Industry
Want to own this great business of the future? Modi govt set to create new class of small entrepreneursedit
In order to push the development of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in every nook and corner of the country, the government is considering allowing individuals to own such charging stations. This is reminiscent of the situation in the US in 1910, where individual fuel suppliers along the highways first fuelled growth in car sales among the masses. Observers and experts tracking the industry are of the opinion that the move will create a new class of small entrepreneurs in the country as it did in the US over 100 years back when individuals bought gas from a wholesaler and supplied it along the highways.
India’s Electric Vehicle Push Must Integrate Major Thrust On E-Bikesedit
With India planning to shift one-third of its vehicles to electric fleet by 2030, the government has launched a series of policy measures and incentives to promote electric and hybrid cars. The policy thrust on electric vehicles is aimed at enabling the country cut down on its excessive oil imports as well as address concerns over poor air quality across major cities.
Competition
Maruti Suzuki says feedback from test EVs positive, targeting new vehicle launch in 2020edit
Maruti Suzuki, the country’s largest car maker, said it is on track to meet its 2020 deadline for commercially launching its first battery-powered car in the country. The Delhi-based company is developing a fully electric vehicle based on the feedback it is receiving from a fleet of 50 modified battery-powered Wagon R that are running across the country.
International
VW Group, Ford Likely To Join Forces For EVsedit
Volkswagen AG and Ford Motor Company, two of the largest carmakers in the world, are planning to enter into strategic partnerships for development of autonomous and electric vehicles globally. At its annual board meeting press conference held recently, VW management officially announced the development of commercial vehicles (CV) in collaboration with Ford, while also hinting at the “potential collaboration” for electric and autonomous mobility.
Varta plans to mass produce electric car battery cellsedit
Reuters reported that German battery maker Varta has sealed a research agreement to lay the groundwork for mass production of lithium-ion battery cells for electric cars as it seeks to take on Asian leaders in the sector. Varta, which currently specialises in batteries for hearing aids and large storage systems for solar energy, has agreed on a cooperation deal with Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute, a scientific research body.