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Log9 and TORK Motors Join Forces for Seamless Charging Infrastructure Integration Log9 and TORK Motors are teaming up to make it easier for people to charge their electric vehicles. They’re part of the Bharat Charge Alliance (BCA), and together, they want to promote a standard way of fast charging at low voltages for the next generation. This means that if you own a TORK Motors or Log9 vehicle, you’ll be able to use chargers and networks from either company, following the BCA’s set standards. These standards were released by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in 2021 to ensure compatibility and efficiency. Log9 has rolled out Type 6-Bharat LEV fast charging for its latest battery platforms in the 2W/3W category. Type 6 is set to be the go-to fast charging standard for the next generation, with several original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) adopting it. The partnership guarantees that both organisations will decide upon and execute all technology updates—including protocols, connectors, and payment gateways—guaranteeing long-term interoperability. Customers of both companies will be able to charge their vehicles on each other’s public charging networks due to the joint efforts to promote BCA’s LEV DC interoperable charging infrastructure. In addition, customers of other OEMs implementing the IS 17017-2-6 & IS 17017-25 standard will also benefit from access to this combined charging network. “Bharat LEV or type 6 technology introduced by the govt. will help in standardizing fast charging across platforms, and Log9 has developed grounds-up charging control systems to adopt this technology across its platforms.” Kartik Hajela, COO-Log9, emphasized the significance of standardizing low voltage fast charging platforms “We have always advocated the importance of interoperability through the Bharat Charge Alliance initiative and are working towards establishing a comprehensive charging infrastructure that transcends manufacturers and benefits EV users across the country.” Commenting on the partnership, Kapil Shelke, Founder & CEO – TORK Motors, highlighted its significance, saying Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community Content Credit: ET Auto

Hero MotoCorp and Ather Energy Partner for India’s Biggest EV Charging Network Hero MotoCorp, the biggest maker of motorcycles and scooters worldwide, and Ather Energy, a top Indian electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, joined forces to create a super convenient charging network for EVs in India. This cool team-up lets EV users easily charge up at VIDA and Ather Grids in 100 cities, boasting a whopping 1900 fast-charging spots. It’s the largest EV charging system in India! The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) gave the thumbs up to the Light Electric Combined Charging System (LECCS), a homegrown AC and DC Combined Charging connector standard for light electric vehicles. Thanks to this approved charging system, the combined network not only takes the top spot in India but also makes history as the world’s first super easy charging network for EV two-wheelers. Finding a charging spot is a breeze with “My VIDA” and Ather Apps. These apps make it simple for customers to locate, check availability, and navigate to the nearest charging station. Plus, the interoperability feature lets users discover compatible spots for charging. It’s like having a handy map for your EV charging adventure! Dr. Swadesh Srivastava, Chief Business Officer – Emerging Mobility BU, Hero MotoCorp, is super excited about teaming up with Ather Energy for even longer. He thinks it’s awesome that VIDA (that’s their electric scooter brand) is making it easy for people to charge up quickly by using different charging stations. He gave a big thumbs up to the Ather and VIDA teams for doing such a great job and setting a new standard for electric scooters around the world. Swapnil Jain, Co-founder and CTO of Ather Energy, thinks that working together is a big deal because it’ll help set up more places to charge electric vehicles all over India. The LECCS technology, which is really good and made specifically for India, is likely to convince more companies to use it. Ather Energy promises that any company using this tech can use Ather Grid anywhere in India. Basically, it’s about making it easier for everyone to charge their electric bikes by using the same standard. Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

India Becomes Member of Groundbreaking Consortiumto Speed Up Adoption of Battery Energy Storage Systems India Joins BESS Consortium at COP28 India, a participant at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), has taken a big step forward by joining the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Consortium. This collaboration, led by The Global Leadership Council (GLC) within the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), focuses on bringing nations together to secure 5 gigawatts (GW) of BESS commitments by the end of 2024. Energy Security Boost for India India’s inclusion in the consortium signals a strong commitment to enhancing energy security and ensuring reliable energy access for all. Earlier this year, the Indian government approved a scheme dedicated to developing 4,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of BESS projects by 2030-31. This scheme, providing up to 40% of capital cost support through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to developers, aims to lower infrastructure costs and promote public-private partnerships. Collaborative Action for Renewable Energy Integration Saurabh Kumar, Vice President – India, GEAPP, emphasized the consortium’s focus on collaborative efforts to facilitate a positive transition towards integrating renewable energy. Expanding BESS infrastructure is considered crucial in addressing intermittency issues, accelerating the integration of renewable energy, and introducing innovative regulations for grid balancing. Powering Progress in India At The Energy Transition Dialogues (TETD) in New Delhi, GEAPP revealed a comprehensive report titled ‘Powering Progress: Batteries for Discoms: A Market Action Report on Accelerating Battery Energy Storage in India.’ The report predicts a need for approximately 42 GW (208 GWh) of BESS to integrate 392 GW of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) by 2030, mainly from solar and wind sources. Expansion Plans and Targets GEAPP also announced the expansion of its BESS project in India, aiming to achieve a 1GW target for Distribution Companies (DISCOMS) by 2026. This initiative involves IndiGrid, India’s first power sector infrastructure investment trust, undertaking a 20 MW/40 MWh project in Delhi. GEAPP plans to provide concessional debt financing and technical support, offering a unique approach to overcome cost and regulatory challenges. Global Commitment to BESS Consortium Apart from India, other countries like Barbados, Belize, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Togo have joined the BESS Consortium. This collaborative effort aims to develop 90 GW of storage capacity, playing a crucial role in achieving the estimated 400 GW of renewable energy needed by 2030. Future Goals and Timeline The BESS Consortium, with support from various partners, aims to achieve its initial 5 GW goal by 2024 and deploy these systems by 2027. The consortium’s collaborative approach seeks to transform energy systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and speed up the adoption of cleaner energy sources alongside BESS technology. Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

Ford Pro and Xcel Energy to Install 30K EV Chargers for Fleets Revolutionizing EV Charging Infrastructure Ford Pro, the business arm of Ford Motor Company, and Xcel Energy, a major player in the clean energy sector, are joining forces for an ambitious plan—installing 30,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across locations operated by Xcel Energy in the U.S. by 2030. This strategic alliance aims to advance the adoption of electric vehicles and simplify access to charging stations for businesses within Xcel Energy’s service areas. 30×30 Plan Unveiled: A Key Element of Xcel Energy’s EVSI Program Under the 30×30 plan, a crucial component of Xcel Energy’s broader Electric Vehicle Supply Infrastructure (EVSI) program, Xcel Energy will support eligible businesses by covering a substantial portion of the initial expenses associated with establishing EV charging stations. Ford Pro, in turn, will contribute its comprehensive charging solutions to Xcel Energy’s business customers as part of this groundbreaking initiative. A New Model for Scalable EV Charging Infrastructure Amanda Rome, Executive Vice President at Xcel Energy, expresses the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Ford Pro and Xcel Energy are pioneering a whole new way to scale EV charging infrastructure.” Ford Pro, recognized for its expertise in fleet electrification, is set to provide smart vehicles, charging solutions, and software, while Xcel Energy leverages its advisory role in transportation electrification, offering energy, infrastructure, and innovative solutions. Geographic Expansion and Regulatory Considerations The 30×30 initiative, initially launching in Colorado and Wisconsin in 2024 through Xcel Energy’s EVSI program, is poised for potential expansion into additional states within Xcel Energy’s service territories over the next six years, contingent upon regulatory approvals. Target states include Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Texas. Streamlining the Electrification Journey for Businesses “Ford Pro and Xcel Energy are pioneering a whole new way to scale EV charging infrastructure,” said Amanda Rome, Executive Vice President, Group President, Utilities & Chief Customer Officer at Xcel Energy. “Ford Pro is a trusted provider in fleet electrification, scaling charging infrastructure for fleets with smart vehicles, charging, and software solutions. Xcel Energy is a trusted advisor in transportation electrification, providing energy, infrastructure, and innovative solutions for customers’ homes, businesses, and EVs. Together, we are committed to making a real impact on the future of electrification in America.” Innovative Charging Solutions and Integrated Intelligence Xcel Energy will take charge of installing the charging infrastructure for qualifying business customers, with upfront costs offset by the utility provider. Ford Pro will supply Ford Pro charging equipment and offer post-installation customer service and support. The collaboration introduces an innovative approach between a vehicle manufacturer and utility provider, streamlining the process for businesses to acquire EV charging solutions and support. Maximizing Efficiency with Ford Pro Intelligence Business fleets can benefit from Ford Pro Intelligence, featuring smart charging software and connected solutions such as Ford Pro Telematics. This integration allows businesses to access data from both vehicles and chargers, optimizing the timing and locations of EV charging. The goal is to enhance uptime and potentially reduce operational costs for businesses transitioning to electric fleets. Towards a Sustainable Future: Industry, Grid, and Beyond With an expanding range of Ford work-ready EVs, charging hardware, and software solutions, Ford Pro aims to facilitate a smooth transition to zero tailpipe emissions. Additionally, the collaboration offers extended DC Fast Charger options, providing fleet operators with more flexibility and potentially faster charge times. The joint effort by Ford Pro and Xcel Energy not only contributes to reducing emissions but also sets a precedent for future collaborations between energy and utility companies, catering to the evolving needs of businesses in their service areas for EV charging infrastructure. Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

Graphite India, a leading manufacturer of graphite electrodes and carbon products, has acquired a 31% stake in Godi India, a Hyderabad-based company that specializes in advanced battery technology, for Rs 50 crore. The deal will give Graphite India access to Godi India’s research and development (R&D) capabilities and its plans to set up a giga-factory for lithium-ion cell manufacturing in India by 2024. Godi India, which is backed by Blue Ashva Capital, a venture capital fund, is engaged in R&D and giga-scale manufacturing of sustainable green energy storage technology, such as lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries, and supercapacitors. The company also offers recycling solutions for spent batteries and aims to achieve a zero-carbon footprint by adopting environmentally friendly processes and materials. Graphite India, which has six plants in India and a subsidiary in Germany, produces graphite electrodes and other carbon and graphite specialty products for various industries, such as steel, aluminium, chemicals, and solar. The company also has a stake in a US-based company that is developing graphene sheets, a novel material with potential applications in electronics, energy, and biotechnology. The investment in Godi India will help Graphite India diversify its product portfolio and tap into the growing demand for energy storage solutions in India and abroad. The company expects to benefit from Godi India’s expertise in developing innovative materials and cell chemistries for next-generation batteries, which can reduce the cost and enhance the performance and safety of the batteries. Mahesh Godi, the founder and CEO of Godi India, said that the partnership with Graphite India will enable the company to scale up its operations and realize its vision of building a world-class giga-factory in India. He added that Godi India is committed to providing high-quality and cost-effective battery solutions for electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and strategic sectors. Graphite India said that the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed by March 2024. The company also said that it will continue to explore other opportunities in the energy storage space to strengthen its position in the market. Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

what’s happening with single charging standard in India? India is one of the fastest-growing markets for electric vehicles (EVs), especially for light electric vehicles (LEVs) such as scooters, bikes, and rickshaws. However, the country does not have a uniform standard for EV charging connectors, which poses a challenge for the interoperability and scalability of EV charging infrastructure. So what’s happening with single charging standard in India, lets have a look. India EV Charging Connectors India’s Leap Towards EV Charging Standardization: A Game-Changer for Two-Wheelers The Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, which is responsible for promoting the adoption of EVs in India, has clarified that it has no plans to mandate a single charging standard for electric scooters. The ministry said that it is up to the EV manufacturers to choose the charging standard that suits their products and customers. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has approved an indigenously developed AC and DC combined charging connector standard for LEVs, which is the first of its kind in the world. This standard, ISI7017 (Part 2 / Sec 7): 2023, has been developed through collaboration among NITI Aayog, the Department of Science and Technology, electric two-wheeler maker Ather Energy, and various other government and industry stakeholders. The combined charging standard is attractive because it can be used by different kinds of EV models and charging infrastructure providers. It also allows the users to use AC as well as DC inputs and can handle up to 350kW of power supply for batteries ranging from 48-72 V. However, this standard is not mandatory for EV makers to follow, and some of them have their own proprietary charging standards. The lack of a common charging standard can lead to range anxiety among EV users, who may not find compatible charging stations for their vehicles. It can also hamper the faster adoption of EVs, as it creates barriers for the entry of new players and the expansion of existing ones. Therefore, some experts have suggested that the government should intervene and create a national standard for EV charging, similar to the mobile phone charging standard that was adopted in 2011. The government has also initiated separate projects for battery swapping standards for LEVs and buses, which will cover the form factor of the battery pack, inter-operable connection systems, communication between the battery management system and the EV and charging station, and network management. Battery swapping is another option for extending the range and reducing the charging time of EVs, especially for public and shared transportation. India’s EV charging standardization is a work in progress, and it requires the coordination and cooperation of multiple stakeholders, including the government, the industry, the academia, and the consumers. A harmonized and interoperable charging standard can boost the confidence and convenience of EV users, and accelerate the transition to a cleaner and greener mobility future.

Delhi’s Draft Scheme for Eco-Friendly Transportation in Vehicle Aggregation and Delivery Services The government in Delhi is working to make public transportation better. They’ve introduced a plan called “The Delhi Motor Vehicles Licensing of Aggregator (Premium Buses) Scheme 2023.” It’s all about improving how buses operate in the city. The plan was shared on May 26, 2023, and people have 30 days to give their opinions on it. After that, the Lieutenant Governor officially put the plan into action. This plan is for all the fancy buses with a special license in Delhi. It started working as soon as it was announced officially. If you want a special license for your bus company, you need to have at least 25 fancy buses within 90 days of getting the license. The government can change the number of buses you need. But if your company is in financial trouble or gets into trouble with the transportation authorities of any state, you can’t get the license. To get a license, you need to show that you’ve driven or managed vehicles on public transportation for at least three years. You can prove this by having a fleet of at least 100 buses, 1000 cars, or a mix that equals 100 buses. You have to follow all the Motor Vehicle Act rules and submit a signed paper, along with your license application. Your buses also need a special permit to make sure they follow the rules on the road. When applying for or renewing a license, you need to fill out a form, show that you paid the fees, and provide some documents. This includes a list of your vehicles, proof you have enough parking space, and other important vehicle papers. The license lasts for five years and can be renewed if you follow the rules and provide good service. You can set your prices, but they can’t be lower than the Delhi Transport Corporation’s highest prices. You have to sell digital tickets and only accept electronic payments. The person or company with the license for the ONE DELHI app from the Transport Department needs to make it easy for other programs to connect with it. The vehicles must have insurance that covers accidents and provides at least ₹10 lakhs for the people inside. Each bus must have certificates saying it’s fit, along with fire extinguishers and first aid kits. The buses can only pick up and drop off passengers at specific bus stops, and the license holder can decide the routes. They also have to keep a digital list of passengers, show information on mobile and web apps, and handle passenger complaints. If the license holder breaks any rules, they’ll face penalties under Section 193 of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988. The goal of this plan is to make sure Delhi has a safe, efficient, and customer-friendly bus service. The government can check to make sure everything is being done right but will keep any gathered information private. This plan advances Delhi’s efforts to modernize and streamline its premium bus services while maintaining accessibility for all, in keeping with the city’s commitment to sustainable public transportation. Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

Omega Seiki Mobility Unveils Innovative COCO Service Center Fueled by Green Energy in NCR Omega Seiki Mobility, a leader in electric vehicles, just opened a cool new service center in Faridabad, Haryana. It’s big—30,000 sq ft!—with 7 high-tech service bays and a team of over 20 super-skilled service engineers. This place is awesome for folks who own Omega Seiki electric vehicles. They can bring in their rides for service, and the centre can handle up to 3,000 vehicles every year. That’s about 30% of all the vehicles the brand sells! What’s really cool is that this place is all about being eco-friendly. It runs on green energy, which is great for the environment. And get this: it’s open 24/7! So, if you need your vehicle fixed up, you can schedule it even during non-working hours. Plus, they’ve got comfy spots for drivers to chill while their vehicles get some TLC. It’s like a one-stop shop for all things electric vehicle service! Before launching in Faridabad, Omega Seiki Mobility shared plans to open three more service centres next year. They’ll be in Bangalore and Chennai after careful consideration. This expansion is part of the brand’s bigger goal to create a cleaner and more efficient future for electric vehicle users all over the country. Mr. Uday Narang, the founder and chairman of Omega Seiki Mobility, stressed how important these service centres are. It’s a big investment in providing great service. He also emphasized the brand’s dedication to changing the electric vehicle scene, focusing on green energy, smart engineering, and data-driven solutions. This high-tech service centre will not only offer great service but also be a training spot for the existing 190-plus dealerships all over the country. The goal is to improve service infrastructure as the product line-up expands each year. Omega Seiki Mobility is all about sustainable mobility. They imagine a future where electric vehicles are a normal part of society, creating an environment that’s environmentally responsible, safe, and free of traffic jams. Omega Seiki Mobility, a prominent proponent of renewable energy in India, is a major force behind the nation’s sustainability initiative. In addition, the COCO Service Center guarantees continuous car maintenance, filling in the service void during dealership closures. Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

Pepper Motion and Collaborators to Set Up $600 Mln EV Manufacturing Plant in Andhra Pradesh Pepper Motion GmbH and its partners are teaming up with the government of Andhra Pradesh to change the game in electric vehicles. They’re building a big facility to make electric buses and trucks, taking inspiration from Tesla. The plan is to not only convert diesel vehicles but also make new ones, with a big focus on making batteries. They’re investing more than $600 million and aim to start working in 2025, producing over 50,000 electric buses and trucks every year from 2027. They’re using different technologies, like battery-electric drives and Pepper’s new fuel cell-based system. They’re also working on setting up places to charge the vehicles with help from tech partners like Chargebyte. This whole effort fits with India’s goal of supporting new and clean transportation solutions. Andreas Hager, the big boss at Pepper Motion GmbH, gives a shout-out to the Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for the support. He also points out that Andhra Pradesh’s ports and industries are a big plus for making this project a success. A lot of people in India, including state transport companies, private fleet operators, and the commercial vehicle industry, are really interested in this new project. It seems like there’s a big demand for making fleets electric. This company called Pepper has come up with some cool and flexible drive systems, making them a tech leader. They’re aiming to provide solutions for buses and trucks that will stay relevant in the future. India is a big player in the bus and commercial vehicle market, and this project shows they want to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) for a more sustainable and cost-effective option. The official start of this big collaboration is set for the end of November 2023, where they’ll present the permit to build production facilities in Andhra Pradesh. This whole project is expected to play a significant role in helping India achieve its goals of having a greener and emission-free transportation system. Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

Ather Energy’s Chief Business Officer Offers Free Charging Connector to EV Firms Ather Energy is offering free help to companies in the electric vehicle industry who want to use its charging connector, which has been recognized as a standard by the Bureau of Indian Standards. They want to speed up the adoption of electric vehicles. Ather also aims to expand its charging network to 2,500 by March 2024 and is talking to other manufacturers to encourage them to use its charging connector widely. They are open to working with other companies, especially Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), to make the adoption process smoother. The Bureau of Indian Standards has approved Ather’s charging connector as a standard for light electric vehicles like electric two- and three-wheelers, and microcars. Ather is committed to making charging infrastructure consistent and is encouraging collaboration among companies on the charging side while promoting healthy competition on the vehicle side. They want to make it clear that using Ather’s charging connector is a flexible choice for OEMs, based on compatibility rather than being a requirement. This move towards standardization is expected to encourage independent businesses to set up infrastructure without worrying about which EV maker’s charging system to use. Phokela talked about how electric scooters are making customers happy by easing worries about running out of power and making them as convenient as regular scooters. He also mentioned that government rewards for charging stations could go to the companies building them, not just the scooter makers. And when it comes to Ather’s plans to grow their charging network, Phokela shared that they’re aiming for around 2,500 stations by March 2024 and might double that number in the next fiscal year. Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community