Industry
State seeks clarity on e-vehicle batteriesedit
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.
Experts oppose swappable battery suggestion in electronic vehicle policy of Keralaedit
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.
Is three-wheeler fastest to catch electrification drive?edit
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.
Battery Makers to Set Up Manufacturing Facilities in Indiaedit
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.
Teens to get licence to ride e-scooters, registration must for vehiclesedit
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.
Competition
Mahindra Electric joins hands with SmartE to provide last-mile connectivityedit
Mahindra Electric has entered into a partnership with SmartE in which the company plans to deploy 10,000 electric three-wheelers across India by 2020. SmartE is a Delhi-based company that provides shared electric mobility services across the country and has plans to bring over one-lakh vehicles on its platform by 2022.
International
Germany taking steps towards efficient production of electric vehiclesedit
Germany and Bolivia on Wednesday sealed a partnership for the industrial use of lithium, a key raw material for the production of battery cells, in an important step to becoming less dependent on Asian market leaders in the dawning age of electric cars.
Two lawmakers want GM to commit to producing all U.S. EVs domesticallyedit
Two U.S. senators from Ohio on Tuesday asked General Motors chief executive Mary Barra to commit to building all future electric vehicles for U.S. buyers at home and to provide more details of plans to cut back on car production in North America.
China Electric-Car Gold Rush Lures Hopefuls as Tesla Push Loomsedit
The gold rush that is China’s electric-car market is getting its latest entrant as a slew of local manufacturers fight for a foothold ahead of Tesla Inc.’s planned offensive. Xpeng Motors started deliveries of its first commercial model on Wednesday, four years after its founding by entrepreneur He Xiaopeng and partners in Guangzhou, southern China. The G3 sport utility vehicle gives Xpeng instant credibility and revenue, while hundreds of other startups are still working on their prototypes and competing for investors’ funds.