Tag: evs

Xiaomi EV Technology to be Showcased at Company’s December 28 Stride Event

Xiaomi has confirmed that the company will soon unveil its EV or electric vehicle technology. The Beijing-based firm is currently known to be one of the world’s leading smartphone manufacturers. The company said in 2021 that it would enter the electric vehicle market, with the debut of its first such vehicle expected for 2024. Earlier this year, an electric vehicle from the company, codenamed ‘Modena’, was seen being tested in cold, snowy terrains. The upcoming launch event will, however, not see any product reveal.

Xiaomi announced in a post on X that Xiaomi’s EV Technology will be unveiled at the Stride launch event to be held on December 28 at 2 pm Beijing time (11:30 am IST). Lei Jun, Xiaomi founder and CEO, claimed that Xiaomi EV aims to integrate “automotive, consumer electronics, and smart ecosystems” and, therefore, redefine the technology of the automotive industry. He also clarified that the December event will only showcase EV technologies and not introduce any products.

The company reportedly won the approval of China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the body which regulates investments and production capacity in the country’s auto industry, to manufacture electric vehicles (EVs). Xiaomi pledged to invest $10 billion (roughly Rs. 82,700 crores) in this sector spanned across a decade. It planned to mass-produce its first set of cars within the first half of 2024.

In January this year, the testing of an EV model by Xiaomi, codenamed ‘Modena’ in China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, was spotted, which was supposedly a test of the vehicle’s battery performance in extreme cold conditions. The company had confirmed previously that it hired over 500 experts from around the world to develop the in-house autonomous driving technology.

The images seen in the testing of the Xiaomi Modena show the EV as a sedan with an aerodynamic shape, with a long hood and a swooping roofline that drops gently towards the back of the car. It also showed retractable door handles and LiDAR sensors on the roof of the vehicle.

Will the Nothing Phone 2 serve as the successor to the Phone 1, or will the two co-exist? We discuss the company’s recently launched handset and more on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Ola Electric Says It Will Reimburse Charger Cost to EV Scooter Buyers; No Details on Refund Amount

Ola Electric on Thursday said it will reimburse its buyers of electric scooters the cost of chargers.

In a statement on Twitter, the company said the electric vehicle industry has witnessed unprecedented success in the last couple of years despite attempts from vested interest groups, like the recent narrative on charger pricing.

“As a leader of the industry we remain committed to putting our customers first. Therefore, setting aside the technicalities and as an example for others to follow, we have decided to reimburse the charger monies to all eligible customers,” it stated.

This move will not only demonstrate the company’s commitment to the EV revolution but also serve to strengthen trust and add more value for the customers, the company noted.

Ola did not provide the details regarding the amount it planned to reimburse.

Earlier reports, citing government officials, had pegged the amount to be around Rs 130 crore.

On Wednesday, TVS Motor Company announced that it will refund around Rs 20 crore as a goodwill benefit scheme to customers who have paid over and above the threshold limit fixed under the FAME scheme.

Last week, the government sent notices to Okinawa Autotech and Hero Electric for debarment from the FAME-II Scheme and sought the recovery of incentives claimed since FY20 after the two companies were found to be violating localisation norms under the scheme.

Based on anonymous emails, the government has recently re-opened audits for 2020 and 2021 where all companies were importing certain components which weren’t manufactured in India.

The FAME II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India) scheme commenced on April 1, 2019, for a period of three years, which was further extended for a period of two years up to March 31, 2024.

The total outlay for FAME Scheme Phase II is Rs 10,000 crore. The scheme is exclusively for public and commercial transport in the segments of electric three-wheelers (e-3W), electric four-wheelers (e-4W), and electric buses. 

The Vivo X90 Pro has finally made its debut in India, but is the company’s flagship smartphone for 2023 equipped with enough upgrades over its predecessor? We discuss this and more on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Maruti Suzuki Planning New Plant to Cater to Market Demands, Aims to Introduce Six New EVs by 2030

Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) on Wednesday said it is looking to set up a manufacturing plant with a capacity of up to 10 lakh units per annum in order to cater to the expected increase in demand from domestic as well as export markets.

The company, which has earmarked a capex of around Rs. 8,000 crore for current fiscal year, is yet to finalise the amount of the investment on the new plant and its location.

The company said its board has given an in-principle approval for creation of up to 10 lakh vehicles per year capacity in the new plant, which is expected to come up in phases depending upon the market situation.

As of March 31, 2023, MSI has a cash reserve of around Rs. 45,000 crore. It had earmarked a capex of Rs. 6,300 crore in FY23.

The carmaker also announced that it will be getting a “big three-row strong hybrid model” from Toyota as part of their collaboration.

In a virtual press meet after the Q4 results, Maruti Suzuki Chairman RC Bhargava said the new facility would be in addition to its upcoming manufacturing plant in Sonipat in Haryana.

He noted that work on the new plant would be carried out simultaneously with the Sonipat plant.

MSI is investing Rs. 11,000 crore in the first phase of the Sonipat plant with an initial manufacturing capacity of 2.5 lakh units per annum, expected to be commissioned by 2025.

“We along with Suzuki looked at the estimated demand scenario over the next 8 years..it is expected that the Kharkhoda plant (in Sonipat) capacity will be fully utilised..so we decided to put up one million additional capacity,” Bhargava said.

He noted that the company would take an internal accrual route to fund the new investment.

When asked about the expected investment on the new plant, Bhargava said it is yet to be finalised but hinted that it could be slightly higher that that on the Sonipat facility.

MSI’s total existing production capacity is around 15 lakh units per annum in Manesar and Gurugram. It is also the sole beneficiary of 7.5 lakh unit capacity of Suzuki Motor Gujarat (SMG) under a contract manufacturing agreement.

Besides, it will be getting 10 lakh capacity from Sonipat plant.

On the company’s electric vehicle programme, Bhargava said the company aims to have six fully electric models in its portfolio by 2030.

“The models would largely be in the SUV category,” he noted.

Bhargava noted that in order to move towards carbon neutrality, the country requires a mix of different technologies and not rely on just one kind of technology. 

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General Motors Plans to Replace Apple CarPlay, Android Auto With Google’s Infotainment System in Future EVs

General Motors plans to phase out widely-used Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technologies that allow drivers to bypass a vehicle’s infotainment systems, shifting instead to built-in infotainment systems developed with Google for future electric vehicles.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems allow users to mirror their smartphone screens in a vehicle’s dashboard display.

GM‘s decision to stop offering those systems in future electric vehicles, starting with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer, could help the automaker capture more data on how consumers drive and charge EVs.

GM is designing the on-board navigation and infotainment systems for future EVs in partnership with Alphabet‘s Google.

The decision to phase out CarPlay smartphone projection technology is a setback for Apple Inc in the competition with Google to capture more real estate on vehicle dashboards in North America. GM’s Chevrolet brand in the past boasted of offering more models with CarPlay or Android Auto than any other brand.

GM has been working with Google since 2019 to develop the software foundations for infotainment systems that will be more tightly integrated with other vehicle systems such as GM’s Super Cruise driver assistant. The automaker is accelerating a strategy for its EVs to be platforms for digital subscription services.

By 2035, GM’s goal is to phase out production of new combustion light-duty vehicles.

GM would benefit from focusing engineers and investment on one approach to more tightly connecting in-vehicle infotainment and navigation with features such as assisted driving, Edward Kummer, GM’s chief digital officer, and Mike Himche, executive director of digital cockpit experience, said in an interview.

“We have a lot of new driver assistance features coming that are more tightly coupled with navigation,” Himche told Reuters. “We don’t want to design these features in a way that are dependent on person having a cellphone.”

Buyers of GM EVs with the new systems will get access to Google Maps and Google Assistant, a voice command system, at no extra cost for eight years, GM said. GM said the future infotainment systems will offer applications such as Spotify’s music service, Audible and other services that many drivers now access via smartphones.

GM plans to continue offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mirroring systems in its combustion models. Owners of vehicles equipped with the mirroring technologies will still be able to use the systems, GM said.

Drivers also will still be able to listen to music or make phone calls on iPhones or Android smartphones using Bluetooth wireless connectivity, GM said.

© Thomson Reuters 2023

Realme might not want the Mini Capsule to be the defining feature of the Realme C55, but will it end up being one of the phone’s most talked-about hardware specifications? We discuss this on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Volvo Cars Could Go 100 Percent Electric in India by 2025, Sold 1,800 Units in 2022

Swedish luxury carmaker Volvo Cars could go fully electric in India by around 2025, much ahead of its global target of becoming a full electric car company by 2030, a senior company official said on Tuesday.

The company, which will launch the electric version of its SUV C40 in the fourth quarter of 2023, will keep launching one electric vehicle every year in the country going forward.

Volvo Cars‘ Head of Commercial Operations, Rest of Asia Pacific region Nick Connor said by virtue of being a niche player, the company can afford to become a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) only manufacturer much sooner than its competitors.

“I think we will accelerate. We can’t do it this year, maybe in 2025. We said we will be 50 percent electric (globally) by then, we could say well in India, we’re going to be 100 percent electric. We’ve already said in Australia, for example, that by 2026, we’re going to be 100 percent electric,” he told reporters here in an interaction.

Connor, who was Managing Director of Volvo Cars Australia operations before his current role, was responding to a query on the plans for the company’s electrification journey in India.

“We’ve seen a much quicker acceleration towards battery electric vehicles than we ever thought (in Australia). It has taken us by surprise. I think that could well happen here (in India) because we’re not a mass manufacturer, we have the luxury of being able to differentiate ourselves from the market,” he asserted.

The challenge, however, is that the pure BEV luxury segment is very small at the moment and is not enough for the company to be viable in the marketplace, he said, adding, for some time the company would have to continue to sell petrol cars and mild hybrids.

“As the market develops, we will accelerate the move to BEV. The tipping point for us will come quite early,” Connor added.

Volvo Cars’ current India portfolio comprises fully electric XC40 Recharge, SUVs XC90, XC60 and XC40 along with sedan S90.

On the significance of the Indian market, he said, “India is a very important focus market for our region. We see it as probably the fastest growing market in the region, with the greatest, longest term potential.” Volvo Cars witnessed a strong demand for its XC40 BEV which was launched towards the back end of last year, in India, he said, adding, sales last year were constrained only by supply and demand was many times more than supply in India and around the rest of the world.

“We will launch C40 BEV, a pure electric vehicle in quarter four of this year.  We’ve already seen a very high demand for that car in markets where we’ve already launched it. We anticipate similar levels of demand for C40 BEV as we’d have for XC40 BEV in India,” Connor said.

Both the XC40 BEV and the C40 BEV would be imported as completely knocked down units and assembled at the company’s Bengaluru plant.

“I think it’s very important for us that we produce as many cars here locally as we can to meet local demand,” he added.

In terms of sales of EVs to the company’s total sales in India, he said, “We haven’t set hard and fast targets for India or indeed any other market because of production uncertainties. But I think if the global percentage is 11 percent (last year), or (18 percent in Q4 of 2022), we’d want to be at a similar level for India, or maybe even a little bit stronger.” Last year, the company had sold around 1,800 units in India and expects to record its best sales, bettering the previous highest of 2,600 units sold in 2018. 

 

Samsung’s Galaxy S23 series of smartphones was launched earlier this week and the South Korean firm’s high-end handsets have seen a few upgrades across all three models. What about the increase in pricing? We discuss this and more on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Budget 2023: Fully Imported Cars, Including EVs, to Cost More After 10 Percent Customs Duty Hike

Fully imported cars, including electric vehicles will cost more with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing hike in customs duty in the Union Budget 2023-24.

Customs duty on vehicles in completely built units (CBUs) costing less than $40,000 (roughly Rs. 32.7 lakh) or with engine capacity less than 3,000 cc for petrol-run vehicles and less than 2,500 cc for diesel-run vehicles has been raised from 60 percent to 70 percent, as per the Budget document.

Similarly, customs duty on electrically operated vehicles in CBU form, other than with cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of more than $40,000, has also been raised to 70 percent from 60 percent.

The Budget also outlined that customs duty on vehicles, including electric vehicles, in semi-Knocked down (SKD) form will rise to 35 percent from 30 percent earlier.

Already, cars imported as CBUs with CIF more than $40,000 or with engine capacity more than 3,000 cc for petrol-run vehicles and more than 2,500 cc for diesel-run vehicles attract 100 percent customs duty.

“The Government has proposed to increase the duties on completely built units (CBUs) to 70 percent from 60 percent earlier.

“This is unlikely to have a material impact as most of the luxury cars are now assembled in India, barring the top-end variants. Nonetheless, an increase in customs duty will further aim to promote domestic manufacturing going ahead,” Icra Senior Vice President & Group Head Corporate Ratings Shamsher Dewan said.

On the other hand, Sitharaman proposed “to further provide impetus to green mobility, customs duty exemption is being extended to import of capital goods and machinery required for manufacture of lithium-ion cells for batteries used in electric vehicles.

The Finance Minister also noted that replacing old polluting vehicles is an important part of “greening the country’s economy”.

“In furtherance of the vehicle scrapping policy mentioned in Budget 2021-22, I have allocated adequate funds to scrap old vehicles of the Central Government,” she said.

States will also be supported in replacing old vehicles and ambulances, Sitharaman added.

“Multiple proposals in the Union Budget are seen favourable for the automotive sector. A sharp 33 percent increase in capital investment outlay, identification of critical transport projects for first and last-mile connectivity, and relaxation in personal tax rates shall aid the demand for the auto sector,” Dewan stated.

Thrust on green energy continues with specific budgetary allocation for old vehicle scrappage, energy transition, and viability gap funding for battery storage solutions with 4000 MWh, he added.

Customs duty exemption on the import of capital assets for manufacturing lithium-ion cells for batteries used in electric vehicles shall facilitate EV ecosystem development and aid faster penetration, Dewan said.

“An increase in the duty rates on compounded rubber from 10 per cent to Rs 25 (or) 30 per kg, whichever is less, is a challenge for tyre industry, which significantly depends on imported rubber,” he added

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DTC Fleet Gets 50 New Electric Buses Under FAME India Phase II Scheme

As many as 50 electric buses were launched in Delhi with support under the FAME India Phase II scheme of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, informed the government on Monday.

In 2019, the government approved Rs. 10,000 crore for a period of three years. Out of total budgetary support, about 86 percent of the fund has been allocated for incentives so as to create demand for electric vehicles.

Union minister for heavy industries Mahendra Nath Pandey said the government placed orders for 3,538 electric buses. Out of those, a total of 1,716 buses have been deployed so far.

Pandey stated that for the Union Territory of Delhi 400 Electric Buses — 300 to Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) for intra-city operations and 100 to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for last Mile connectivity — were sanctioned in August 2019.

“The supply orders were to be placed by January 15, 2020. DMRC issued a supply order in December 2019 to the successful Bidders whereas Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) could only issue a supply order in March 2021. To facilitate DTC, MHI extended the last date of the supply order by DTC March 31, 2021, as a special case for providing a pollution-free world-class transit system to Delhi,” according to the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

With the launch of the 50 buses today, the commitment to providing 300 electric buses to DTC has been fulfilled, the ministry said.

Earlier this year, the Delhi government approved the induction of 1,500 low-floor electric buses in its public transportation fleet. Initially, the DTC decided to allocate 10 sites to various agencies for setting up Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations and battery swapping stations. 

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Mahindra Partners With Three EV Infrastructure Firms to Build Charging Stations for Upcoming Vehicles

Mahindra on Wednesday said it has tied up with three electric vehicle infrastructure partners — Jio-bp, Statiq, and Charge+Zone — to offer charging solutions for its upcoming range of passenger electric vehicles. With these partnerships, Mahindra EV users will get seamless access to a robust fast charging infrastructure and e-mobility solutions spanning across discovery, availability, navigation and transactions, the Mumbai-based automaker said in a statement.

The automaker recently unveiled its first all-electric SUV — the Mahindra XUV400. Earlier this year, Mahindra also unveiled a range of new electric vehicles (EVs) in an event in the UK, which it plans to introduce in India over the next few years.

“We look forward to bringing sustainable, profitable and efficient EV solutions to accelerate the mass adoption of battery electric vehicles in India, and we are delighted to have joined hands with all our partners for our upcoming range of electric vehicles in India,” Mahindra & Mahindra president – Automotive Division Veejay Nakra said in a statement.

The company approaches these partnerships as an opportunity to offer robust EV infrastructure solutions to customers quickly, and it will also help in moving a step forward towards achieving India’s net-zero goals, he added.

Last month, Jio-Bp, the fuel retailing joint venture between Reliance and BP, announced that it will set up charging network for Mahindra’s upcoming e-SUV launches. Back in 2021, the companies signed an MoU for exploring the creation of EV products and services, alongside identifying synergies in low-carbon and conventional fuels.

The company has made rapid strides towards electrification by unveiling its Born Electric Vision with a range of world-class electric SUVs to be launched in the country in the next few years. It plans to supplement the launch of electric vehicles with access to extensive fast-charging infrastructure, the company said at the time.

 

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Amazon India Partners With TVS Motor to Boost Electric Mobility in E-Commerce Delivery

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Amazon India Partners With TVS Motor to Boost Electric Mobility in E-Commerce Delivery

Amazon India and TVS Motor have joined hands to strengthen electric mobility in the country, the companies said in a joint statement on Wednesday. As part of the collaboration, a fleet of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers from TVS Motor will be deployed for Amazon’s last-mile deliveries. In addition, the two companies will work in tandem to examine EV use cases for various Amazon business groups for its network and logistical requirements, the statement said.

In order to test solutions, the two companies will pilot TVS Motor’s electric vehicle solutions through partner base and delivery associates across India.

“TVS Motor is now ready with electric two-wheeler and three-wheeler product options for B2B (business-to-business) along with an ecosystem of connected service and alternate ownership. We are happy to collaborate with Amazon India, which marks a big milestone in our journey, and contribute to our joint goals of electrifying their mobility services,” TVS Motor Company Future Mobility Senior Vice President Manu Saxena said.

Amazon India Director-Customer Fulfilment, Supply Chain and Global Specialty Fulfilment, Abhinav Singh said the collaboration marks another decisive step for the company to achieve its goal of becoming net-zero carbon by 2040.

“Electric mobility is a significant component of our business operations, and we are resolute in our commitment to transforming our transportation network to serve our customers more sustainably,” he added.

The collaboration strengthens Amazon India’s delivery network by adding electric two and three-wheelers to the existing fleet, Singh said.

“This will support our supply chain in minimising the environmental impact of our operations and contribute to Amazon India’s goal of inducting 10,000 EVs into our fleet by 2025,” he added.

In 2020, Amazon India announced that it would include 10,000 EVs in its delivery fleet by 2025.

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Indian Army to Procure Electric Vehicles for Select Units to Reduce Carbon Emissions

The Indian Army decided to procure electric vehicles (EV) for select units and formations in sync with the government’s overall policy of reducing the carbon emissions, officials said on Wednesday.

As per the plan, around 25 percent light vehicles, 38 percent buses and 48 percent motorcycles in select units will be replaced with EVs in a time-bound manner.

Various factors unique to the Indian Army’s employability, remote locations of employment and operational commitments were considered before finalising the roadmap for induction of EVs, the officials said.

“The Indian Army has put into plan a roadmap to induct EVs wherever possible, considering the operational commitments which will significantly reduce carbon emissions dependency on fossil fuels,” said an official.

In order to support a viable EV ecosystem in the Army units, necessary support infrastructure, including charging points for EVs, will be put in place.

“These EV charging stations will have at least one fast charger and two to three slow chargers. Electric circuit cables, transformers with adequate load bearing capability based on anticipated number of EVs per station will be put into place,” the official said.

The Army is also planning setting up of solar panel-driven charging stations, which are also planned in a phased manner.

“The Army is also procuring EVs through the capital route. As per plans, the existing shortage of buses will be fulfilled by procuring electric buses for select peace establishments for initial exploitation,” said the official.

An initial tender for procurement of 60 buses along with 24 fast chargers will soon be floated, he said.

“Considering the pace of greener initiatives being adopted by the government, efforts to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels, it is necessary to adapt to the changing environment,” said another official.

In April, the Indian Army had organised a demonstration of available EVs to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh where EV manufacturers such as Tata Motors, Perfect Metal Industries (PMI) and Revolt Motors showcased their EVs and briefed about the enhancement in technology. 

 

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