In a groundbreaking collaboration with the state government of Andhra Pradesh, Pepper Motion GmbH and its industrial partners are set to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) landscape with a fully integrated vertical production facility. Drawing inspiration from Tesla, the facility aims to convert diesel buses and trucks while also manufacturing new vehicles, including a battery production capacity of up to 20 GWh. The project, with an investment exceeding $600 million, plans to commence operations by early 2025, producing over 50,000 electric buses and trucks annually from 2027.
The comprehensive plan encompasses the utilization of both battery electric drives and Pepper’s recently launched fuel cell-based drive system. The project also envisions developing a charging infrastructure in collaboration with established technology partners like chargebyte. The investment initiative aligns with India’s commitment to fostering New Mobility & New Energy sectors, creating an environment conducive to decarbonization and innovative solutions in commercial vehicle transportation.
Andreas Hager, Managing Director and CEO of Pepper Motion GmbH, expresses gratitude for the support and commitment from the Hon’ble Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and emphasizes the strategic advantage of Andhra Pradesh’s existing port and industrial infrastructure for this transformative project.
The venture has garnered significant interest from Indian state transport corporations, private fleet operators, and the commercial vehicle industry, indicating a strong demand for electrifying fleets. pepper’s innovative and modular drive systems position it as a technology leader capable of providing future-proof solutions in the bus and truck sectors. The ambitious plan underscores India’s pivotal role as one of the largest and rapidly growing markets for buses and commercial vehicles, offering immense potential for sustainable and cost-efficient EV conversion.
The official kick-off for this landmark cooperation is scheduled for the end of November 2023, marking the presentation of the investment permit for the construction of the production facilities in Andhra Pradesh. The project is poised to contribute significantly to India’s ambitious goals for a greener and emission-free transport sector.
