September 2019

As most cities struggle to shift gears to electric vehicles, an experiment in the tiny township of Auroville near Puducherry is making a silent and sustainable statement on electric mobility. A solar technology hub and a community committed to being eco-friendly, Auroville has been chosen for a unique experiment in green mobility that is independent of the power grid. The technology for the project is simple: Use a combination of solar power and battery storage packs to power street lights and charge e-vehicles used for public transport.

Battery swap for cost slash: The buzz stops here

There lived a finance wizard, the story goes, who came up with the right answer to any problem his subordinates took to him. Only, each time a ticklish problem was posed to him, he would open the drawer of his desk, take a peek and come up with the perfect solution.

Entrepreneurs working overtime to electrify auto industry but major bumps remain

It’s a buzzy day at the IIT Madras campus in Chennai. Electric app-based threewheelers are doubling up as intra-campus cabs. Several researchers are testing the batteries onboard the vehicles. They are trying to make the Lithium ion cells that power these batteries deliver more energy, and to extend the lifecycle of these cells beyond their current run-times.

How Electric Vehicles Rev Up Business Opportunities

Entrepreneur

Besides, Sun Mobility is creating a universal energy infrastructure which offers battery swapping facility to EVs. Unlike private vehicles, commercial vehicles like buses, auto-rickshaws and delivery vehicles can’t stop for long to charge batteries and travel long distances on a daily basis.

Electrifying Potential, but Some Bumps

Mahindra Electric has collaborated with car-rental and subscription platform Zoomcar to offer its e20Plus electric cars across cities. Zoomcar told ET that the proportion of EVs on its platform has touched 10%. Ride-hailing company Uber, too, has partnered with Mahindra Electric to launch e-cars in select cities. SoftBank-backed Ola Electric Mobility, similarly, has charted out a roadmap to place one million EVs on the road by 2021.

So Near, Yet So Far

BW Businessworld

“The time is right to shift to electric vehicles in India,” said Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), in his address to shareholders at M&M’s 73rd annual general meeting. He also noted that there is a tectonic shift in the auto industry. Adding that the government is putting all its weight behind electric vehicles, Mahindra said the question isn’t whether or not the country will transition to EVs but how. “I see a one-time opportunity for the government and industry to work together to invest in manufactur-ing, R&D and the supply chain and make India the undisputed global hub of the EV world,” he said.

IIT Kharagpur Students Build A Home-Rechargeable Electric Three-Wheele

Inc42

Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (IIT KGP) students and mechanical engineering professor Vikranth Racherla have built an electric three-wheeler called Deshla, for city transportation. The vehicle is said to be chargeable at home and has a maximum speed of 50 Km/hr. According to Racherla, “In contrast to the three-wheelers in the market at present, the vehicle is far more stable and jerk-free on bad roads.”

Plugging Into The Future

The concept is already finding traction among fleet owners. Maini’s Sun Mobility recently tied up with ride hailing company Uber for battery swapping in the latter’s upcoming electric three-wheeler range. The largest organised player in this business, SmartE, which runs almost 1,000 electric rickshaws in Delhi-NCR, also swears by it.

The week that was – from Chetan Maini’s bet on battery swap tech to Yulu’s shared mobility and customer engagement platform Narvar

Yourstory

We believe the best engineers are those who tell stories through their ability to code, and that’s how we are going to begin this weekly wrap. “How good a storyteller are you?” asks Praneet Khare, Co-founder, Avid Secure, a security startup that was recently acquired by Sophos, a global provider of network and end point security.

E-rickshaws witness strong growth amid auto slowdown

When automotive sales are tanking, e-rickshaws are witnessing a strong growth — growing at 16% CAGR — as it has emerged as a cheap last mile commute in smaller towns and cities. The e-rickshaw market, currently 4 lakh units is expected to grow to a million units by 2025, a study on Wednesday said. “Because the cost of operation of an e-rickshaw is much cheaper (than other fuel options) , there is higher demand when the market is in a crunch,” Chetan Maini, co-founder, Sun Mobility said. However non-commercial vehicles don’t have the same advantage.

BigBasket Joins Electric Mobility Bandwagon: Will Have Large EV Delivery Fleet By 2020

Inc42

Bengaluru-based hyperlocal grocery unicorn BigBasket has announced its plans to turn towards e-mobility for its last-mile delivery operations across metros. The company said it currently has 150 e-vans and 50 e-bikes. It aims to increase this to 1000 vans and 2000 bikes within the next one year.

Plugging Into The Future

In the last few months, if there is one sector that has benefited from the largesse that policymakers can sometimes bestow on industries, it is the nascent electric vehicle (EV) industry in India. For long all that this industry got from the government was mere lip service even as the world moved ahead and charted a course. That has changed now.

AshokLeyland scouts for strategic ties in EV era

Collaboration for big move in electria mobility Electric mobility is one area for which Ashok Leyland has a “big strategy”. It has already embarked on it with buses that use swappable batteries, which Dr Bhagavathula says is the first in the world. The battery cost in an electric bus can be as high as 75 percent of the vehicle’s cost. Since battery swapping removes a major part of an EV’s cost, it can boost adoption of EVs, believes Sun Mobility, Ashok Leyland’s battery swapping technology and service partner.

Industry

‘Issue spl bonds to roll out EVs’

The expert committee on Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Commission has suggested the government issue special electric vehicle (EV) bonds to raise funds from international and national lending agencies for the introduction of EVs on a massive scale. According to the committee, special bonds will help APSRTC secure funds at cheaper rate of interest. The committee said the introduction of e-buses into APSRTC will cut down losses and help environment protection.

Electric Vehicles: Great Potential & Dream ‘But’ Very Distant Reality

BW Businessworld

How many of you reading this article have ever used Indian Railways but when you first saw the water mug (used by Indians to clean their derrière) tied to chain using a miniature lock – the contraption far heavier than the mug itself, have wondered, A country where a petty mug needs protection – what’s the future of our future and who will protect it with which harness or security.

Electric autos proposed for city streets to be blue and white

A transport official said that an e auto was brought from Pune recently for demo for drivers in Mumbai region, and he expects registration of e-autos to pick up in the city by year end.

Tamil Nadu unveils a bold Electric Vehicles policy; to run 500 EV buses by 2019-20 end

Rolling out a slew of measures to push the idea of Electric Vehicles (EV) in the state, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has released the EV policy intending to attract Rs 50,000 crore worth of investments and create 1.5 lakh new jobs. While building a favourable ecosystem for EVs is the biggest challenge before the state, some 32 state transport bus depots will get charging infrastructure within the next six months as the state is expecting over 500 electric buses for public transportation.

Indian Oil Corp. in talks with Hindalco to source aluminium for EV battery unit

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is in talks with Hindalco Industries Limited to source aluminium for its proposed one GW (gigawatt) aluminium air battery facility as the State-owned entity looks for an alternative to lithium-ion batteries. This move is in tune with the government’s strategy to facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India to cut the fuel import bill.

Piaggio pleads for rethink on BSIV auto permits

The Hans India

The Indian subsidiary of Italian auto major Piaggio has urged the Telangana government not to issue 20,000 new permits for BSIV auto-rickshaws for the capital city Hyderabad at a time when new emission norms are set to come in place. In a letter to the state transport and home minister Mahmood Ali, Piaggio Vehicles requested the K Chandrashekar Rao government to consider advanced electric autos or BSVI 4 stroke vehicles for permit issuance as it will help in reducing the city pollution.

Ahmedabad to get 300 new CNG buses as demand for public transport rises

DNA

The city will get about 300 new CNG buses to cater to increased demand for public transport, said sources in Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). The decision was taken during the meeting of Standing Committee on Thursday.

What Uber, Ola, Tesla Can Learn From India’s Informal E-rickshaw Charging Hubs

Huffington Post

Ever since the first electric rickshaws were spotted on Delhi’s streets in 2010; India has witnessed a silent e-mobility revolution powered by what Indians are best known for: Doing smart things with almost no resources, and often by breaking the law. Around the world, the twinned problems of “range-anxiety” and the absence of a robust charging infrastructure are seen as the biggest hurdles to the widespread adoption of e-vehicles.

Bhopal goes green: 100 e-buses to ply on city roads in next 6 months

After missing out on CNG buses, the public transport system in Bhopal is all set to go green, as the civic body has decided to operate 100 electric buses on city roads in the next six months. Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner B Vijay Datta said on Wednesday that each of the 100 buses will have a capacity of about 38 seats and will ply more than 200 km daily.

To popularise electric vehicles, make it easy to charge them

Moneycontrol

To fully appreciate the tremendous potential electric vehicles have, for India in particular, and the world in general, one needs to go back 10 years. That was when a bright senior executive of SAP Inc – Shai Agassi — was persuaded by the late Shimon Peres (former Prime Minister of Israel) to quit his job and start a venture in Israel for making electric vehicles (EVs). The new venture was called Better Place.

241 electric vehicles charging stations in city, suburbs for Rs 125 crore

The state government is ready with a plan of setting up 241 charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) in Kolkata Metropolitan Area, the project cost for which has been pegged at Rs 125 crore. The authorities are making this move because of a rising fossil fuel prices and the budgetary benefits for having EVs.

Kerala enroute to become a hub to make e-vehicles

Deccan Crhonicle

A detailed project report (DPR) to make Kerala a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles (e-vehicles) and components will be ready within a month. The DPR is being prepared by Price Wate-rhouse Coopers (PwC) as part of the state government’s ambitious project to put one million electric vehicles on the road in the state by 2022, according to K.R. Jyothilal, principal secretary, transport and aviation.

Co-adopting hydrogen-fuelled EV with battery-operated ones could bring about ‘disruptive transition’

ET Energyworld

In the days following the 2015 Paris Agreement, several governments drafted their new climate commitments to limit the global mean temperature below 2 degree Celsius. To achieve these new targets and to adopt a low-carbon pathway, a ‘disruptive transition’ — which shakes up the established systems and paves the way for new, cleaner and more sustainable technology — was needed.

Piaggio urges Telangana govt for fresh electric auto/BS6 permits in Hyderabad

Italian automaker Piaggio Vehicles on Tuesday has requested Mahmood Ali, Transport Minister of Telangana and Home minister against the auto union’s request for releasing new 20,000 permits to 2-stroke BS-IV auto rickshaws in Hyderabad. The issuance of any new fresh order of BS-IV permits will lead to increase in emission, the company said in a statement. If the new permits are given to advanced e-autos or technologically advanced 4-stroke BS-VI auto rickshaws, there will be less pollution.

Can an EV battery last for one million miles? Research says possible

The battery packs currently being used by electric vehicles come with an expected lifespan of around 300,000-500,000 miles. But, recent research shows that the lifespan can be extended to one million miles, which means the battery can outlast the car itself.

By 2021, All Buses In India Will Be Electric, Confirms Minister Nitin Gadkari

Amidst the constant push by the Indian government to inculcate an electric vehicle ecosystem in the country, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has now highlighted the efforts to induct more electric buses. According to him, all the buses in the country will be switched to electric in the next two years.

All buses in India to be electric in next two years, says Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari Monday said that all buses in the country would be converted into electric within a span two years. “In the coming two years, all buses will be converted to electric,” Gadkari said at the national conclave on energy efficiency in micro, small and medium enterprises in New Delhi.

Auto slowdown: An opportunity for electric two-wheelers to self-regulate the market?

ET Energyworld

India’s two-wheeler sales long overtook that of China’s to become the world’s largest two-wheeler market, according to media reports in 2017. Data on vehicular population records this increase in two-wheeler shares from 8.80 per cent in 1951 to 73.50 per cent in 2015.

No need to ban petrol, diesel vehicles; EVs picking up momentum naturally: Nitin Gadkari

Allaying fears of the automobile industry, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday said there is no need to ban petrol and diesel vehicles as electric mobility has picked up momentum on its own and all buses would be electric in two years.

10 opportunities for Delhi to achieve electric, urban mobility

The opportunities are – an EV coordinating body; single-window clearance; incentives for economic market segments; battery swapping technology; charging and battery swapping infrastructure; reliable and renewable power supply; attractive financing for EVs; ease of EV operations; education, outreach, and capacity building; and open mobility data.

Stakeholders prepare for switch over to electric vehicles

The Federal

As the ongoing crisis in automobile industry has hastened the process of switching over from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, car manufacturers, ride-sharing companies and state governments have begun to put together plans for a smooth transition. Earlier this week, Tata Motors announced Ziptron for personal use shifting its strategy away from taxis and commercial fleet.

Auto industry has to find its own balance to enhance demand: SIAM

Industry body SIAM on Saturday said the auto industry would have to “find its own balance” to boost demand, with the GST Council declining to cut rates for the sector. “The auto industry was very hopeful of GST reduction. It is clear that there is no reduction of GST rate on vehicles from 28 per cent to 18 per cent,” Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) President Rajan Wadhera said in a statement.

HESCOM to set up 100 EV charging stations in 7 Karnataka districts

In a bid to bring the e-mobility revolution to India by 2030, the Union Government is focussing on increasing the sale of electric vehicles (EVs) across the country. The Centre, however, is yet to frame a policy, in this direction. But Karnataka, which already has a policy in place, has now started the process of identifying locations to set up EV charging stations.

Scooters India strategic sale on hold amid auto slump, EV plan

Strategic disinvestment of public sector Scooters India Ltd (SIL) could be deferred yet again while monetisation plan of its non-core land will be carried out. While the primary reason for extending sale deadline is the muted sentiment in the auto sector, the government wants the struggling company’s electric vehicle (EV) business to grow. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has recommended to extend the disinvestment deadline to April 2020 in view of its EV plan.

Delhi government looks towards Europe to study electric bus models

As the Delhi government gears up for introducing 1,000 electric buses in the national capital by 2020, it is planning to study the European model of electric buses, sources said. Delhi Transport Minister, Kailash Gahlot, who has been busy visiting the manufacturing sites of TATA and Ashok Leyland for procurement of the low floor cluster buses, is scheduled to visit European countries including France and Belgium.

Electric buses to hit Warangal roads soon

The Hans India

The denizens in Warangal city will have a respite from belching black clouds of smoke emitted from the diesel-run buses with the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) is all set to ply battery-powered electric buses soon.

Tax incentive for new firms could spark ‘make in India’ for EV parts

India’s fledgling electric vehicle (EV) industry is likely to receive a shot in the arm with the slashing of corporate tax on new manufacturing companies. With most makers of electric vehicles and their components planning their investments for India, they would be encouraged to accelerate their plans for local manufacturing with the announcements made by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The steps are expected to propel domestic production, specifically in producing lithium-ion batteries, charging equipment, electrical and electronic parts. Producers of hybrids and even conventional internal combustion vehicles will also benefit.

How Delhi can become electric vehicle capital of India

To realize its dream to have clean, green and people-centric mobility solutions, Delhi may need to deploy nearly 35,000 electric and accessible passenger vehicles, at least 1,000 electric vehicles for last-mile connectivity and several hundred public charging and swapping stations in the next year, a first- of-its-kind report has stressed. With one of the world’s largest CNG-propelled bus fleets and an expanded metro-rail network covering 373 kms, the Delhi government has now embarked on its next phase of journey – clean, shared and people-centric mobility solutions.

Rajasthan: Industrial draft policy bets big on making of electric vehicles

In a bid to take early bird advantage, the state government is planning to set up an electric vehicle research and manufacturing zone. As spelt out in the new draft industrial policy, the government will also offer financial incentives to encourage component manufacturing for EVs and proposes to bring in a dedicated policy to provide impetus to the sector.

PMRDA and Switzerland to develop Indias first carbonneutral township in Pune

Soon, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) region will have smart townships that will constrain carbon emissions and enhance energy sufficiency in the project in the area with the authority on Thursday signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swiss Confederations 2000Watt Smart city association (2000WSCA) for development of carbon neutral smart townships.

How lithium mining has gone up in the wake of emobility

With the increasing demands for electrification of automobiles and the forecast of EVs accounting for at least 33 per cent of total automobiles on the road across the world by 2030, electric vehicle battery raw material like lithium is becoming the new gold.

Himachal aims 100 per cent transition to evehicles by 2030

Himachal Pradesh is aiming to achieve 100 per cent transition to electric vehicles by 2030 in alignment with the United Nations sustainable development goals, an official said on Wednesday.A meeting to frame the draft for the Himachal Pradesh Electric Vehicle Policy 2019 was held here, chaired by Chief Secretary Shrikant Baldi.

GST Council may review rates on auto sector

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is likely to discuss the viability of a tax rate cut for the automobile sector, easing the annual return filing procedure for small businesses and possibly rationalise the two different rates on lotteries at its 37th meeting to be held in Goa on Friday, according to tax analysts. “The auto industry is demanding a GST rate cut from 28% to 18%,” said Ankit Agarwal, MD, Alankit Ltd.

Correction in auto stocks not enough to turn optimistic: CLSA

Auto companies which have been battling slowdown in sales amid liquidity crisis, regulatory and policy changes were pinning hopes on the festival season for a pickup in sales. Vehicle sales tumbled to a 22year low in August.

Bharat Forge completes 11.35 million investment in new EV components joint venture

Worlds largest forgingNSE 0.70 % company, Bharat Forge on Thursday completed an investment of 11.35 million (Rs 88.9 crore) to form a 50:50 joint venture with Germanys Refu Electronik GmbH to make components for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Automobili Pininfarina, Bosch and Benteler partner over highperformance EV platform

As the company claims, Automobili Pininfarina, Bosch Engineering and Benteler will evaluate the best technical concept as well as the market potential for the EV platform. We can expect the future Mahindra electric vehicles to be benefitted from this architecture.

Andhra High court reserves order on renewable contracts renegotiation

The Andhra Pradesh high court had on July 25 stayed the state governments July 1 order in a case filed by renewable energy companies against renegotiation of all power supply contracts.

638 gigawatt of solar power generation capacity added over last decade: UNEP

The world added a mammoth 638 gigawatt (GW) of solar power generation capacity, including both solar photovoltaic and thermal, between 2010 and 2019 the largest such addition across renewable energy technologies, according to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

In a boost to the auto sector, Centre lifts ban on purchase of new cars by government departments

The auto sector is set to get a boost as Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government has lifted the ban on the purchase of new cars for its departments. The official communication to lift ban on the purchase of vehicles by government departments was issued by the government.

U.S. falling behind in global race to develop electric vehicle supply chain

The United States is losing the race to extract and refine minerals used to make electric vehicles and should do more to spur domestic production, a bipartisan group of senators said on Tuesday.

Transport Dept. to procure 325 more electric buses

The Transport Department has invited tenders for procuring 325 more battery operated environment-friendly electric buses. The department had purchased 40 electric buses in the past as part of pollution control measures that were deployed on the routes leading to the international airport. Once the new buses are procured, they would be deployed on different routes, Transport Minister Puvvada Ajay Kumar told the Legislative Assembly.

The long road to clean energy

The main reason is the spectacular increase in their cost competitiveness -since 2009, the price of energy generated by solar panels has plummeted by 81 percent and that of electricity generated by terrestrial wind farms has plunged by 46 percent. With 640 GW, solar now has the greatest capacity -compared with a total of 2,300 GW for all energies (green and fossil fuel) combined -exceeding both coal and gas. It could meet the needs of 80 percent of US households.

Telangana to invite bids for producing 1,000 MW solar power

The State-owned Singareni Collieries Company Limited was entrusted to install 300 mw solar power project which would take the total commissioned capacity to 5000 MW, he added. Mishra said the state government had last year saved around 122 million units of electricity by containing transmission and distribution losses. It also saved Rs 500 crore in the capex in infrastructure creation for the 3,700 MW solar power projects

Soon, housing societies will have to set up charging points for evehicles

After unveiling the electric vehicle policy, the State is planning to amend the model building bylaws under Development Control Regulations, to create infrastructure for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Six innovations and technologies disrupting the solar power industry

The field of solar energy is continuously undergoing innovation and discoveries. As we move towards a more eco-friendly future, the pioneers in this field are looking for more and more affordable solutions to harness its potential to the highest. In the past few years itself, we have seen a lot of milestones in solar energy storage, wearable solar tech, solar efficiency, and even solar design tech.

Plugging into a healthy future: A bold EV policy can help Delhiites breathe easy

CNBC TV18

EVs have no tailpipe emissions but they do incur emissions upstream at the power plants given the emissions intensity of India’s power grid. Yet this is no reason to delay or deprioritise EV deployment. For one, relative to fossil fuel-powered vehicles, pollution from power plants is not released in as near of proximity to citizens.

NTPC to invest Rs 25K crore to set up solar park

NTPCs plan to procure renewable power from plants across the country and bundle it with its coal-based generation will be implemented in a month, the official told ET on condition of anonymity. We will not set up coal-based power plants for the time being. We are setting up solar plants at Bilhor in Uttar Pradesh and Barethi in Madhya Pradesh where originally coalfired plants stations were planned, said the official. Don’t be surprised if in the next three-four years, we may have to stop coal-based plants from morning to evening.

New Jersey inks Mou with Telangana govt in clean tech cooperation

UNI India

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a sisterstate agreement with Telangana government authorities in the presence of State Minister for Municipal Administration and IT K. T. Rama Rao, at the Sustainability Innovation Summit held on renewable energy organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Telanganas Energy Department here.

Meet DESHLA, an electric 3W developed by IIT Khagarpur students

Times Now News

Vikranth Racherla, professor, department of mechanical engineering, IIT Kharagpur, said, Instead of retrofitting an existing vehicle, we thought we would build one up from scratch, especially because the design is so important for an electric vehicle. Each design has been conceived, analysed, prototyped and the cycle repeated many times before the actual product came out.

If not solar energy, what should India use (Part 1)

BBC recently reported that the UK Financial Services Ombudsman has received 2,000 complaints from consumers who took loans for rooftop solar panels and are not getting the promised returns.

Experts call for comprehensive, collaborative approach to address energy-efficiency issues

The Hindu Business Line

Expressing concerns about MSMEs not participating in energy efficiency initiatives due to various factors, including lack of finance, Pankaj Sindhwani of Tata Cleantech Capital, said the Energy Service Company (ESCO) model could be one way of addressing their needs.

Electricity discoms owe 74,710 crore to gencos

Live Mint

There is growing wariness among investors at a time of some states trying to renegotiate the PPAs. A case in point being Andhra Pradesh, that is trying to rework the contracts signed by the previous government for wind and solar power with average tariffs (FY14) of Rs4.70 per unit and Rs5.8 per unit, respectively.

Auto slowdown, uncertainity forces component industry to cut down capex

Component manufacturers, who invested in the past expecting a growth in sales, have found themselves fighting the downturn with lower utilisation of existing capacity and capital invested in new facilities, which have no takers. Moreover, there is confusion about whether customer demand will shift to electric vehicles in the future. This will impact capex allocation for traditional auto component manufacturing.

APTRANSCO to withdraw connectivity nod for 98MW wind projects

In another twist to the faceoff between the Andhra Pradesh government and renewable energy developers, the state-owned transmission company, APTRANSCO, has decided to withdraw connectivity approval to wind projects for 98MW in the state.

PFC looks for safer bets like e – vehicles, charging infrastructure

Deccan Chronicle

Power Finance Corporation (PFC) is looking for new sectors to fund as it wants to hedge the risks associated with lending to the nation’s ailing utilities, according to people familiar with the matter. The country’s top lender to electricity projects is exploring new areas including railway electrification, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, as well as gas import terminals or coal mines that serve a power plant, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the plan is still under discussion.

Why Are Traditional Automobile Companies Investing In EVs?

Entrepreneur

A CCI (Competition Commission of India) filing revealed that South Korea-based Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia is planning to acquire a minority stake in Ola Electric Mobility. This move comes in six months after both the automobile giants invested $300 million in Ola Electric with an aim to “develop India-specific electric vehicles, infrastructure and mobility solutions”, according to Hyundai.

Insight out: Auto slowdown bites

Passenger vehicle sales in the country declined for the 10th straight month as carmakers resisted increasing inventories at dealerships, signalling that it would be a muted festive season this year. Domestic sales of passenger vehicles fell 31.6 per cent year-on-year to 196,524 units in August, according to the data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam).

Piaggio request TS Ministers for Electric auto permits in city

The Siasat Daily

Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd (PVPL), a 100 % subsidiary of the Italian Piaggio Group (European leader of the 2Wh sector) and India’s leading manufacturer of small commercial vehicles today submitted a letter to the Transport Minister of Telangana and Home minister Mr. Mahmood Ali against the Auto Unions request for release of new 20,000 permits to 2 stroke BSIV auto-rickshaws in Hyderabad.

To have 25% EVs, Delhi will need to register 5 lakh cars in five years

Delhi will need to register approximately 5 lakh new electric vehicles (EV) in the next five years to achieve the target of having 25% EVs on the national capital’s road by 2023, according to a report by Dialogue and Development Commission of Delhi and Rocky Mountain Institute. The report ‘Accelerating Delhi’s Mobility Transition: Insights from the Delhi Urban Mobility Lab’ identifies economic and environmental benefits of an electric mobility future in Delhi.

Electric vehicles set to revolutionise our lives

Most people were skeptical a century ago when automobiles began replacing their horses. Now electric vehicles (EV’s) are again revolutionizing global mobility. Last year 5.6 million EV’s were sold globally of which half were sold in China. Every auto major is now investing heavily into them. The Nissan Leaf, that sold 360,000 EV’s last year, is the world leader today though the classy looking Tesla, that sold 240,000 EV’s, is perhaps the best known.

Em’Powering’ the electric vehicles

Electric Vehicles (EVs) have found a new place in the heart of India as well as in the schemes and policies of the Government of India (GoI). The message from the government’s initiatives is loud and clear – they do not want to play catch-up when it comes to adopting and accepting newer sustainable technologies and undoubtedly want to give a big push to EVs in India.

A bus corridor on the anvil for Kochi

If things go as planned, Kochi will get a bus priority corridor with IoT (Internet of Things) and Intelligent Transport System. The project, which is still in its initial stage, was mooted after the e-bus corridor project proposed by the state government in the Rebuild Kerala initiative was pushed to the back burner.

SoftBank to invest in electric vehicles in Andhra Pradesh

Japanese giant SoftBank, showed interest in investing in Andhra Pradesh as a delegation of SoftBank, which called on Industries and IT Minister Mekapati Goutham Reddy at a diplomatic outreach programme held in Hyderabad on Monday, expressed willingness to invest in electric vehicles.

Delhi electric vehicle move may help save Rs 6,000 crore in fuel imports

As part of the Delhi’s draft electric vehicle (EV) policy, the city will need around 500,000 new EVs in the next five years and it will help save Rs 6,000 crore in oil and liquid natural gas imports and 4.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. The report, prepared by the Dialogue and Development Commission (DDC) of Delhi and the Rocky Mountain Institute, submitted to Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot here on Monday, identifies the economic and environmental benefits of the national capital’s electric mobility future.

Electric vehicles: Tamil Nadu seeks first-mover advantage with new policy

The Tamil Nadu government has announced a host of incentives for electric vehicles (EVs) and component makers in its Electric Vehicle Policy 2019, which was released by chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Monday. The policy underlines the special focus on augmenting charging infrastructure and encouraging start-ups. Aiming to gain the first-mover advantage and woo big-ticket investments, the state government has announced 100% motor vehicle tax exemption for all EVs, including two-wheelers, cars, auto-rickshaws, buses and light goods carriers till December 2022.

Delhi odd-even scheme: EV policy awaits notification

Even as the Delhi government has announced odd-even scheme to be enforced in November to reduce air pollution, it is yet to notify its Electric Vehicle Policy prepared almost a year back to curb vehicular pollution. The odd-even scheme for private vehicles is being implemented from November 4 to 15 as the Kejriwal government believes vehicles are the major pollutants.

Rs 50,000 crore Japanese EV boost in Gujarat

Japanese majors Suzuki Motors, Toshiba and Denso have formed a consortium to set up a plant for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries and electrodes in Gujarat. The plant will come up near Hansalpur in Gujarat. The proposed lithium-ion battery plant will be the biggest in the world, claimed sources in the know.

No vehicles to boost e-autos in Kerala

Deccan Chronicle

Despite finding favour with commuters, the fleet of non-polluting e-autos saw no addition after their launch as Metro feeder services over six months back. The main reason being lack of availability of vehicles, with the Kerala Automobiles Limited (KAL) unable to roll out e-autos by Onam as scheduled and the drivers not happy.

KSRTC to get 400 e-buses, to pass on 300 to BMTC

Deccan Chronicle

If all goes as planned, electric buses will start plying on Karnataka’s roads by November 15 this year. KSRTC will float tenders for obtaining these buses for all transport corporations, including the BMTC, sources said.

Delhi Transport Corporation to float tender for 300 e-buses soon

The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), is going to float tenders for 300 electric buses very soon. It has received the go-ahead from the Centre to bring the buses under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) II scheme of Government of India.

E-tailers push for electric mobility in India

Fortune

Last week online grocery retailer bigbasket announced an ambitious plan to increase its current fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) to1000 electric vans and 2000 electric bikes in the next one year for its last-mile delivery service across metro cities. While analysts feel it is a smart eco-friendly move by bigbasket to cut down delivery cost, there are infrastructure issues that need to be addressed. The Bengaluru-based company currently has 150 electric vans and 50 bikes.

Electric vehicles: The way forward for early adoption

India has seen a three-fold increase in the number of internal combustion vehicles per 1,000 people, from 53 in 2001 to 167 in 2015. This is increasing both the country’s dependence on oil imports and its carbon emissions. To address the problem of carbon emissions, the government and automobile companies are taking steps towards increasing electric mobility. On the government’s part, these include NEMMP (National Electric Mobility Mission Plan) and FAME II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles).

Now, KSRTC issues tender for 250 e-buses

Tapping green energy, the transport corporation will induct 250 electric buses to its fleet for services in intercity routes. The tender for e-buses has been reissued by the KSRTC, following poor response to the previous bid. The non-AC e-buses, to be procured on wet lease, will be operated in different zones — 100 in Thiruvananthapuram zone, 100 in Kochi zone and 50 in Kozhikode zone of the KSRTC.

States rule out GST rate cut on automobiles

Punjab, too, is of the view that the rate cut was not feasible and had resisted a rate reduction on electric vehicles (EVs) in the last Council meeting. The rate on EVs was cut to 5 per cent from 18 per cent in July.

Maruti says Ola & Uber not a big factor for current slowdown

Millennials opting for ride hailing services like Ola and Uber may not be that strong a factor for the current slowdown in auto sales and a detailed study is needed to arrive at any conclusion in the contrary, according to a top official of the country’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India. Ownership pattern in India still has not changed and people purchase cars with an “aspirational aspect”, MSI Executive Director (Marketing and Sales) Shashank Srivastava told PTI in an interview here.

Strategy of tackling air pollution is a complete eyewash

This refers to “EV no answer to air pollution: Chicago prof” (September 11). An interesting comment from Michael Greenstone regarding the insufficiency of electric vehicles (EVs) to bring down air pollution levels prompts one to pause and ponder over the whole issue of air pollution. The article captures that one of the richest nations in the world is also not ready to target complete electrification of its plying vehicles before 2045. It’s surprising that our policy makers do not review such details before setting the ambitious target.

Outside-In Perspective Of The Drive Ahead For Auto Industry

BW Businessworld

For 10 straight months now, Auto Industry has had de-growth. Millions of blue and white collared employees are going to lose jobs from the Sector. Industry experts have attributed several reasons for the unabated fall and the measures to revive the sector.

E-rickshaw volume in India to reach 1 million units by FY25

Analysing the dominance of electric rickshaws, which currently cover 80 per cent of the EV market in India, Frost and Sullivan has said in a recent report that the e-rickshaws in India will grow to 1 million units by FY2025 from 0.4 million in FY2019. The study paper focuses on India’s growing e-rickshaw, e-scooter and e-bus market and the business opportunities around them.

APSRTC Employees Union against proposal for e-bus maintenance

The APSRTC Employees Union (EU) have demanded that the management withdraw its Request for Proposal (RFP) issued for selection of bus operators for procurement, operation and maintenance of air-conditioned electric buses on gross cost control model.

Gujarat’S Electrifying Drive Into Future Of Vehicles

Barely months after launching its SUV Hector, MG Motors has finalized plans to roll out an electric SUV called MG ZS EV from its Halol factory in Gujarat. The company is currently testing prototypes. And, if all goes as planned, Gujarat will be the launchpad for the country’s first global EV. “We plan to start local assembly of our global pure electric SUV, the MG ZS EV, at our Halol facility this December,” said Rajeev Chaba, president and managing director of MG Motor India.

Still charging: India’s electric vehicle plan

CNBC TV18

For a country like India, where high levels of air pollution in cities is slowly turning into a national emergency, large scale adoption of electric vehicles powered by renewable power can be a win-win situation for all stakeholders. And while the authorities in India are making all the right noises by encouraging a mass shift to electric vehicles (EVs), there is an evident need for clear goals backed by regulations along with a strategy to deter non-compliance.

Govt to give renewables their moment in the sun

In a renewed push to cut India’s dependence on fossil fuels, the central government wants state-run companies to build massive clean energy parks at a cost of around $2 billion each, with built-in incentives to ensure states and operators are invested in the success of the parks. The proposed ultra mega renewable energy power parks (UMREPP) of 2,000 megawatts (MW) each will help developers achieve economies of scale and further bring down solar and wind power tariffs.

EV no answer to air pollution: Chicago professor Michael Greenstone

The government’s aggressive impetus to electric vehicles to reduce air pollution may be misplaced in terms of both emissions and cost, cautions University of Chicago professor Michael Greenstone, an energy and climate change expert helping Gujarat and Maharashtra in cutting particulate emissions from industries. The Milton Friedman professor in economics at the university says if the charging grid for EVs remained largely coal based, net impact on emissions could be in fact “worse.”

Govt will respond to automobile industry’s demand, says FM

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said the government would respond to the demands of the automobile industry, which is facing the worst slump in two decades. Sitharaman’s assurance to the auto industry came ahead of the GST Council meeting, slated for September 20. The FM, while speaking to the media here on 100 days of the Modi government 2.0, said, “We are conscious that we need to respond.”

Govt’s big plan to push EVs: Rs 40,000-crore subsidies in the works

The government is considering more sops and benefits to push electric mobility in India — this time on the supply side. The plan is to spend Rs 40,000 crore on subsidies over the next 10 years, aimed at companies that will set up manufacturing units for batteries, parts of electric vehicles (EVs), or components supporting infrastructure like charging stations, Business Standard has learnt.

The hybrid road to EVs

Fortune

It is raining sops for electric vehicles (EVs) these days. In her maiden Budget speech of FY20, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an income tax deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh on interest paid on loans to buy EVs. And within days, the GST Council slashed the goods and services tax (GST) on these vehicles from 12% to 5%—the lowest indirect tax rate in the country.

Petrol, diesel demand in India to grow around 4.7% by 2025: Nayara Energy

India’s overall fuel demand will rise by an average of 4.7 percent a year through the fiscal year 2025 because of improving demand for gasoil as the country’s road transport network improves, the Chief Executive Officer for Nayara Energy B. Anand said on Tuesday. Chief executive B. Anand said he expects India’s fuel demand to grow 4.7% a year to 5.5 million barrels per day (bpd) through fiscal year 2025, and then 4% per year to 6.6 million bpd through 2030.

Data Analytics & A Sound Battery Management System Are The Future Of Electric Vehicles

Analytics India

The key to the safe, reliable and efficient functioning of lithium-ion battery packs is the battery management system (BMS). Known as the ‘brain’ of the battery, it is an essential component of all low and high voltage lithium-ion battery packs. An electronic supervisory system, the BMS manages the battery pack and is responsible for measuring cell voltages, ensuring balanced charge cycles, state identification, and controlling crucial safety systems. It is essentially responsible for safeguarding the batteries from damage.

SIAM seeks bigger stimulus package to revive auto sector

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has sought a “bigger stimulus package” to revive the auto industry, which has been heavily dented by the consumption slowdown. According to SIAM Director General Vishnu Mathur, urgent measures, like reduction in the goods and services tax (GST) from 28 per cent to 18 per cent on automobiles is required to revive the industry.

Delhi Metro to Introduce E-Bikes at Metro Stations for Last Mile Connectivity

News18

Delhi, despite being the nation’s capital, is one of the most polluted cities in the country. Vehicular release, construction activities, burning of agricultural residue are the main causes behind this acute level of pollution.

Is the auto slowdown for real?

Not a day passes without reading how the Indian automotive sector is in the midst of a crisis and its appeals to the government for help. This article takes an integrated view of the issues involved with an intent to provoke thought. The author does not claim to be an auto expert. Amidst sagging animal spirits, Kia Seltos got 23,000 bookings and MG Hector 21,000 bookings, collecting a booking amount of Rs 57.5 crore and Rs 105 crore, respectively. Buyers aspire, have money, hence booked.

BEST deploys 10 more Olectra-BYD electric buses

BEST has deployed 10 more electric buses in its fleet of zero-emission buses for Mumbai. These buses come as part of the Olectra-BYD’s 40 AC and non-AC bus order on Gross Cost Contract basis. The deployment of this second lot of electric buses from Olectra-BYD comes after successful trial deployment of 6 zero-emission buses in November 2017 by BEST, claims the manufacturer in a release.

No light at the end of the tunnel for carmakers

India’s passenger vehicle industry suffered its worst-ever monthly sales performance in August as a protracted demand slowdown showed no sign of abating. Companies did not step up production of vehicles fearing sales will continue to stay weak during the crucial festive season, which begins this month and continues till late October. Car sales in India are measured as factory dispatches and not retail sales.

Do we have the charging infrastructure for EVs in Indian market?

EVs has led to the opening of a new business area, that of charging infrastructure. The government has announced incentives for electric vehicles like Income tax deductions, lower import duty on many components, Investment-linked tax exemption for setting up manufacturing facilities, GST reduction on EVs from 12 to 5% to stretch its demand.

Indian auto component industry need not fear EVs, say Industry leaders

Indian auto component industry which is largely comprised of mechanical and powertrain parts need not to worry about the evolution of electric vehicles as the internal combustion engine is here to stay for at least for the next one decade, industry leaders said at the 59th Annual Convention conducted by auto component members association (ACMA).

India Auto Inc divided on next step of electrification

Autocar India

As India Auto Inc continues to grapple with ever-tightening emission regulations spurred by efforts to curb pollution, there is a general consensus among major automakers about the eventual shift away from conventional internal combustion (IC) engines. Electrification, at this point, seems to be the only way possible to strike the right balance between the need of mobility and that of reduced environmental impact.

GST Council yet to arrive at a consensus on rate cut for auto sector: Anurag Thakur

In order to get out of the current crisis and not miss the festive season, we require clarity from the government, here and now, on GST and scrappage policy,” Guenter Butschek, Managing Director and Chief Exective Officer, Tata Motors, said. Not only Tata Motors but also other companies including Mahindra & Mahindra and two-wheeler maker TVS Motor are also seeking GST cut for automobiles.

How e-rickshaws have become a threat to Delhiites, even off road

A man recently died of electrocution after he touched a gate near his house in northeast Delhi’s New Usmanpur. A police probe revealed that an illegal e-rickshaw charging point set up by a group of power thieves in the area had caused the accident. The miscreants had hooked a cable to an overheard power unit and wound the wire on the iron gate.

Industry captains demand GST cut before festive season

Pawan Goenka, managing director at Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), said whenever there was a slowdown in auto sales in the past, a cut in taxes has helped in revival. “When the 2013-14 slowdown happened, there was a 4% reduction in excise duty, in 2008-09, it was a 6% cut. Data says immediately after the reduction, volumes went up,” Goenka said at a round-table with the media at the sidelines of the Siam annual convention.

Gadkari assures Modi government will not ban petrol, diesel vehicles

The union government will not ban conventional internal combustion engine-driven vehicles to promote electric mobility while also looking at reducing taxes on hybrids to boost demand in the short term, said Nitin Gadkari, union minister for road transport and highways, at the annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

Auto industry seeks government help in smooth transition to BS-VI emission norms

Automotive industry body SIAM on Friday sought government intervention to help the sector in smooth transition to BS-VI emission norms from April next year, saying the prospect of abrupt stoppage of manufacturing and sales of BS-IV vehicles overnight posed a “monumental” challenge. Speaking at the annual convention of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), SIAM President Rajan Wadhera said vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers were on track to meet stricter emission norms, but expressed concern over availability of BS-VI fuel across the country.

Mumbai To Pune In An Electric Bus: Environment Friendly Buses No More Have Range Anxiety

Electric buses in India are rapidly increasing in number. Yet they are still limited to operations within a city. Not anymore, as Mumbai Central ST bus depot has now launched the country’s first inter-city electric bus. Named ‘Shivai’, the 43-seater electric bus claims a range of 300 km on a single charge. Good enough for a trip from Mumbai to Pune.

Automakers warn government of millions of job losses

Moneycontrol

Indian automobile companies on September 5 sought government intervention through a cut in goods and services tax to stem a deepening slump in vehicle sales, warning that any further delay will put a million jobs at risk. “Till now, 15,000 contractual manufacturing jobs have been lost and another million are at risk if the slowdown is not reversed,” news agency IANS cited Rajan Wadhera, president, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam), as saying at the group’s annual convention in New Delhi.

More electric buses on the road soon: West Bengal transport minister

With 40 electric buses on the road and another 190 buses in the pipeline the city roads will have adequate environment friendly electric buses to provide comfortable transport system to the city dwellers. West Bengal transport minister Suvendu Adhikary said in the state assembly on Friday that the electric bus model was so successful that the two neighbouring states – Bihar, Tripura and Assam had decided to replicate the model.

Electric vehicle home rule

The Telegraph

All apartment blocks to come up in Calcutta have to reserve a certain portion of their parking area to set up electric vehicle charging stations, mayor Firhad Hakim said on Friday. Apartment blocks with built-up area of 20,000sqm or more have to reserve 10 per cent of the parking area to set up the charging station.

Delhi government to come out with policy on electric vehicles

Amidst an aggressive push for a switch to electric mobility, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said the government will come out with a policy on electric vehicles shortly. With pollution levels rising in the national capital, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government had set a target to promote the use of electric vehicles. The government released a draft policy in November.

Innovations in EV tech: From powering homes to plugging last mile connectivity

The Indian Express

E-cars that double up as mobile power sources to electric vehicles (EV) incorporating folded e-scooters in the boot as a compliment to the main vehicle, both for last mile connectivity and as a back-up option if the user were to ever be stranded at some point due to low battery in the car.

Shift to EVs will be gradual; may account for 25-30% of vehicles by 2030

Speaking at an event to announce the launch of the Society for Smart E Mobility (SSEM), Radhakrishnan said that the State Government’s Electric Vehicle Policy has been finalised and will be announced in three weeks. The policy would cover both the supply and the demand side, besides supporting EV battery manufacture. He added that 100 electric buses are propsed to introduced in Coimbatore under the FAME II policy.

10 days on, EV charging station has one customer

Hindustan Times

The first electric vehicle (EV) charging station at the Indian Oil-owned petrol pump in Greater Noida, which was opened on August 23, has so far received a poor response. To promote e-mobility, the National Thermal Power Corpo- ration (NTPC) Limited and the Indian Oil Corporation together had commissioned the charging station, but only one transporter has visited the station till date for charging his vehicle. Station operators say some people, though, have visited the station and enquired about the facility.

EESL plans to set up EV charging stations in Kolkata

State-owned Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) on Tuesday said it is in talks with the West Bengal government for setting up electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the metropolis and adjoining New Town area. The New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA), the West Bengal Transport Department, Power Department and the Urban Development Department are involved in installing the proposed EV charging stations, officials said.

Charging ahead? India’s electric car revolution faces bumps

Paritosh Mitra, who drives a motorised rickshaw in Delhi, knows what he wants next and has saved 100,000 rupees ($1,390) to get it: an electric rickshaw. But he won’t buy one until it comes with all the basic features that he needs as a commercial driver. That includes a top speed of at least 40 km (25 miles) per hour and convenient recharging.

BHEL expands footprint in e-mobility business

Bharat Heavy Electricals is setting up a network of solar-based Electric Vehicle Chargers (SEVC) on the Delhi-Chandigarh Highway. The chargers are located at the resorts of Haryana Tourism Corporation at Ambala, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat and Samalkha (Sonepat) on Delhi-Chandigarh highway.

India’s EV ride: What lies ahead

Amid distress calls over the slump in national sales figures, auto giants have also been voicing concern over a Niti Aayog proposal to push for full conversion to electric vehicles (EVs) for internal combustion engine (ICE) threewheelers by 2023, and two wheelers (for engines with or below 150 cc capacity) by 2025.

Busting the myths surrounding electric vehicles

Amidst increasing concerns around air quality, the government has finally made it clear that both ICE (internal combustion engines) that run on fossil fuels and EVs shall co-exist in the market. This gives car manufacturers the freedom to focus on EVs, aligning with the government vision to put more and more EVs on the road in the next few years.

Delhi’s electric vehicle policy to include e-commerce companies

Hindustan Times

The Delhi electric vehicle policy will focus on covering the urban freight sector, which largely includes e-commerce companies and private courier operators and depend on bikers who ensure doorstep delivery, senior government officials said on Friday.

Explained: What is the economics behind e-vehicle batteries?

Shifting gears in the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), the NITI Aayog, in May this year, proposed to ban the sale of all internal combustion engine (ICE) powered three-wheelers post March 2023. It also suggested that all new two-wheelers below 150cc sold after March 2025 should be electric. In consonance with these proposals, the Union Budget presented on July 5 announced tax incentives for early adopters.

RTC expert panel to submit merger report soon

The expert committee constituted to recommend the modalities for the merger of the A.P. State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) with the government will submit its final report to Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy this week. “We have suggested two options,” Chairman of the committee C. Anjaneya Reddy has said, without divulging the details.

Auto sector seeks cut in GST to help revive sales in festive season

An automobile industry body on Monday sought an immediate cut in the goods and services tax (GST) rate on vehicles to help revive sales during the crucial festive season. A lower tax rate would allow companies to reduce their vehicle prices, potentially attracting more buyers, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) said.

Government may reduce GST on automobiles: Sitharaman

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday indicated the government may cut GST automobiles in the near term. Currently, automobiles come under 28 per cent GST slab. “The automobile sector was in a transition phase to produce engines and components meeting BS-VI fuel norms (from the earlier BS-IV), which comes into effect from April 1, 2020,” Sitharaman said while responding to reporters here.

K’taka is the first state in India with vision to be EV capital of India:CM

“Today we have more than 20 policies for diverse sectors. We have recently announced the Electrical Vehicle and Energy Storage Policy 2017, the first state to do so with a vision to make Karnataka as the EV capital of India,” Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said.

UP to buy 600 electric buses, targets 10,000 for public transport by 2024

In order to accelerate its electric vehicles (EV) roadmap, the Yogi Adityanath government will soon float tenders for the supply of 600 electric buses for public transport across major cities in Uttar Pradesh. The buses are proposed to be deployed in Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Agra, Ghaziabad, Varanasi, Mathura, Gorakhpur and Shahjahanpur.

NTPC commissions its first Electric Vehicle charging station

ET Energyworld

State-owned power generator NTPC Ltd today announced it has commissioned along with Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) its first Electric Vehicle charging station at an IOC petrol pump in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The two companies have joined hands to set up many such charging stations. “This EV Charging station is the first in a series of such charging stations which have been planned across cities and highways,” the company said in a statement.

Government prepares array of rules as it looks to overhaul road mobility

Aimed at overhauling India’s entire road mobility play, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is preparing a set of exhaustive rules on issues such as road safety, transportation, vehicle maintenance, insurance against third party risks, offences and penalties.

Tamil Nadu to unveil electric vehicle policy in three weeks, says transport secretary

The state has finalised its electric vehicle policy and would unveil it within three weeks, said J Radhakrishnan, principal secretary to the state transport department, on Saturday. He said the state’s electric vehicle policy has incorporated the best features of those from other states which have already released them. He said it would have incentives for both manufacturers and users. He revealed this at the launch of the “Society for Smart E-Mobility”, a forum of automotive industrialists and institutions, in the city on Saturday.

Can India switch to electric vehicles in the near future?

Times Now

The government’s big budgetary push clearly indicates its goal to promote the manufacture and sale of electric vehicles (EVs) in India in the near future. Major automakers like Hyundai and Mahindra are unveiling EV’s in India like Kona Electric, Mahindra e2o, etc. The newer e-versions are also gathering a lot of attention due to their futuristic and new designs. But, at some point in the future, when they will be less of a rarity, they will be just cars.

Competition

Government encourages entrepreneurs to set up EV charging stations

While the lack of required infrastructure on ground has kept electric vehicle manufacturers skeptical about the fast acceptance of e-mobility among the masses, the government on its part has started offering entrepreneurship development programmes for setting up EV charging station across the length and breadth of the country.

Auto parts player Minda Corp gearing up to meet electric mobility demand

Minda Corporation Ltd, a leading auto parts player and the flagship company of Spark Minda Group, said it is getting ready to be a major supplier of parts to electric mobility and emerging technologies. The ?3,092-crore diversified auto parts major is now investing in future technologies such as electric mobility, autonomous and connected technologies. “We are equipping ourselves to build a holistic manufacturing ecosystem for electric mobility especially in two- and three-wheeler segment where the penetration will be faster,”Ashok Minda, Chairman and CEO, Minda Corporation, said in the company’s latest annual report.

Kia Motors hits the bullseye, but how will it sustain?

South Korean carmaker Kia Motors made a strong foray into India, with its debut product Seltos raking in 6,000 bookings on the very first day of commencement of its booking. Launched on August 22, it sold 6,200 units last month, emerging as the 7th largest PV maker in India.

Greaves Cotton bets big on Ampere Vehicles; to launch two new e-scooters this year

Mumbai-based engineering company Greaves Cotton, is betting big on the recently acquired electric vehicle company Ampere Vehicles for the next phase of growth. The maker of diesel automotive engines has charted out an aggressive plan for its e-mobility arm Ampere from expanding dealership network, online channel and new product launches to become one of the major players in the electric vehicle space, Nagesh Basavanhalli, MD & CEO, Greaves Cotton told ETAuto.

Mahindra launches Treo EV in Kerala: Extra subsidy of Rs 30,000 announced

Kerala finalised its policy on electric vehicles earlier this year under which the state aims to procure 6,000 electric buses for the state road transport corporation by 2025 and among other objectives, also to expand the use of electric three-wheelers. The state budget for 2019-20 has proposed to ensure a rise in the number of EVs to a million by 2022. Kerala government is also offering a subsidy of Rs 30,000 on electric three-wheelers in addition to FAME II benefits.

BYD India to introduce more electric vehicles soon with the help of local suppliers

Can you believe this? BYD or Build Your Dreams as it is called, is a pioneer of electric vehicle technology when it come to the Chinese market. That they have been present in India since 2007 is a revelation. The company (BYD India) is headquartered out of Chennai and also has an office in New Delhi. Not only this, the company has also partnered with Olectra for introducing electric public transport service in India.

Europeans will ride electric scooters made in Pithampur

An Indian multinational car manufacturer with headquarters in Mumbai has started exporting electric scooters to Europe from its Pithampur facility and is planning to expand production capacity anticipating encouraging demand in next five years. Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has already exported first batch of Peugeot E-Ludix electric scooter to Europe from the Pithampur factory, only facility of the company in India to manufacture and export electric scooters.

Moving to EVs is a Paradigm Shift and Could Face Initial Resistance – Euler Motors

News18

Euler Motors is an Automotive and Energy start-up working on last-mile transport using electric vehicles. Founded in 2018, the company is focussed on bringing 3 and 4 wheelers light commercial electric vehicles for cargo and passengers. The company has already received the first series of investment and is already providing its vehicles to companies like BigBasket, EcomExpress, Udaan, and BlueDart.

Hero Electric plans to set up new unit

At a time when the auto industry is slashing production, Hero Electric is looking to invest in a new manufacturing plant. The company proposes to invest Rs 700 crore in plant and product development over the next three-four years. Hero Electric India currently has a 100,000 unit per annual capacity plant in Ludhiana and plans to increase the capacity to 500,000 units.

Changing tack: Tata Power set to become a services player

Like some of its global peers such as US-based Duke Energy or Italian multinational Enel, power producer and distributor Tata Power is looking to morph from a pure-play utility into a customer-focused business. CEO & MD Praveer Sinha expects renewables and the customer-oriented business — distribution, rooftop solar, micro-grid and solar pumps, home automation and EV charging — to contribute about half the company’s revenues in the next five years.

Blacksmith Electric starts accepting dealership enquiries from more than 700 districts in India

Blacksmith Electric is fast forwarding its efforts to set up shop in India. The Chennai-based start-up has indigenously built is first electric two-wheeler cruiser motorcycle as well as scooter prototypes. The brand is inviting dealership enquiries from all over India. At the first stage, 700 districts are being targeted. Currently, more than six applications have been received and half of them are from abroad – from Spain and Mexico. Moreover, Blacksmith Electric at the moment is taking in the applications. The dealership requirements will be discussed with the partners at a later stage.

Polarity launches smart PMVs, plans electric car in a year

Pune-based e-mobility start-up Polarity on Friday unveiled its entire range of smart personal mobility vehicles (PMVs), offering six models with price ranging between Rs 38,000 and Rs 1.05 lakh ( ex-showroom). Powered by Brushless DC Motors (BLDC), the bikes which will to be available in sports and executive series, were introduced in the presence of union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Arvind Sawant.

The Hybrid Road To EVs

Fortune

Two, smart hybrids where the vehicle can run either on gasoline or diesel or just on batteries for some distance. And finally, you have plug-in smart cars where the batteries have to be charged at stations. Auto companies like Maruti, Mahindra, and Hyundai have either developed or are developing hybrids cars, especially simple hybrids. Mahindra’s e-Verito sedan is a perfect combination of electric and conventional cars.(HPCL)

Electric three-wheeler space heating up, says M&M’s Pawan Goenka

CNBC TV18

India’s electric three-wheeler boom has been as unorganised as it has been rapid. But a few established automakers are looking to be part of this revolution in the Indian three-wheeler market, dominated currently by many small, unorganised players.

Hero’s Munjal makes a case for shift to electric cycles, unveils Lectro

As the government pushes for electric mobility, food delivery firms such as Swiggy and fast food restaurants like Pizza Hut and Domino’s are looking at electric bicycles as an alternative to motorcycles and scooters. Electric cycles are yet to make an inroad into the Indian market compared to electric scooters which have attracted investments from vehicle manufacturers and startups.

Honda To Import Electric Scooters To India From China In A Test Run

Electric two-wheeler offerings are growing at a rapid pace in the Indian EV market. Auto majors are aware of this and have hinted at their plans to be in this space. Hero Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) recently did the same and as per it, some of Honda’s electric scooters Activa might be on their way to India from China soon.

Lohia Auto eyes electric two-wheeler comeback, lines up new launches

Electric vehicle-maker Lohia Auto might have shifted strategic focus to the three-wheeler segment over the past few years, but the company is set to make a comeback in the two-wheeler space with a full portfolio of electric models soon.

Lowering dependence on imported electric vehicle components to drive Altigreen’s big India plans

Altigreen Solutions is a Bangalore-based start-up that is the recipient of multiple awards. Altigreen, at the moment, provides solutions to OEMs based on their requirement for an electric or hybrid powertrain. Notable OEMs have approached the company and are in talks with them. We happened to have a chat with Amitabh Saran, the founder of Altigreen on the company’s vision.

Hyundai, Kia to invest in Ola Electric

Ola Electric Mobility, an arm of the ride-hailing major, will raise capital from South Korean automotive giants Hyundai and Kia, according to a filing with antitrust watchdog Competition Commission of India (CCI). The details of the transactions could not be ascertained but it comes after Hyundai and Kia invested $300 million in Ola’s parent company, ANI Technologies, earlier this year and both the deals are linked, according to the filing.

Committed to building EV ecosystem in India: Dassault Systemes

With the government setting a target of 2023 to step up the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India, global 3D design company Dassault Systemes is mulling to invest more for the development of the EV ecosystem in the country, a top company executive said on Sunday. When it comes to Electric Vehicles, India is the most interesting market because it is able to think about innovation, and is involved in a lot of testing and trying to find new disruptive ways, according to Florence Verzelen, Executive Vice President, Industry Marketing, Global Affairs and Communication, Dassault Systemes.

BYD India’s dynamic market strategy revealed in Autocar Professional’s September 15 issue

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is biding its time for a bigger presence in the Indian market. The world’s largest EV maker, which already has a strong presence in the electric bus market in India through its BYD Olectra buses, has now turned its attention to electric mobility in smaller-sized vehicles.

BVR Subbu appointed Ampere Vehicles board chairman

Ampere Vehicles, electric mobility arm of Greaves Cotton Limited, has announced the induction of industry veteran BVR Subbu to its board as chairman. In his role as chairman, Subbu, ex-president of Hyundai India, will steer the board to stay ahead of the complex challenges presented by a competitive Indian e-mobility transformation and support Ampere’s strategic growth ambitions, according to a release.

BVR Subbu appointed Ampere Vehicles board chairman

Top 5 Electric Vehicle startups to watch out for

The Asian Age

The harmful effects of air pollution and the related health issues we are facing due to exhaust emissions is well understood. It is time to act on it soon before it’s too late. As consumers, we can play our part. The solution to this is to adopt a sustainable mobility option – an Electric Vehicle which is non-polluting.

Kinetic Green signs MoU with MahaMetro for last mile connectivity using e-rickshaws

Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions signed an MoU with the MahaMetro to provide last mile connectivity with e-rickshaws to commuters. As part of this, MoU Kinetic Green will be providing its electric 3 wheeler ‘Kinetic Safar’ which is ideally suited for last mile connectivity and urban commuting.

MahaMetro ropes in Kinetic Green to provide e-rickshaws for last mile connectivity

MahaMetro ropes in Kinetic Green to provide electric rickshaws for providing last mile connectivity for commuters. Rides can be booked through a mobile application, the company said in a statement. As a pilot project, the e-rickshaw service will be available to commuters at six metro stations in Nagpur at a cost of Rs 10 per ride. MahaMetro Nagpur is in the process of installing charging stations at all their metro stations for these vehicles.

Auto goes electric!

Deccan Chonicle

The new launch of Makkal Auto has been specifically designed to encourage eco-friendly travel, besides its inclusiveness in creating a livelihood option for people across genders. The company has already been doing this in its regular auto-rickshaw operations in Tamil Nadu and New Delhi.

Olectra to scale up e-bus production to meet rising demand

At a time when automobile sector in the country is witnessing one of the steepest slumps in decades due to falling demand for cars and SUVs, the slowdown seems to have little impact on electric vehicle manufacturers. In fact, buoyed by the government’s focus on promoting less polluting e-vehicles, Olectra-BYD, the electric bus manufacturer, has undertaken expansion plan at its plant at Jadcherla, near Hyderabad in Telangana.

Mahindra Electric joins hands with Dassault Systemes for EV testing

Mahindra Electric Mobility of Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has partnered French multi-national software firm Dassault Systemes to use its technology for faster electric vehicle (EV) development. Dassault Systemes, part of Dassault Group, is popular for its 3DEXPERIENCE platform that is used world over for designing, testing, and simulation in a range of industries.

Hyundai to supply affordable electric vehicles to Ola by 2022

Moneycontrol

Hyundai Motor India will begin supplies of ‘affordable’ and ‘mass market’ range of electric vehicles to India’s ride-hailing giant Ola from 2022-23. These vehicles, which are tailor-made for Indian buyers, will be based on a new vehicle platform that is aimed at keeping cost of manufacturing low and making them affordable.

No sign of ‘new era’ at mega auto meet

Sales of trucks crashed by 60 per cent in August with Ashok Leyland registering a fall of 70 per cent in high tonnage trucks. The company has announced a five-day holiday at one of its plant starting Friday.“Don’t ask me about how full year’s sale will be. Under the current circumstances, I can’t even tell you how things are going to be after ten days,” Pawan Goenka, managing director at Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), said.

EV-makers lure buyers with new pricing models

India’s electric two-wheeler players are taking to innovative pricing models to mitigate the impact of high costs in a highly price-sensitive market. While last year saw Ather Energy announce subscription plans for end-to-end after-sales services, rival Revolt Intellicorp has taken it a notch further by allowing customers of its two new electric motorcycles to pay for them in monthly instalments.

Cost, Charging Infrastructure Big Challenges For Electric Cars: Maruti Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki India is apparently having trouble with its plans to bring its electric vehicle offerings in the country. While the company was poised to bring in an electric version of its hatchback – WagonR in India by next year, a senior executive of the company has now mentioned three roadblocks that the OEM is facing for that.

International

“They don’t need us anymore”: auto workers fear electric unrest

Ford Motor Co. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, which are rolling their own battery-powered models to market in the coming years, could face a similar fate if they’re unable to quell the UAW’s concerns that widespread adoption of EVs endangers the employment of 35,000 union members.

In 10 years, Tesla has gone from a one-car company to being compared with Porsche – here’s why that’s incredible

Business Insider

Porsche officially launched its first all-electric vehicle, the Taycan. The car has been much-anticipated, and invariably has also been compared with Tesla’s offerings. You’ve seen the headlines: “Tesla Killer” and so on. The German automaker put together some early media drives in Norway, and so far the reviewers have been impressed if not staggered by the devout Porsche-ness of the Taycan.

Finding life in retired EV batteries

As the uptake of electric vehicles has increased exponentially in the past few years, the concern of – what to do with battery when it reaches the end-of-life in electric vehicles, is also intensifying gradually. By 2030 there will be over 6 million battery packs retiring from electric vehicles per year, according to IDTechEx’s latest report named Second-life Electric Vehicle Batteries 2020-2030.

Boris Johnson goes green with cash for electric cars and fusion

Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party will pledge funding for electric cars, fusion power and new green spaces at its conference next week, in the latest sign of how British political parties are fighting for environmentally friendly votes. The Conservative annual conference, which kicks of in Manchester, North West England, on Sunday, is likely to be dominated by Brexit. But the party is keen to talk about other things as well.

Why The Electric Car Revolution Needs Head-On Collision With Conventional Views

“I like driving in my car,” sang Madness for the first time in 1982. Recently, I concluded that driving a fossil-fuel-powered car in 2019 is indeed a form of madness, so I have switched to a fully electric vehicle. I’ve written elsewhere about the need for an environmental revolution and the potential for electric and automated cars to open up the act of travel to a much wider set of useful experiences.

First gas station in America to ditch oil for 100% electric vehicle charging opens in Maryland

CNBC

The first gas station in the U.S. that has been completely transitioned from a petroleum station to exclusively charging EVs opened Thursday in Takoma Park, Maryland. RS Automotives, the local gas station, has been around since 1958.

How Volkswagen is taking the electric car battle straight to Tesla

In the world of automobiles, there is a big change coming up in the form of electric vehicles and despite the fact that most global carmakers are between 50 to 100+ years, all of them are today trying to play catch-up with Tesla, a company that rules the global electric market today.

EV as a power source for buildings

How can electric vehicles further add to sustainability, how can EV batteries be optimised for energy efficiency, these are some of the many questions stakeholders are exploring to find the optimal usage for energy storage.

The Business Of Electric Vehicles

Clean Technica

In Q2 2019, Americans purchased 4,430,000 passenger cars. 2.1% of those (92,599) were electric vehicles — up from 0.9% in 2016. Electric Vehicle (EV) sales threaten $4.3 trillion in annual revenue ($3T from gas automakers, $1.3T from gasoline).

China’s sustainability strategy is an example of global leadership

In the here and now of climate change, it is easy to lose sight of important signs of progress. China, the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, is a case in point. By changing its economic model, shifting its sources of fuel, developing new transportation systems, and embracing eco-friendly urbanisation, China’s sustainability strategy is an example of global leadership that the rest of the world should consider very carefully. In the rush to demonise China over trade, the West has missed this point altogether.

This Breakthrough Lithium Extraction Technology Could Accelerate The Sustainable Energy Transition

A breakthrough nanotechnology from cleantech start-up EnergyX promises to revolutionise the speed, cost and sustainability of accessing the world’s lithium reserves. The technique uses a newly developed class of materials to act like an organic sieve to separate out lithium, rather than vast networks of evaporation ponds. Lithium is a critical element used in the battery technology that underpins much of the world’s consumer electronics, electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

Nio forced to raise $200m from chief and shareholder Tencent

Financial Times

Chinese electric carmaker Nio has been forced to raise $200m from its chief executive and one of its leading shareholders, Tencent, after a disastrous quarter that saw losses deepen and the business haemorrhage cash. Recall costs of thousands of vehicles over battery concerns and sliding sales pushed the group to a Rmb3.3bn ($478.6m) net loss in the three months to June, sending US-listed shares down 10.5 per cent in pre-trading on Tuesday.

Electric Car Owners May Not Love Solar Panels So Much After All

BloombergQuint

The overlap between consumers who buy electric vehicles and those who want solar panels on their roofs may not be so broad after all. While conventional wisdom has long held that EV drivers prefer to charge cars with clean energy, surveys that fed that belief targeted early adopters of the technologies who don’t necessarily represent the broadening demographic of today’s buyers, according to a report Tuesday from BloombergNEF.

Tesla Becomes the Most Selling Car in Norway, 9 of 10 Best-Selling Vehicles are Electric

News18

As the world makes an imminent shift towards a cleaner alternative to fossil fuel, several countries are pushing for the sales of electric vehicles in the form of subsidies and heavy investments in EV charging infrastructure. In the same breath, recent data by Clean Technica showing vehicle sales in Norway from January to August suggests that nine out of the 10 top-selling cars were either electric or hybrid.

California electric vehicle exports, already valued at $3 billion in 2018, expected to hit $3.4 billion in 2019

More and more electric vehicles (EVs) are accelerating onto roads worldwide, and as they gain traction, they’re becoming one of California’s biggest economic exports. Last year, EVs were the state’s 8th most valuable export, worth almost $3 billion in revenue—more than phones, pistachios, and even oil. In 2019, California’s EV exports are poised to grow further – expected to hit $3.4 billion, which would have made it the state’s fifth most valuable export in 2018.

Labour to commit to big increase in charging points for electric cars

The Guardian

Labour will build a national network of charging points for electric vehicles at a cost of £3.6bn to kickstart its planned “green industrial revolution” if elected, the party will say on Monday. The rollout of rapid-charging stations on motorways and urban streets would be enough for more than 21m cars in the next decade, and, the party said, would remove one of the biggest obstacles to electric car ownership and create 3,000 skilled jobs for electricians and engineers.

After $5 Billion in Losses, China’s NIO Battles for Survival

BloombergQuint

It took Tesla Inc. about 15 years to rack up $5 billion in losses. The company some regarded as China’s Tesla did it in four. And the bleeding continues. Shanghai-based NIO Inc. is poised to report Tuesday that it lost another 2.6 billion yuan ($369 million) — around $4 million a day — during the second quarter, according to the average of two analysts’ estimates.

Why Americans Don’t Buy Electric Cars (Hey, The Tesla Model 3 Isn’t That Popular)

Most Americans aren’t interested in electric vehicles. That’s a cold fact. I won’t cite a bunch of statistics (that may seem encouraging but actually are not). Just look around you. 2020 is almost here but it’s still wall-to-wall gas cars. And it’s not just inertia. All those new cars are gas too.

Germany to raise incentives for buying electric cars

The German government will raise incentives for buying electric cars under its new climate plan, as well as raising road tolls for trucks from 2023 and pumping money into rail operator Deutsche Bahn, a climate policy document seen by Reuters showed. All proceeds from a new carbon dioxide (CO2) pricing system will be re-invested in climate protection or given back to citizens in form of financial relief, the document showed.

Amazon to add 100,000 electric delivery vehicles by 2030

ET CIO

As global warming intensifies, tech giants are taking bold steps to undo the environmental damage. One of the steps taken by e-commerce giant Amazon is adding electric vehicles to its delivery fleet. In its official release, Amazon revealed that it plans to go net-zero carbon across its businesses by 2040, a decade ahead of the Paris Accord’s goal of 2050. To accelerate this mission, Amazon has ordered 100,000 fully-electric delivery vehicles, the largest order ever of electric delivery vehicles.

GM electric car push could mean fewer and lower paying jobs

If U.S. consumers ever ditch fuel burners for electric vehicles, then the United Auto Workers union is in trouble. Gone would be thousands of jobs at engine and transmission plants across the industrial Midwest, replaced by smaller workforces at squeaky-clean mostly automated factories that mix up chemicals to make batteries.

Electric cars: Low earners may never get to drive one

Indian Express

Germany’s autobahns appear to be packed full of brand new Audis and Volkswagens, but nearly half of all cars are more a decade old. The country has never seen such an aged fleet of vehicles, according to the KBA automotive watchdog. Nor has the United States, where the average car is almost 12 years old.

Amazon vows to be carbon neutral by 2040, buying 100,000 electric vans

Live Mint

Bezos also said Amazon was ordering 100,000 electric delivery vehicles from U.S. vehicle design and manufacturing startup Rivian Automotive LLC and would use 100% renewable energy by 2030, up from 40% today. Amazon and Ford Motor Co are among the investors in Rivian. Bezos said the first electric delivery vans for Amazon will be on the road by 2021, and all 100,000 will be deployed by 2024.

Explained: Electric or hydrogen cars Why Asian economies are backing the latter

The Indian Express

China, Japan and South Korea have set ambitious targets to put millions of hydrogen-powered vehicles on their roads by the end of the next decade at a cost of billions of dollars. But to date, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) have been upstaged by electric vehicles, which are increasingly becoming a mainstream option due to the success of Tesla Incs luxury cars as well as sales and production quotas set by China.

Australian lithium recovery seen by mid2020 as EV production revs up

The source of weak demand of lithium was a change in Chinas electric vehicle subsidies towards lithium hydroxide, high nickel cathode that did not have the immediate uptake from the industry of the scale that China expected.

The Shift to Electric Vehicles Propels a Strike Against GM

Wired

When United Automobile Workers members walked off the job at 33 General Motors sites around the US on Sunday morning, perhaps the most … striking detail was that they only numbered 46,000. The last time the UAW’s GM workers went on strike, in 2007, they were 73,000 strong. And that was a fraction of the 259,000 US hourly production workers GM employed in 1991.

U.K. energy review could offer incentives for electric car sales

The U.K. is concluding an almost yearlong assessment of its energy market and policies on Monday, with officials suggesting new incentives could be offered to promote sales of electric cars. The nation is trying to reach a goal of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and speed the introduction of low-carbon technologies such as electric vehicles, according to a government statement.

Electric vehicles, batteries could draw bulk of GM’s $7 billion pledge

A new family of electric vehicles, an all-electric pickup truck and an advanced battery system could draw much of the $7 billion that General Motors Co has pledged to invest in the United States as parts of contract talks with the United Auto Workers.

This UK city is most prepared for electric cars – but Britons won’t buy due to price fears

Express

Research shows the coastal city is the most prepared for electric vehicles, with a 13 percent increase in charging points now taking the total number of stations to 77. Coupled with a low population rate and over 1,000 alternative fuel cars registered in the region, Southampton is set for an expected electric boom.

When should you choose a battery electric vehicle over a plug-in hybrid?

The Driven

We are encouraging questions from readers about electric vehicles, and charging, and whatever else you want to learn. So please send them through and we will get our experts to respond, and invite other people to contribute through the comments section.

Carmakers are rolling out more electric vehicles, but who is buying?

It only took a decade for traditional automakers to take electric cars seriously and offer more than a smattering of test-the-water models. Now comes the hard part: Getting consumers to buy them. At Frankfurt’s 2019 car show, Volkswagen AG Chief Executive Officer Herbert Diess laid it on thick, calling on governments to give up coal-fired power as he unveiled the electric ID.3 car-for-the-masses.

Electric-Car Sales Drop for Second Straight Month

Chinese electric-car sales fell for a second straight month after the government scaled back subsidies, the latest sign that one of the final pillars of strength in the world’s largest automobile market is crumbling. Sales of new energy vehicles all-electric, fuel-celled autos and plugin hybrids declined 16% from a year earlier to 85,000 units in August, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said Wednesday. That followed a 4.7% drop in July.

Electric Cars Are Here But How About Selling Them

It only took a decade for traditional automakers to take electric cars seriously and offer more than a smattering of test- the-water models. Now comes the hard part: Getting consumers to buy them. At Frankfurt’s 2019 car show, Volkswagen AG chief ex- ecutive officer Herbert Diess laid it on thick, calling on govern- ments to give up coal-fired power as he unveiled the electric ID.3 car- for-the-masses.

BASF strikes French alliance to recycle electric car batteries

German chemical giant BASF announced Wednesday plans with French companies Eramet and Suez to recycle lithium-ion batteries from electric cars, aiming to secure a leading role in a growing market.

European automakers tell governments they must help sell electric cars

Europe’s carmakers are telling governments they must help build electric car charging points and provide consumer subsidies to boost sales of battery-powered vehicles and assist the industry in meeting stringent new emissions rules.

Oil demand to peak in three years, says energy adviser DNV GL

Global oil demand will peak in three years, plateau until around 2030 and then decline sharply, energy adviser DNV GL said in one of the most aggressive forecasts yet for peak oil. Most oil companies expect demand to peak between the late 2020s and the 2040s. The International Energy Agency (IEA), which advises Western economies on energy policy, does not expect a peak before 2040, with rising petrochemicals and aviation demand more than offsetting declining oil demand for road transportation.

UK government announces 500 mn stg green investments

The British government said on Tuesday it will invest more than 500 million pounds ($616 million) in green technologies. Included in this will be a 400 million pound fund to develop rapid charging infrastructure points for electric vehicles. A further 143 million pounds will be invested in green projects, including greenhouse gas removal technologies and measures to address air pollution.

Ford to launch eight electric vehicles in Europe this year

Ford Motor Co said on Tuesday it would launch eight electric vehicles in Europe this year, a key step in its target of achieving a majority of its overall sales from electric cars by the end of 2022. The launches include electric variants of the Kuga and Puma SUVs and the Mondeo sedan. The automaker also plans to launch 15 other electric vehicles by 2024 in Europe, including a new Mustang-inspired electric SUV next year.

UK 2nd cheapest country in Europe to own an electric vehicle

Fleet Point

LeasePlan has released its annual Car Cost Index, with the latest analysis revealing that compared to 2018, there has been a sharp decline in the price differences between electric cars and petrol/diesel vehicles across the European markets. The analysis shows that the UK is now the second most cost-effective country in Europe to own an electric vehicle. According to the Car Cost Index, the average monthly total cost of ownership for electric vehicles in the UK is €676, with only Greece offering a lower total cost of ownership of €656.

Electric car sales subsidy to be abolished

Electronics Weekly

“I make no bones about it,” says Shapps, “we want to remove all the subsidy. So you can see this in two ways. If you are out there reading this, thinking of buying an electric car, buy it while the subsidy’s there, because it will go eventually.” At the moment, the government pays up to 35% of an electric car with a maximum payment allowed of the £3,500. The amount was set in 2016. Before that it was set at £5,000.

China’s Ambitious Electric Vehicles Plan

The 2035 target would represent a 12-fold jump in the proportion of (new energy vehicles) NEVs sold now, which stands at about 5%, and adds pressure for global carmakers to electrify their ?eets to compete in the world’s largest car market

Asian cities turn to electric vehicles in anti-pollution drive

Asian cities are switching to electric vehicles in a bid to tackle worsening air quality, cut climate changing emissions, and expand their public transport networks, climate experts said on Friday. Transport is the fastest-growing source of climate-warming greenhouse gases, with the vast majority of projected increases expected to come from developing Asia by 2030, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Schneider Electric launches EcoStruxure for eMobility

To meet the urgent needs of the world’s rapidly-expanding Electric Vehicle (EV) market, Schneider Electric, the leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, has launched EcoStruxure for eMobility, the only end-to-end solution to cover the entire EV charging infrastructure value chain.

In the age of EVs, Volkswagen’s road to riches or ruin starts in this plant

Six months ago, Volkswagen AG plunked down a few dozen building containers next to its sprawling assembly halls in Zwickau, eastern Germany. The graceless space stands apart from the rest of the sleek plant, but it’s inside that the carmaker is really breaking new ground. One module houses a walk-in time capsule curated with meticulous attention to detail.

UK car sales fall again but demand for electric vehicles surges

British car sales dropped by an annual 1.6% in the low-sales month of August as demand for diesel models continued to fall but there was a 377.5% increase in registrations of battery electric vehicles, according to an industry body. Demand last month stood at 92,573 cars in Europe’s second-biggest autos market, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Just How Long Will An EV Battery Last?

Inside EVs

When you first bought your newest smart phone, you probably felt quite pleased to have a device that would actually survive the day without needing additional charging. Two years later though, you’re likely to run into the same frustration you did at the end of your last phone’s life: dead battery before dinnertime.

Germany, land of the car, develops taste for electric cargo bikes

Think tricycles for the age of global warming: A rising number of environmentally conscious Germans are buying electric cargo bikes, which last year outsold electric cars in a country known for its love of the combustion engine. Climate change is the top concern for Germans, opinion polls show, but government subsidies to boost sales of electric cars have not gained traction. Only 36,000 electric cars were sold in Germany last year, compared with 25,000 in 2017, according to motor vehicle authority KBA.

Electric Car Sales Fall for First Time After China Cuts Subsidy

BloombergQuint

Global electric-car sales fell for the first time in modern history in July after China scaled back purchase subsidies, highlighting the role government assistance is having on the burgeoning market. Monthly sales worldwide fell 14% to about 128,000 plug-in passenger electric vehicles, Sanford C. Bernstein said in a report Tuesday. Sales declined in China and North America, while rising in Europe.

How Much Is A Used Electric Car Worth? Japan’s Idea Will Make It Easy To Judge

As India focuses on increasing the use of electric vehicles, several other countries are already at the cusp of another automobile revolution. Japan, for instance, has a huge market for electric vehicles, having started their use about a decade ago. Now, the country is planning to push the second hand electric vehicles market too.

Economics of Electric Vehicles Mean Oil’s Days As A Transport Fuel Are Numbered