EV News

Maharashtra leads India with over 3 lakh e-bikes, 40k registered in the last 50 days More and more people in Maharashtra are buying electric bikes. On Monday, the state had 3 lakh electric bikes, the most in India. In the last 50 days, 40,000 new electric bikes were added. Maharashtra is ahead of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, which have 2.4 lakh and 1.7 lakh electric bikes, respectively. Experts said that this is a good sign because people are using clean fuel instead of petrol or diesel. There are many types of electric bikes on the market, with different features and prices. Some of them are very expensive—more than one lakh rupees. With Diwali coming soon, sellers said that they will sell more electric bikes this month. Many people have booked electric bikes for Dhanteras, which is on Friday. They want to get their new bikes on that day. In Mumbai, there are more than 18,000 electric bikes already. A transport officer said that Maharashtra has more electric vehicles (EVs) than other states, not only bikes but also cars and buses. He said that the number of EVs will grow by 50% in 2023, compared to 2022. An EV expert said that the government should keep incentivizing people who buy EVs so that more people will buy them. For safety, all EV makers have improved their quality checks. In Mumbai, there are strict rules for electric bike charging points, to avoid any accidents. Some people were worried about safety because electric bike batteries caught fire in some parts of India in 2022. The central government has now asked the EV makers to follow quality standards. The transport data shows that Mumbai’s EVs have increased a lot in five years, from 311 in 2019 to 30,127 now. Content Credit: ET Auto Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

Amazon starts worldwide program in India to use only electric vehicles for final deliveries Amazon has a program in North America and Europe to use electric vehicles (EVs) to deliver packages. Now, they are starting this program in India with new EVs that they designed themselves. This makes it easy for their delivery partners to use clean and good-quality vehicles for the last part of the delivery. The program is part of Amazon’s big plan to have no carbon footprint by 2040. “We are committed to being net-zero carbon by 2040, and decarbonizing our delivery network is an important part of getting us to that goal,” said Abhinav Singh, VP of Operations, Amazon India. “By launching the last mile fleet program with an all-electric fleet in India, we help our delivery service partners decarbonise with us – and we’re delighted that India is the first country where we can do this,” Singh added. At first, they are using Mahindra Zor Grand three-wheeler EVs. These vehicles do not pollute the air at all, which is good for places with bad air quality. They have a big box that can fit 170 cubic feet of packages and can carry 400kg of weight. They can easily do the daily deliveries. They can go up to 50 kmph on the roads and can go more than 100 kms without charging. “With zero tailpipe emissions and reliability at the core, our Mahindra Zor Grand will not only enhance cargo delivery efficiency but also contribute to improved air quality and lower driver fatigue,” said Suman Mishra, MD, and CEO of Mahindra Last Mile Mobility. With help from Mahindra Electric and other companies that make vehicles, Amazon has used more than 6,000 electric vehicles to deliver packages in more than 400 cities in India. They want to have 10,000 electric vehicles in their India fleet by 2025. Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

Okaya EV Chargers invests Rs 125 crore with Indian Oil to set 2,550 chargers across India Okaya EV Chargers, a leading electric vehicle charging solutions company, has announced that it has partnered with Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) to install 2,550 EV chargers nationwide. This is a major step towards creating a sustainable ecosystem for electric vehicles in India. The collaboration will cover more than 20 states and offer a variety of high and low-voltage chargers, including the 3.3KW Charger, 7.4KW Charger, 30 KW Wall Mounted CCS2 DC Fast Charger, and 60 KW CCS2 DC Fast Charger. All our chargers are equipped with multiple safety features, such as over voltage, under voltage, over current, short circuit, surge protection, over temperature, ground fault protection, residual current, and emergency shutdown with an alert system. This initiative involves an investment of Rs 125 crore, demonstrating the strong commitment of both Okaya EV Chargers and IOCL to support the government’s vision of cleaner transportation. We have already installed more than 2,000 chargers across the country, and we are looking forward to empowering more EV users with our convenient and efficient charging solutions. Dr Anshul Gupta, MD, Okaya EV Chargers said, “This partnership aligns with our vision of creating a sustainable ecosystem for electric vehicles in India. Our advanced charging solutions will empower EV users with convenient and efficient charging options.”  About Okaya Okaya EV charger is equipment specifically designed to recharge electric vehicles. It is a product of Okaya Group, which is a leading battery manufacturer and EV charging supplier in India. Okaya EV chargers are compatible with various charging standards, such as Bharat AC001, Type-2 AC, CCS-2, CHAdeMO, and GB/T. Okaya EV chargers can provide both AC and DC charging options, with output voltage ranging from 230V to 1000V.  Content Credit: express mobility Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

ElectroRide, a multi-brand e-mobility product solutions company, has announced its collaboration with Uber and Jubilant FoodWorks to provide customized and cost-efficient electric vehicles for their delivery and ride-hailing services. ElectroRide is a subsidiary of Goenka Green, which also offers motorcycles, three-wheelers, and eco-mobility solutions. The company has a strategic partnership with HCD India, which has been delivering to leading logistics service providers such as DHL and Delhivery. ElectroRide’s electric vehicles are designed to meet the specific needs of Uber and Jubilant FoodWorks, which owns brands like Domino’s and Hong’s Kitchen. The company claims that its electric vehicles are sustainable, convenient, and offer an exceptional customer experience. ElectroRide also provides after-sales support and is actively participating in developing and deploying e-vehicle charging infrastructure across the country. “Our shared commitment to sustainability, convenience, and an exceptional customer experience makes this partnership truly special”. Raghav Nanda, founder and CEO, of HCD India, said, “Our commitment to providing the right type of electric vehicles, paired with a rapid service model aligns with the industry’s needs, and positions our vehicles for significant growth and success in the electric mobility sector.” Tanuj Jain, Director and co-founder, of Goenka Green ElectroRide has ambitious plans to expand its presence in the Indian market. “We are eyeing to expand 2500 EV stores across India in the next 5 years. Further, we plan to introduce 10,000 electric vehicles on Indian roads within the next 2 years under the last-mile mobility wing and become the largest chain of multi-brand electronic vehicles that cater to B2B customers. Our mission is to break market barriers for all big giants in the mobility segment and cater to more such brands.” Rajendra Goenka, founder and Chairman, of Goenka Green About Goenka Green Goenka Green is a private limited company that was incorporated on 14 December, 2021. It is based in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and has a vision to provide innovative and eco-friendly mobility solutions to the Indian market. Goenka Green is led by Rajendra Goenka, the founder and Chairman, and Tanuj Jain, the Director and Co-founder. Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

Gogoro partners with HPCL to set battery swapping stations across India Gogoro, a global leader in battery-swapping ecosystems for electric two-wheelers, has signed a deal with HPCL, one of India’s major oil companies, to develop a network of battery-swapping stations across the country. The partnership aims to support India’s electric transformation of its urban two-wheel transportation system and provide a sustainable and accessible mobility solution for cities. The two companies have agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will enable Gogoro to roll out thousands of its battery-swapping stations at HPCL’s 21,000 retail outlets in the coming years. The battery swapping stations will allow electric two-wheeler riders to exchange their depleted batteries for fully charged ones in seconds, eliminating the need for long charging times and reducing the demand for grid electricity. Gogoro, which is listed on Nasdaq, has already established a successful battery swapping and vehicle platform in Taiwan, where it has more than 1.3 million smart batteries in circulation and more than 600,000 riders. The company has also expanded its presence in other markets, such as China, the Philippines, South Korea, and Italy, where it has partnered with Enel X to integrate its battery-swapping stations into a virtual power plant. “There is nowhere on earth that needs smart electric transportation more than India, and Gogoro is joining together with the Indian business community and national and local governments to deploy a battery swapping and electric vehicle ecosystem that is open, accessible and scalable.” Horace Luke, founder and CEO of Gogoro “HPCL and Gogoro are partnering to develop a broad battery swapping infrastructure for two-wheel vehicles that will both grow and sustain a leading electric vehicle ecosystem in India that is safe, clean and readily available across India’s cities.” DK Sharman, Executive Director, Corporate Strategy and Business Development at HPCL Gogoro and HPCL’s partnership is expected to boost the adoption of electric two-wheelers in India, which is one of the largest markets for two-wheelers in the world, with more than 200 million vehicles on the road. The Indian government has also announced various incentives and policies to promote electric mobility, such as the FAME II scheme and the PLI scheme. About Gogoro: Gogoro is a Taiwanese company that specializes in electric two-wheelers and battery swapping systems. It has developed its own line of smart scooters that run on its network of battery swapping stations, which allow riders to exchange their batteries in seconds. Gogoro also partners with other vehicle makers to provide its technology and platform. Gogoro aims to promote urban sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transforming the transportation system. Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

Indian States EV policies: How Indian states are driving the e-mobility revolution in 2023 Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity in India, as they offer a cleaner, greener, and more efficient alternative to conventional vehicles. The central government has launched several policies and schemes to support the adoption and manufacturing of EVs, such as FAME-II, PLI, and Battery Swapping.  However, the role of the states is equally crucial, as they have the authority and responsibility to implement the policies and create a conducive environment for e-mobility. According to a report by NITI Aayog and Rocky Mountain Institute, India can save 64% of anticipated road-based mobility-related energy demand and 37% of carbon emissions by 2030 by pursuing a shared, electric, and connected mobility future. This would result in a reduction of 156 Mtoe (million tonne of oil equivalent) in diesel and petrol consumption for that year and net savings of roughly Rs 3.9 lakh crore (approximately US$60 billion) in 2030. To achieve this vision, many states have taken proactive steps to formulate and implement EV policies that provide various incentives and support measures for EV adoption, such as demand creation, supply-side incentives, charging infrastructure development, and awareness campaigns.  As of now, about 50% of Indian states have EV state policies. The following is a brief overview of some of the key state EV policies in India and their status in 2023: Maharashtra: The Maharashtra EV policy 2021 aims to accelerate the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to contribute 10% of the registration of new vehicles by 2025. The policy offers incentives of Rs 5000/kWh for all EV categories, with a maximum subsidy of Rs 10,000 for electric two-wheelers, Rs 30,000 for electric three-wheelers, Rs 1.5 lakh for electric four-wheelers, and Rs 20 lakh for electric buses. The policy also provides additional incentives for early adopters, scrapping of old vehicles, and delivery of a five-year battery warranty by manufacturers. Moreover, the policy mandates that all new home and workplace parking should have 20% EV charging points and that all government vehicles will be electric within the next 10 years. As of October 2023, Maharashtra has registered over 3 lakh EVs, the highest among all states, and has installed over 1000 public charging stations across the state. Delhi: The Delhi EV policy 2020 aims to make 25% of all new vehicle registrations electric by 2024. The policy offers various incentives and subsidies for EV buyers, such as waiving road tax, registration fee, and parking charges, as well as providing cashback of up to Rs 30,000 for electric two-wheelers and Rs 1.5 lakh for electric four-wheelers. The policy also provides incentives for EV aggregators, fleet operators, and e-commerce and delivery companies to switch to electric vehicles. Furthermore, the policy aims to create a network of 200 public charging and battery swapping stations in Delhi and to develop a skilled workforce for the EV sector. As of October 2023, Delhi has registered over 1.5 lakh EVs, the second highest among all states, and has achieved 100% electrification of its public transport fleet. Karnataka: The Karnataka EV policy 2017-18 targets to achieve 100% e-mobility in the state’s public transport fleet by 2030. The policy provides incentives for EV manufacturers, such as capital subsidy, concessional power tariff, tax exemption, and land allotment. The policy also aims to create a network of charging stations across the state and to develop a skilled workforce for the EV sector. As of October 2023, Karnataka has registered over 1 lakh EVs, the third highest among all states, and has attracted over Rs 10,000 crore of investment in the EV manufacturing sector. Gujarat: The Gujarat EV policy 2021 aims to have 2 lakh EVs on the road in the next four years. The policy offers subsidies of Rs 10,000/kWh for electric two-wheelers, Rs 50,000/kWh for electric three-wheelers, and Rs 1.5 lakh/kWh for electric four-wheelers, with a maximum subsidy of Rs 20,000, Rs 1.5 lakh, and Rs 10 lakh, respectively. The policy also provides incentives for setting up charging stations and manufacturing units in the state. As of October 2023, Gujarat has registered over 50,000 EVs, the fourth highest among all states, and has installed over 500 public charging stations across the state. EV Policies of other States of India Andhra Pradesh: The state has a comprehensive EV policy that aims to have 10 lakh EVs on the road by 2024, and to establish 100,000 charging stations by then. The state also offers full reimbursement of road tax and registration fees on EVs until 2024, and subsidies for setting up EV manufacturing units and charging stations. Kerala: The state has an ambitious EV policy that aims to have one million EVs on the road by 2022, and 6,000 e-buses by 2025. The state also offers viability gap funding in public transport vehicle procurement and operation, toll-charge exemption, and free permits for fleet drivers and free parking for EVs. The state also plans to develop charging stations using solar and other forms of renewable energy. Tamil Nadu: The state has a progressive EV policy that aims to attract Rs 50,000 crore of investment and create 1.5 lakh jobs in the EV sector by 2025. The state also offers reduced GST and interest-free loans for OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), and subsidies for setting up EV manufacturing units and charging stations. The state also plans to enable fuel stations to set up EV charging facilities. Telangana: The state has a pragmatic EV policy that aims to make 80% of all new vehicle registrations electric by 2030. The state also offers capital subsidy, concessional power tariff, tax exemption, and land allotment for EV manufacturers. The state also plans to create a network of charging stations across the state and to develop a skilled workforce for the EV sector. Uttar Pradesh: The state has a visionary EV policy that aims to have 1 million EVs on the road by 2024, and to generate 50,000 jobs in the EV sector by then. The state also offers subsidies for EV buyers, manufacturers, and

Amara Raja Reports 12.5% YoY Profit Growth in Q2 FY24 Due to Higher Sales Volume Amara Raja Energy & Mobility made a profit of ₹2.26 billion (~$27.1 million) in Q2 of FY 2024. This was 12.5% more than the ₹2 billion (~$24.1 million) they made in the same quarter last year. They also earned ₹29.59 billion (~$355.3 million) in Q2, which was 9.6% more than the ₹27 billion (~$324.2 million) they earned in Q2 of FY 2023.  They sold more products in the car, telecom, and UPS markets. Their new energy business also did well. They make different kinds of products, such as batteries, battery cells, EV chargers, battery packs, lubricants, and new chemicals. They made ₹28.09 billion (~$337.3 million) from their lead-acid batteries alone. This was 6.4% more than the ₹26.39 billion (~$316.9 million) they made from them last year.  “In the New Energy segment, we have seen healthy growth from chargers and increasing interest in cells and battery packs. Our work on the Gigafactory and e+ Energy Labs, the advanced energy research and innovation center, is progressing smoothly, and we are keeping a close eye on the evolving market conditions in this space,” . Vikramadithya Gourineni, Executive Director of New Energy Business They will also get some benefits from the government, such as subsidies and incentives worth more than ₹500 billion (~$6 billion). They also see that more people want to buy electric vehicles (EVs). This will help them grow in some markets. They have a big plan to build a Giga Corridor in Telangana, along with an E+ve Energy Labs in Hyderabad. They have got 262 acres of land for this. They want to make 16 GWh of cell capacity in the next 10 years.  They hope to start selling their products by FY26. 1H 2023 In the first half (1H) of the year, Amara Raja made a profit of ₹4.18 billion (~$50.1 million). This was 25.6% more than the ₹3.33 billion (~$39.9 million) they made in the first half of last year. They also earned ₹57.55 billion (~$691.1 million) in the first half of the year, which was 8.2% more than the ₹53.21 million (~$638,977) they earned in the first half of last year. Their EBITDA was ₹7.54 billion (~$90.5 million), which was 21.6% more than last year. They have started building Telangana’s first gigafactory for making battery cells and packs in Mahbubnagar district. As per Mercom, Amara Raja worked with Tirupati Municipal Corporation to set up EV charging stations and battery swapping stations in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Amara Raja Group also won a part of a project from NTPC, a power company. The project is to build a 735 (3*245) MW solar plant in Nokh, Rajasthan. Amara Raja Group won the second part of the project, which is 245 MW, by bidding ₹17.14 million (~$228,656)/MW. Content Credit: Mercom Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

Joy e-bike opens over 100 showrooms across India Joy e-bike, a prominent brand under Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd., has successfully launched over 100 exclusive distributor showrooms across India within a span of just six months. These showrooms are strategically located in various states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. The showrooms showcase a diverse range of both low and high-speed electric two-wheelers. Notably, the MIHOS, a high-speed electric scooter built with Poly Dicyclopentadiene Material (PDCPD) for enhanced durability and performance, is one of the recent additions to their product lineup. Yatin Gupte, Chairman and Managing Director of Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd, said, “Being one of the first promoters of electric mobility in India and inaugurating 100+ distributor showrooms in six months is a true testament to our commitment to delivering the finest customer experiences and streamlining our supply chain. We are devoted to building robust relationships with our taluka-level dealers and transforming the electric two-wheeler industry, creating enduring connections with customers nationwide. Through our state-of-the-art facilities and sales and service resources, we aim to provide a seamless purchasing and ownership experience for our customers.” Yatin Gupte, Chairman and Managing Director of Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd The premium showrooms are designed to provide an immersive experience for customers, guided by dedicated experts, aligning with the company’s mission to prioritize consumers. The expansion aims to meet the growing demand for e-bikes in the country. About Joy e-bike Joy e-bike is a leading name in the electric two-wheeler industry, known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. The brand has been at the forefront of promoting eco-friendly transportation solutions, offering a range of electric bikes that cater to the diverse needs of the Indian market. With a focus on performance, durability, and style, Joy e-bike has carved a niche for itself, setting new benchmarks in the electric mobility sector. Their dedication to customer satisfaction, combined with their state-of-the-art products, makes them a preferred choice for many looking for an environmentally conscious mode of transportation. Click here for more such informative insights

Raymond Dives into Aerospace, Defense, and EV Sectors with a Whopping Rs 682 Crore Purchase Raymond Group is buying 59.25 percent of Maini Precision Products Limited (MPPL) for Rs 682 crore. MPPL makes products for aerospace, electric vehicles, and defense. Raymond will pay with debt and its own money. “This acquisition will catapult the growth of our Engineering business and will open new vistas to us for our foray into rapidly growing segments like Aerospace, Defense, EV…These are growing sectors with visible momentum presenting us with ample opportunities to leverage,” said Gautam Hari Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, Raymond. The new company will have a revenue of Rs 1600 crore and an EBIDTA of Rs 220 crore in FY23. Gautam Maini, the founder of MPPL, will lead the new company. The new company will serve global customers in aerospace, defense, auto and industrial sectors. Gautam Hari Singhania, the boss of Raymond, said this deal will boost the growth of its engineering business. He said aerospace, defense, and electric vehicles are sectors with a lot of potential. MPPL has two businesses: aerospace and automotive/industrial. It makes products for aerospace and defense, as well as for engines, transmissions, electric vehicles, hydraulics, and agriculture. It has 11 factories in India. “I am delighted to lead Raymond’s consolidated engineering business. Leveraging our core competencies, this partnership will usher in myriad opportunities for rapid growth and expansion, affording us a competitive edge in both international and domestic markets,” Gautam Maini said. MPPL gets 70 percent of its revenue from exports. It made Rs 750 crore in FY23 with 13 percent EBITDA margin. The deal needs approval from regulators. It is expected to be done in this financial year. Raymond has been changing its business in the last few years. It has entered new businesses and sold some old ones. It sold its consumer care business to Godrej. It separated its lifestyle business. It also started a real estate business. “With strong free cash generation and no major capex requirement, Raymond group will remain net cash positive post the transaction,” said Raymond. Shares of Raymomd rose over 4 percent to Rs 1,888.20 on BSE following the announcement. Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community

Reasons Behind Indian Railways’ Limitations on Lithium and Li-ion Battery Transport in Leased Train Compartments The Indian Railways does not allow lithium and lithium-ion batteries to be carried in rented spaces of trains. These batteries are used in many things like electric cars, laptops, and phones. If they are not recycled, they can harm the environment and waste useful materials. The railways’ parcel service can move these things, but it needs some rules. The report says that the railways need to know 48 hours before if someone wants to move lithium batteries or things that use them. The railway officials will also check and approve how the things are packed before they are put on the trains. These rules are to stop wrong things from being moved and to stop fires from happening. In the first six months of this year, there were five fires on the railways, and two of them were in September. This is more than the two fires that happened at the same time last year. The railways allowed lithium and lithium-ion batteries and things that use them to be moved in February this year. They changed the Railways Red Tariff Rules, 2000 for this. This lets people move phones, laptops, small electric cars, and other things using the railways’ parcel service. They also allowed things like fire extinguishers, lighters, perfumes, and liquids that can burn or damage things to be moved. The railways wanted to make more money and get more online businesses to use their service by allowing these things. But now they have some safety problems, so they have made some rules. Ravinder Gupta, former Director General Safety of the Indian Railways, commented on the need for a battery-specific code, stating that input from international shipping and airline guidelines should be considered. This will ensure the safe transportation of lithium-ion batteries, whether contained in a device or loose, in a sufficiently discharged condition and properly packed, he said Content Credit: ET Auto Click here for more such informative insights Join the All India EV Community