashaid, an insurtech platform (earlier known as EasyAspataal) that provides pocket health cover, to provide an embedded EMI Protection plan to address financial stress concerns for riders seeking financing for 2-wheeler purchases. This will provide users with a safety net for unexpected contingencies such as health risks or job losses, ensuring that EMI payments are covered in these adverse cases. The collaboration aims to provide riders with ease of mind by alleviating financial burdens and enhancing financial security during unexpected periods of fiscal duress. Customers can now take full benefit of this functionality when they choose to get their vehicles financed through OTO as this embedded feature will automatically ensure them against missing out on EMIs due to any unforeseen health-related or employment-incumbent mishap. “At OTO, we understand the critical issues facing the underserved segment where cash reserves are limited, and credit repayment can become a relentless financial loop. Breaking this cycle is a moral imperative and through our partnership with Flashaid, we are committed to empowering individuals by equipping them with the necessary aid and robust support systems to help them surmount financial risk barriers. This is a pivotal step towards our achieving our stated commitment of making financial services inclusive by ensuring that everyone can access and benefit from financing without apprehension and fear of uncertainty.” resources.” Sumit Chhazed, Co-Founder and CEO of OTO emphasized Manoj Gupta, Founder of Flashaid, outlines the company’s partnership with OTO Capital which is aimed at ensuring the security of 50,000+ borrowers and a consequent reduction of 30 per cent in financial stress via the Embedded EMI Protection facility. “Prioritizing customer-centric financial services and acknowledging the impact of monthly loan repayments on the borrower’s mental well-being in today’s fast-paced world is a reality that needs to be acknowledged and mitigated by customer-oriented companies.”. Manoj Gupta, Founder of Flashaid As per a recent TransUnion CIBIL report, RBI research and a Fitch Rating study etc., in 2023, the average EMIs for 2-wheelers experienced a significant spike of 15-20 per cent, attributed to escalating interest rates and rising vehicle costs. This surge in EMIs has created financial strain, with over 35 per cent of 2-wheeler loans deemed at risk of delinquency, according to industry estimates. The potential fallout from delinquency includes the looming threats of repossessions and credit score damage, posing substantial challenges to borrowers’ overall financial stability. About OTO: OTO is a forward-thinking two-wheeler digital commerce platform specializing in two-wheeler financing. With a customer-centric approach and a relentless focus on innovation, OTO is reshaping the landscape of two-wheeler ownership in India. OTO’s mission is to make the dream of owning a two-wheeler a reality for every “Bharatiya”, regardless of their financial background. About Flashaid: Flashaid, through its platform which serves over 40,000+ users, is pioneering non-traditional health cover access for the next 200 million customers. Their technology-driven approach ensures a seamless experience, offering tailored pricing options, and making healthcare accessible to a broader audience. As the credit market surges, EMI protection with health benefits has emerged as a veritable game-changer and has considerable potential to grow. Flashaid has integrated with 5 such fintech companies and 11 digital platforms to provide protection for their borrowers and customers to protect any health-related losses. Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

Hindalco plans to Invest INR 800 Crore to establish Battery Foil Manufacturing Unit in Odisha Aluminum manufacturer Hindalco Industries said on Tuesday that it would invest INR 800 crore to build a battery foil manufacturing facility in Sambalpur, Odisha, to take advantage of the rapidly growing market for electric vehicles. The facility is expected to be operational by July 2025 and will initially produce 25,000 tonnes of the aluminum foil, which is the foundation of sodium- and lithium-ion cells. According to a statement from Hindalco, the business also intends to greatly increase its ability to produce high-quality aluminum foil, which is used in rechargeable batteries. “Hindalco Industries is investing INR 800 crore to build a new plant near Sambalpur in Odisha that will initially produce 25,000 tonnes of the resilient product which forms the backbone of Lithium-ion and Sodium-ion cells,” the statement said. The business projects that by 2030, India’s need for battery-grade aluminium foil will soar to 40,000 tonnes, mostly due to the rapid expansion of gigafactories that are involved in the production of sophisticated cells. “We are seeing a fast traction in battery materials demand, driven by an impressive outlook for the electric vehicle and grid storage sectors. Raw material localisation is critical in such strategic sectors,” said Satish Pai, Managing Director at Hindalco Industries.   said Satish Pai, Managing Director at Hindalco Industries.   “Hindalco is thus making various investments in battery materials and technologies towards building Atmanirbhar Bharat. Investment in this new battery foil mill is another such step in this direction,” he added. Furthermore, according to Hindalco, the company is collaborating closely with original equipment manufacturers (OEM) to co-develop and produce vital parts like lightweight load bodies, motor housings, busbars, battery enclosures, and structural and safety components—many of which are being designed and developed in India for the first time. According to the statement, the investments are what are driving Hindalco’s transformation from a metal manufacturer to a supplier of advanced metal solutions. The government’s green strategy to lower carbon emissions and promote sustainable growth will get a boost from this Sambalpur project, it said. Hindalco stated that the new unit in Odisha will complement the facility at Mouda and further enhance the capacity to supply material to gigafactories worldwide. The factory will be situated next to a 25-MW solar power plant and can access additional solar energy from a 400-KV national grid connection. Cell manufacturers use high-performance aluminum foils as a current collector for the cathode materials, according to Hindalco, which also said that its access to its own aluminium metal, vast expertise in rolling sheets and foils, and profound knowledge of metallurgy provide it with a strong platform for growth. Additionally, the firm announced that it is developing new coatings for battery foils that will improve performance by offering improved adhesion, less resistance, and decreased corrosion. It also plans to use its R&D resources to create customized solutions for its clients. Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community Content Credit: ET Auto

KSRTC Expands Fleet with Addition of 300 Electric Buses Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) plans to install 300 electric buses to improve connectivity to Bengaluru’s surrounding districts. Even though the buses are being purchased under GCC contracts, the company anticipates higher expenses in the event that a central government subsidy is not provided.  In an attempt to increase the number of electric buses, KSRTC intends to purchase 300 additional of these vehicles. These buses will make it easier for travelers to connect with Bengaluru’s neighboring districts and other places that are less than 100 kilometers away. Shorter routes will be the focus of KSRTC’s experimental electric bus operation. It currently has fifty electric buses that were purchased with FAME II funding. Over the previous seven to eight months, these buses have traveled seven to eight lakh kilometers. The majority of buses travel between Bangalore and Davangere These buses go between Virajpet and Madikeri, Bengaluru and Mysuru, Davangere and Shivamogga, and Chikkamagaluru. The majority of the routes covered by the EV Power Plus buses are over 200 kilometers and are mostly used to link Bengaluru to other cities in Karnataka. These buses have a 250 km maximum range on a single charge.   Now, KSRTC wants to experiment by routing these buses on shorter routes. “These 300 buses will have the capacity to run 180 km under a single charge. There will be 12-metre non-AC buses with disabled-friendly features. These buses will have to cover to and fro within 180 km of range. Therefore, we are looking at shorter distances. These buses will connect Bengaluru to nearby districts,” said a senior KSRTC official. Although no tender has been invited, KSRTC intends to purchase the buses under the GCC model; however, officials anticipate that operating costs would increase even under the GCC model. Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community