India Unveils Comprehensive E-Mobility R&D Roadmap For Self-Reliance And Global Leadership
In a landmark event today, Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, unveiled the “E-Mobility R&D Roadmap for India” at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe. The meticulously crafted roadmap identifies the technological advancements necessary for India to become self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) in the e-mobility sector over the next five years. The report categorizes research projects into four critical areas: Energy Storage Cells, EV Aggregates, Materials and Recycling, and Charging and Refueling. The hybrid-mode event witnessed the attendance of government officials, members of the Consultative Group on e-Mobility (CGeM), industry representatives, think tanks, and media personnel.
iVOOMi Launches Jeet X ZE Electric Scooter With 3 KWH Battery And 170 KM Range
iVOOMi is excited to announce the launch of the new variant of its popular electric scooter, the Jeet X ZE, now equipped with a 3 KWH battery. This variant offers an impressive range of up to 170 kilometers on a single charge, setting a new benchmark in the electric scooter market. Priced at INR 99,999, the new Jeet X ZE will be available at iVOOMi dealerships across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Rajasthan with local registrations. Building on the success of the JEET X ZE, the 3 KWH variant features an Underbone Frame made from a tensile ERW1 Steel Tube with a 42 mm diameter, ensuring both robustness and stability. The new model also introduces a state-of-the-art Smart Speedometer with Mobile App connectivity, offering riders features such as turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, call and message notifications, trip data, SOC alerts, and a comprehensive speed display in both numeric and bar formats. The battery’s state of charge is displayed in per cent and status bar, enhancing user convenience and experience.
Roadcast and AMU Forge Groundbreaking Partnership to Revolutionize EV Fleet Management and Enhance Sustainability
Roadcast, a leading SaaS-based logistics automation platform, and Accelerated Money for U (AMU), a prominent non-banking financial company (NBFC) specializing in financing electric vehicles (EVs), have announced a transformative partnership aimed at advancing EV technology and promoting environmental sustainability across India. Under this landmark collaboration, AMU will integrate Roadcast’s advanced GPS technology into a substantial portion of the e-rickshaws it finances. This strategic move is set to revolutionize EV operations, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, by enhancing fleet management, improving security, and tapping into emerging markets with significant potential for profitable EV financing.
India’s Two-Wheeler Industry Eyes 7-9% Growth In FY25 Amidst EV Boom – Report
The Indian two-wheeler industry is poised for steady growth, with a projected volume increase of 7-9% in FY25, slightly lower than the 9.8% growth achieved in FY24 as per CareEdge Ratings. This growth is expected to be fueled by higher sales of electric vehicles (EVs), driven by the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024, potential interest rate cuts in the latter half of FY25, robust demand for new models, a recovery in exports, and favorable monsoon conditions boosting rural consumer sentiment and income levels. In FY24, the two-wheeler sector saw significant growth due to rising EV volumes and a diverse range of models and new launches. Despite initial setbacks in the first half of FY24 due to price increases post BS-VI Phase-II emission norms implementation, higher interest rates, and stressed rural incomes, the market rebounded in the second half thanks to festive demand and improved rural sentiment. The industry recorded robust double-digit growth in the quarters ending March 2024, with this trend continuing into April and May 2024.
Bounce Infinity And Zapp EV Partner To Drive Electric Vehicle Production In Key Indian Cities
Electric scooter maker Bounce Infinity announced on Friday its partnership with Zapp Electric Vehicles Group for the contract manufacturing of Zapp’s electric vehicles (EVs). Bounce Infinity will produce Zapp’s EVs according to Zapp’s specifications, as stated by the company. Manufacturing of Zapp’s electric two-wheelers will take place at Bounce Infinity’s Bhiwadi plant. Bounce Infinity will also assist Zapp EV in securing the necessary approvals for homologating its products for sale in India. “Our collaboration with Zapp’s innovative product lineup will leverage our manufacturing strengths to establish India as a global two-wheeler manufacturing hub,” said Bounce Infinity CEO and Co-Founder Vivekananda Hallekare.
Perpetuity Capital Raises Rs. 7 Crores for Clean-Tech Mobility Expansion
Perpetuity Capital, a fintech platform dedicated to clean-tech mobility, has successfully raised Rs. 7 crores through Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs). The funding round was led by N+1 Capital and RevX Capital, two prominent debt funds that support SMEs and financial institutions. The newly acquired funds will be utilized to enhance Perpetuity Capital’s lending capabilities and expand its loan portfolio, with a particular focus on East India. This strategic move aims to promote environmentally friendly mobility solutions in these regions, significantly reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainable development goals.
Record Production Across All Vehicle Segments In June 2024, Reaching 23.36 Million Units – Report
The Indian automobile industry has reported significant growth across all segments in the first quarter of the 2024-25 fiscal year. According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the total production of passenger vehicles, three-wheelers, two-wheelers, and quadricycles in June 2024 reached 23,36,255 units.
Domestic Sales in June 2024:
- Passenger Vehicles: 3,37,757 units
- Three-wheelers: 59,544 units
- Two-wheelers: 16,14,154 units
Data for BMW, Mercedes, JLR, Tata Motors, and Volvo Auto were not included in specific calculations. However, excluding Tata Motors, the total passenger vehicle sales amounted to 2,94,233 units for June 2024.
Vedanta Aluminium Boosts Sustainability with Expansion of India’s Largest Electric Forklift Fleet
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has significantly bolstered its commitment to sustainability by adding 22 new electric lithium-ion forklifts at its Jharsuguda smelter operations in Odisha. This expansion brings their total fleet to 66 units, solidifying Vedanta’s position as the largest deployer of electric lithium-ion forklifts in India. John Slaven, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, emphasized the company’s dedication to sustainability, calling it a “business imperative” and highlighting the deployment of electric forklifts as a milestone in their journey towards a Net Zero future. These forklifts, now operational across Vedanta Aluminium’s facilities in Jharsuguda, Lanjigarh (Odisha), and BALCO smelter in Chhattisgarh, feature advanced battery charging capabilities aimed at enhancing operational efficiency while reducing carbon emissions. The move is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2,500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually and save over 8.4 lakh litres of diesel per year.
BluSmart Secures Funding To Scale Electric Ride-Hailing And Charging Network
BluSmart, the leading electric vehicle (EV) ride-hailing service in India and South Asia, announced that it has secured $24 million in a Pre-Series B funding round to expand its operations and improve its EV charging infrastructure across major Indian cities. The investment round drew notable new investors such as responsAbility Investments AG, a leader in impact asset management, and Sumant Sinha, a prominent figure in the renewable energy sector. The MS Dhoni Family Office also participated, reflecting the cricket icon’s commitment to sustainable transportation. Since its inception, BluSmart has grown exponentially, expanding its fleet from 70 EVs in January 2019 to 7,500 in Delhi NCR and Bangalore. The company has recorded over 500 million electric kilometers, completed more than 16 million electric trips, and saved nearly 40 million kilograms of CO2 emissions to date.
Shell India To Install Fast Chargers Nationwide In Partnership With JSW MG Motor India
JSW MG Motor India has forged a strategic alliance with Shell India Markets Private Limited (SIMPL) to enhance the public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) across India. According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Shell India will set up CCS 50kW and 60kW DC fast chargers at numerous locations across the country. This initiative will enhance the EV charging network and support long-distance travel for EV users. These chargers will be easily accessible to MG customers via the MyMG App and Shell’s network discovery tool, ensuring user-friendly and convenient charging experiences.
Vidyut Unveils New Platform For Pre-Owned EV Sales And Financing
Bengaluru-based electric mobility startup Vidyut announced on Thursday the launch of its offline platform for selling and financing pre-owned electric vehicles (EVs). Initially, these services will be available in Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, with plans to expand to six more markets, including Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Lucknow, Agra, and Kanpur by the end of this fiscal year. The company also intends to introduce an online marketplace within the next six months. Vidyut will manage the entire process for owners, from vehicle inspection and valuation to sale and RTO documentation. At present, the platform specializes in reselling electric commercial three-wheelers from various brands, including Mahindra, Piaggio, Euler Motors, Greaves, and Altigreen.
Greaves Finance Limited Partners with ACKO to Boost EV Ownership in India
Greaves Finance Limited, a non-banking financial company (NBFC) and a wholly owned subsidiary of Greaves Cotton Ltd., has announced a strategic partnership with ACKO, a tech-first insurer, to facilitate seamless electric vehicle (EV) ownership across India. This collaboration operates under Greaves’ EV-focused lending platform, evfin, enabling consumers to access optimal insurance policies and financing options with ease. The partnership will allow cross-selling of ACKO’s offerings on the evfin platform, providing customers with specialized financing support and tailored solutions that cater to their specific needs. Additionally, the collaboration aims to simplify the insurance scouting process, offering affordable policies that meet the diverse requirements of EV owners.
