The Indian Express

With an aim to boost local development of sub-systems for electric vehicles such as electric motor, controller, converters, etc for two- and three-wheelers, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has sought proposals for an 18-month research and development (R&D) project that will be partially funded by the central government.

Financial Express

India’s renewable energy (wind and solar) sector’s contribution to the overall power generation mix is expected to cross 10% in FY20 as the country will add 10 giga-watt (GW) generation capacity during the period.

Autocar Professional

In a move to combat the increasing pollution levels in the capital city of India, the State Government of Delhi today initiated the trials of Olectra-BYD’s 12 Meter electric bus – eBuzz K9 with a 35+1 (Driver) seating capacity. The ‘Made in India’ eBuzz K9 buses from Olectra-BYD was flagged off by Kailash Gahlot, Transport Minister of Delhi from Delhi Secretariat.

Financial Express

With green mobility slowly taking centre stage at the automotive scenario all around the world, India too is pushing forward with a new National Auto Policy and the FAME II scheme which is slated to act as a catalyst in India’s shift towards clean mobility.

ET Auto

Even as the Telangana government hunts for that one big name in the electric vehicle (EV) space that can help fire up the EV ecosystem in the state, many local players are revving up their game to cater to the growing demand for green mobility.

ET Energyworld

With ‘clean’ being seen as the way ahead, the automobile sector appears all set to ride this bandwagon and the government is keen to give its push in 2019 with a new National Auto Policy and an ambitious ‘FAME II’ scheme to leapfrog India to a future driven by clean mobility.

The Times of India

Signalling a push for green fuel, the finance ministry has asked all government departments to switch over from petrol and diesel to electric vehicles while hiring cars for officials in the capital.

The Times of India

Even as the Telangana government hunts for that one big name in the electric vehicle (EV) space that can help fire up the EV ecosystem in the state, many local players are revving up their game to cater to the growing demand for green mobility.

Hindustan Times

In an interview to Hindustan Times, Union power minister (independent charge) RK Singh said the Centre is considering providing subsidy for those buying electric vehicles (EVs), and that a committee of cabinet secretaries will come up with recommendations on this shortly.

India Times

India has been importing 100 per cent of its Lithium-ion batteries for the electric vehicles (EVs) till now. That is soon set to change, however, if Heavy Industries minister Anant Geete’s recent statement is to be believed.

The Times of India

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday said that Indian e-rickshaw manufacturers should produce quality products which offer improved longevity.

Fortune India

People planning to buy a car next year do not have much to cheer. Major carmakers such as Hyundai, Honda, Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, and Nissan have raised prices effective from January 1, 2019. Now, the industry, too, is in a funk over the government’s plan to impose a fee of Rs 12,000 on the purchase of any new petrol or diesel cars in order to incentivise electric vehicles (EVs) and battery manufacturing in the country.

India Today

Heavy Industries Minister Anant Geete on Friday disclosed that public sector electric equipment maker Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is in talks with a US-based company to form a joint venture in India to manufacture lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).

ET Energyworld

This hasn’t been the best of years for those of us who worry about climate change. The U.S. administration has firmly turned against emissions controls. State backing for construction pushed China’s emissions higher. And, far from peaking or even stagnating, worldwide emissions actually increased at the fastest rate in the past seven years, according to the Global Carbon Project.

Yahoo Finance

By now you know that all diesel and petrol engine cars in Delhi/NCR have an expiration date. If you’re driving one which is older than 10 years for diesel or 15 for petrol, there is a chance you’ll be pulled over by the cops. The ban on diesel cars 10-years or older and petrol cars 15-years or older has forced many car owners to either sell the car beyond state borders or just scrap it.

Livemint

Automobile manufacturers have requested the government’s policy think tank to tap into the green cess and additional road taxes imposed on certain types of vehicles to incentivize the sale of electric vehicles (EVs). The plea from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) follows a report by NITI Aayog proposing the concept of feebate prevailing in several countries in Europe and Canada to cross-subsidize electric vehicles by imposing more taxes on traditional diesel- and petrol-run vehicles.

Financial Express

India’s ambitious plans on electric vehicles, in a bid to curb pollution as well as reduce its import bill on oil, are well known. Now, as per a Times of India report, the NITI Aayog has recommended imposing a fee of up to Rs 12,000 on new petrol and diesel cars. Though, given two-wheelers account for nearly two-thirds of the petrol consumed in the country and the bulk of diesel is consumed by commercial heavy vehicles, taxing cars alone may not be the best way to discourage fossil fuels.

ET Auto

Maruti Suzuki Chairman R C Bhargava Wednesday said if a cess is being proposed to be levied on conventional vehicles to subsidise and promote utilisation of electric vehicles, then it should be done also on two-wheelers. “If the principle is that a polluter pays then two-wheelers are also polluters. Why not a cess on two-wheelers also, so that the cess of petrol two-wheelers is utilised to subsidise electric two-wheelers,” Bhargava said.

The Financial Express

While the rest of the country waits for word from the centre on a pathway toward electrification of mobility, the Delhi Government has put their best forward releasing their own draft electric vehicle policy, that is nothing short of pathbreaking. Possibly one of the most lucid, focused and inclusive electric policies that we have seen to date, not only looks at personal conveyance and public transport but also has provisions that will boost the Electric Vehicle infrastructure, which is crucial to their implementation.

The New Indian Express

Electric cars have generated a lot of discussion in recent years. Often hailed as the future of transportation – primarily due to growing environmental concerns around burning fossil fuels – their popularity has soared. But this doesn’t tell the whole story. Despite their reputation as ‘zero emission’ vehicles, there are many aspects that point to how electric vehicles need to improve before they are the final solution for environmental issues.

MSN India

While the global automobile industry is currently pushing towards developing impeccable self-driving systems that work in the real world, Union Minister for Road and Transport Nitin Gadkari has stated that the driverless cars cannot be allowed in India. Road conditions in Indian are currently not favourable for driverless cars and now government policies are taking the same direction. Speaking at Tech and Auto Awards on 18 December, Gadkari said: “Driverless cars cannot be allowed now. India first needs to provide jobs to everybody. I am open to discussion but I don’t think that is a priority now.”

ET Auto

The Union Cabinet was on Monday apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France that seeks to support the governments ambitious plan for the deployment of electrical vehicles by maximising solar mobility and minimising its grid impact.

India Times

In another attempt to push the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country, the power ministry’s final guidelines and standards for EV charging infrastructure have assigned priority access to electricity from power utilities for those owning electric cars and scooters.

ET Auto

Several industry leaders and experts in electric mobility on Tuesday welcomed the Delhi government’s draft “Electric Vehicle Policy 2018”, which aims to ensure adoption of 25 per cent e-vehicles among new registrations by 2023.

Times Now News

Electric vehicle owners can soon charge their vehicles at their homes. Power Ministry on Friday released ‘Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles-Guidelines and Standards-reg’ circular. As per the circular, private charging at residences and offices is now permitted and DISCOMs can facilitate the same.

Autocar Professional

In a much-needed push for adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), the Ministry of Power has issued the guidelines and standards for the EV charging infrastructure in India. In what has been seen as a chicken-and-egg situation, the clarity on EV charging standards may provide some respite to companies keen to plug into the EV charging business.

Foreign Investors on India

France is supporting the Indian government’s ambitious plan for the deployment of electrical vehicles by maximizing solar mobility and minimizing its grid impact. The technology for a pilot project in India will come from Commissariat a l energieatomique et aux energies alternatives (CEA), French state-owned research entity and BlueStorage SAS, a French Company.

This Week India

India’s biggest eco-friendly Electric Vehicle Technology Expo ‘8th EVEXPO 2018’ is set to begin from December 21 at hall No. 7, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The 3 day event shall showcase the latest and technologically advanced, pollution free 2, 3 & 4 wheeled e-vehicles, parts and accessories, charging solutions and technology from more than 150 national and international companies.

The Education Post

The recent move of the Kerala government that has set a target of putting 1 million electric vehicles (EVs) on road by 2022 which the state has rolled out an electric vehicle policy (EVP) studded with tax holidays and creation of common charging infrastructure is marred by controversy and lopsided approach. Kerala government has released an EV policy focusing on transition of “light electric vehicles” including two-wheelers, three wheelers and cars through swappable batteries. State level “Technical Advisory Committee” has been instrumental in proposing the impractical and problem led solution.

Business Standard

Electric mobility powered by renewable energy could be key to fighting climate change, the 24th Conference of Parties (COP24) in Poland has highlighted. For India, the world’s third-largest automobile market, electric vehicles (EV) are an imperative. Some 25 million conventional vehicles–with internal combustion (IC) engines–were sold here in 2017, adding to a 230 million passenger vehicle fleet, which trebled in size from 2001 to 2016.

Business Standard

With four months left for the Lok Sabha polls, the Union government has decided to give a strong push to electric mobility by allowing private charging at residences and offices, besides de-licensing setting up public charging stations, and offering priority connections for setting up such stations. A charging station has been allowed to source electricity from any power generation company through open access.

The Hans India

Municipal Administration P Narayana assured women of providing training in running battery-fitted autos for their employment. He inaugurated electric autos here on Saturday for collecting garbage. The Minister said these vehicles are being engaged in Nellore on pilot basis and stated that electric vehicles are ten times cost effective when compared to use of diesel vehicles for garbage collection.

Financial Express

The Switzerland government-promoted platform, Cleantech, meant for sharing Swiss experience in India about use of alternative energy, has pitched for looking at an energy selling model for electric vehicles like selling petrol for a car to make electric mobility affordable in India. Instead of selling batteries or the source that would run the car, selling electricity to electric vehicles would make electric mobility cheaper and have a much wider reach. This energy can be sold in terms of kilowatt/hour or in the form of charged batteries with a leasing kind of arrangement.

Electronics B2B

The government of India, reportedly, is planning to impose a green tax on petrol and diesel cars to boost the adoption of electric vehicles (EV) in India. It is planning to utilise the tax to provide subsidies on the purchase of electric cars. It is in talks to lower down its financial implications coming out of subsidising EV buyers.

Business Standard

At a time when there is a call for all countries to do more to fight climate change, India is telling the world at the ongoing UN climate negotiations, COP24, that it is in a position to comfortably overachieve its Paris climate change commitments, and will do more. India had committed that by 2030, as much as 40 per cent of its installed energy capacity will be non-fossil fuel based.

Mumbai Mirror

As the Centre is preparing for its first electric vehicle policy, Maharashtra government’s transport department has expressed concern over the environmental hazards posed by the used the batteries of such vehicles. The commonly used battery type is lithium ion, which is high in energy but not environment friendly.

The Economic Times

Automobile industry experts have opposed some of the terms in the electronic vehicle policy drafted by the Kerala government which has set a target of putting 1 million electric vehicles on road by 2022. Kerala government has released an EV policy focusing on transition of light electric vehicles including two-wheelers, three wheelers and cars through swappable batteries. The experts said the suggestions on swapping of batteries have been rejected in the most competent multi-stakeholder forums.

ET Auto

In the wake of electric mobility, it seems electric three wheelers are expected to emerge as the fastest growing segment led by demand coming from last mile connectivity mostly in the metros. “Electrification is not limited to cars, the majority lies with last mile connectivity,” said Goldie Srivastava, Co-Founder and CEO, SmartE in an event last month.

Electronics B2B

According to Sohinder Gill, Director General, Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV), more than a dozen companies have expressed interest in setting up manufacturing facilities in India. They are planning to invest in local production to tap into the rising opportunity in electric vehicles (EV) segment.

The Times of India

The transport ministry will change the motor vehicles rules in the next fortnight allowing people in the 16 to 18 years age group to obtain a licence and drive electric scooters with a maximum speed of 70 kmph, a move aimed at ending the menace of driving by underage teens.

EnergyNext

NTPC has rolled out its first electric vehicle charging station in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The state-run power firm focuses on the promotion of clean energy transportation by increasing demand for electric vehicles. The station fully-equipped with facilities like parking bays, lighting, power supply and Wi-Fi access would be able to charge three electric vehicles at a time.

The Hindu Business Line

Naveen Munjal admits he was off the starting blocks far too early. He launched Hero Electric back in 2007 when electric vehicles were still a distant spark. It’s been a long, hard haul but he says: “I’d rather be early than late. Yes, we were way too early but it’s given us credibility in the marketplace and we already have a dealer network in place. Newer companies are playing catch-up.”

EnergyNext

For the phase-I of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) and Electric Vehicles (FAME India) scheme, the government has increased the outlay to Rs 895 crore. The first phase of the FAME India scheme was supposed to be implemented over a two-year period commencing from April 1, 2015 to promote mass adoption of electric vehicles. It was to be followed by the roll-out of the second phase.

Bangalore Mirror

The high-rise structures in the city will have to reserve space in their parking bays for electric vehicles or EVs in the near future. The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom), which has been entrusted with the task of making Bengaluru the EV capital of India, in a bid to encourage more commuters to ditch the traditional internal combustion engine vehicles and switch over to EVs has undertaken a slew of measures.

Deccan Chronicle

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. Notably, 14 of the world’s most polluted cities are in India.

The Times of India

The first public charging stations for electric cars may come up in parking lots under flyovers. Mayor Firhad Hakim on Monday proposed installation of charging stations to CESC Ltd and suggested that it could use the space under flyovers. Though electric vehicles (EVs) are still low in number in Kolkata, they may increase dramatically over the next three to five years since most auto manufacturers are expected to introduce electric cars and the Centre may offer incentives for car owners to make the switch from petrol and diesel vehicles to EVs.

The Hindu

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking might jointly own 80 electric buses with private operators. BEST will have a 60% stake in the ownership, while private companies will have 40%. BEST has decided to procure 80 electric buses, 40 air-conditioned and 40 non-AC buses. The procurement will be done under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles scheme of the Department of Heavy Industries. The scheme was started to provide an impetus to vehicles running on alternative fuel.

The New Indian Express

The state government has signed an MoU with World Resources Institute (WRI), India, on Monday to implement an electric vehicle (EV) policy, and value capture financing policy framework for Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. The MoU was signed during the stakeholder consultation workshop on EV policy and way forward for the Kerala Metropolitan Transport Authority (KMTA), inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at Mascot Hotel.

The New Indian Express

The government is all set to begin its pilot project on electric mobility in the city. Once the Assembly passes the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) Bill, the city will be adopted as an e-mobility zone so as to familiarise the public on the e-mobility aspects and usage and to set up initial demonstration hubs.

The Pioneer

Differences have cropped up between the Heavy Industry Ministry and the NITI Aayog over a proposal by the think tank to levy a Feebate on two-wheelers to subsidise electric vehicles for promoting green mobility. According to sources, the ministry has flagged concerns to the Aayog over the introduction of a Feebate especially on a mass mode of transport like two-wheelers as it could not only lead to a hike in prices but also practical challenges associated with the collection of the tax once introduced.

India Legal

The Delhi government took a big step on November 26 by announcing a major effort to boost the city’s shift to e-vehicles (EVs) by a projected 25 percent in the next five years. It has offered to give free permits for e-rickshaws, provide char­ging or swapping stations at three-km distances, and waive registration fees on new cars that will bring down purchase costs by six to eight percent.

The Indian Express

As part of its measures to control pollution in the capital, the North Corporation will set up e-charging points for electric vehicles at over 50 locations and 25 bicycle stands near campus areas. These charging points will be at its zonal headquarters in Karol Bagh, Civil Lines, Paharganj, Narela and Rohini.

The New Indian Express

Most Indian cities not only experience increasing traffic congestion, but also are confronted with severe air pollution, which is a matter of concern for all people living in urban areas. In order to address the problem of air pollution, the government, in 2013, promoted the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP), 2020 for achieving national fuel security by promoting hybrid and electric vehicles. The target was to introduce 4 lakh passenger battery electric cars (BEVs) by 2020, thereby saving 120 million barrels of oil and 4 million tons of carbon dioxide.

India Times

Slowly but gradually, Indian authorities are making efforts to embrace the electric vehicle culture in India. Building on this, the Heavy Industries Ministry has now proposed to the Department of Revenue that the customs duty on parts of electric vehicles (EV) which currently attract import tariff should be reduced. The proposal falls in line with the government’s 2023 EV mission and further suggests that semi knocked down and completely knocked down kits used for assembling EVs should be defined for appropriate customs duty.

Financial Express

The second phase of Rs 5,500-crore FAME India scheme will have a major portion for development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure alongside local manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries, which form the core of electric vehicles, according to an official aware of the development.

Livemint

Nobody doubts electric vehicles (EVs) have a bright future, but their trajectory is highly uncertain. While battery costs are an obvious key variable, is charging infrastructure the missing ingredient? After all, if there was ubiquitous infrastructure, cars could have smaller batteries (making them cheaper) and range anxiety wouldn’t be a worry.

The Indian Express

Greenhouse gas emissions worldwide are growing at an accelerating pace this year, researchers said Wednesday, putting the world on track to face some of the most severe consequences of global warming sooner than expected.

The Economic Times

The Heavy Industries Ministry has proposed reducing customs duty on parts of electric vehicles which are currently not exempted from import tariff to the Department of Revenue, according to senior officials. With an aim to boost production of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country, the ministry has also suggested defining semi knocked down and completely knocked down kits used for assembling EVs for streamlining of customs duty.

Livemint

Recent numbers suggest that the trend of car sales declining in big cities in India even as they continue to grow in rural markets is now extending into the festival season, traditionally the period when car makers usually make merry. Through the festive period ending with Diwali in early November, retail sales of passenger vehicles fell a whopping 14%.

The Economic Times

Over a dozen companies, ranging from auto component manufacturers to power and energy solutions providers, have rolled out plans to make lithiumion batteries locally, to cash in on the rush for green vehicles. The development has come close on the heels of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) directing that most of the incentives of the Rs 5,500 crore earmarked for the second phase of the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) India Scheme be used to encourage local manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries, which form the core of electric vehicles.

NDTV

For the next two weeks, countries will sit down, meet, argue, refuse and agree on how to tackle climate change in COP 24 or Conference of the Parties. It is unfortunate that after 24 COPs, things are worse than ever. It makes you wonder about the “sapien” in homo sapiens, which means “wise”.

Hindustan Times

The Delhi government has put its new draft policy on electric vehicles — which sets an ambitious target of electrifying 25% of all new vehicles registered by 2023 — in public domain for suggestions. While the details of the initiative are being debated, nobody disputes the urgency to fight the air pollution asphyxiating Delhi residents.

CNBC TV18

In a bid to make electric vehicles (EV) more attractive, the government think-tank Niti Aayog is exploring a Feebate(Fee and rebate) model. Based on the ‘polluter pays’ principle the concept works by levying a fee or penalty on polluting vehicles and offering a rebate or a reward on the lesser polluting ones.

ET Energyworld

India is likely to achieve its two Paris Agreement goals 10 years before the 2030 deadline, according to US-based Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). IEEFA made this estimate ahead of India’s 2nd Biennial update report, which would be released by the Indian government today at COP24 Katowice, Poland.

ET Energyworld

The UT Administration has made plans to set up the city’s first charging station for electric vehicles at the new lake in Sector 42. According to the plan, the Chandigarh Renewal Energy, Science and Technology Promotion Society (Crest), the nodal agency to install solar plants in Chandigarh, has planned to install 800 KW solar plant at the new lake. Of these 800 KW, the UT administration will use 90 KW for charging station.

Millennium Post

Most private companies are taking Gurugram as the test case for electric vehicle charging stations. At present, private sector companies, mostly from foreign, are tying up with realty majors to find a preferred spot for setting up electric charging facility in Gurugram. Subsequently, all the government officials are also planning to change their diesel vehicles in favour of electric vehicles. Gurugram administration is also likely to set up some electric vehicle charging stations.

Business Standard

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday advised government officials on introducing electric vehicles in the state to prevent pollution and to maintain the quality of air. “Electric vehicles would be introduced in the state to eradicate pollution. The partnership of public and private sector is very important,” Naidu said at the District Collectors’ conference. Stressing on the creation and implementation of the several government schemes, Naidu said, “Just introducing good schemes are not good enough. Satisfaction among people should be at the same level. It is our duty to identify the errors beforehand. If all government branches work together, the satisfaction among people would definitely be great.”

PC Quest

The electric vehicle market is set to grow in a big way owing to the ambitious plans and initiatives of the government. The government has taken a number of steps to incentivize and promote the deployment of electric vehicles and public charging infrastructure to achieve significant electrification by 2030. India is targeting to reduce its excessive oil imports and curb pollution levels across cities in the coming years. Electric vehicles will play an important role in achieving this target.