Mention
Jayant Davar is Autocar Professional’s Man of the Year 2018edit
2018 has been a year where start-ups made news and how! Be it Bangalore-based Sun Mobility, which is developing a host of sustainable solutions for e-mobility, Ather Energy which has raised the bar for electric scooters with its 340and 450 models, Mumbai’s AutoNXT with its autonomous electric tractor, the app-based bus aggregator Shuttl, Netradyne with its ADAS solution or Horus Intellisys with its collision avoidance system which can be integrated into both two- and four-wheelers, we have the latest updates on them.
Industry
Electronics ministry seeks proposals to support local R&D of EV sub-systemsedit
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.
Green light: India to near clean energy goals in 2019edit
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.
Competition
This Indian Auto Giant Is Working With Its Partner Firms To Bring A Complete EV Ecosystem In The Countryedit
While most of the auto makers have announced their plans to add electric vehicle (EV) in their portfolio in India, Tata Motors is planning to take things a step ahead. Instead of just launching EV products, the firm is working with its sister entities to develop a complete EV ecosystem in the country.
Exicom aims for leadership in EV charging ecosystemedit
Even as sales of conventionally fueled vehicles scale new highs in India, mass-scale adoption of electric mobility in India remains a distant reality. A close look at sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in India shows 124 percent growth to 56,000 units in FY2018, albeit on a very low base.
International
Volkswagen wants to make mobile 360-kWh EV charging stationsedit
Volkswagen plans on bringing to market new mobile standalone power banks that can be used to recharge electric vehicles, with capacities of up to 360 kWh, enough to top up 15 vehicles.
Forget going electric: Cars can run on old plastic bagsedit
British company Waste2tricity has patented a method of heating plastic waste, from bags to bottles, in a kiln until it “gasifies” into hydrogen. This can then be used as clean energy, with clean water the only waste product. The Chester-based company has teamed up with Toyota to open 100 new recycling and refuelling stations which can even convert dirty plastic cartons into clean hydrogen fuel for vehicles.
No EV shock for oil refineries – The world would still need oil over the next few decadesedit
In 1900, about 38% of the cars on the road were electric vehicles (EVs), while 40% of the cars were powered by steam and only 22% were running on gasoline. The fastest car of the time was an electric car, and even the first Porsche was an electric vehicle.