Promising cleaner streets and a better environment, the EV race is at its highest today.

Multiple technologies and solutions within the automotive sector are contributing to the EV ecosystem. Various technologies are coming together to make EVs. There are over 120 companies from different segments offering different solutions, including OEMs. While China and Germany are in the lead in the transition to electric mobility, the EV sector in India is catching up as well – although there are still some hindrances that need to be overcome. These are, of course, standardisation, safety, charging points, to name a few. But at the same time, there are opportunities to grab as well. Every industry within automotive, and the government, are constantly working in the direction to revolutionise and make India a country that has only EVs on the road – from new innovative electric vehicles being launched all over the country to charging stations being set up to several of the initiatives taken by the government to promote the adoption of electric vehicles.

Organised by Futurex Trade Fair with Globe-Tech as the partner, the India International EV Show (IIES) held at Pune, India in November 2022 brought the EV industry experts and stakeholders under one roof. Ideas were exchanged and shared. Discussions between sellers and buyers as well as technocrats were held in the interest of building a sustainable EV industry. Along with the show, a conference ‘EV Dynamics Conference 2022’ was also held.
 

Varied exhibitors related to EVs
The exhibition opened up to visitors, with all aspects of the EV segment, from the current trends in EVs, to the opportunities and challenges, battery technology, energy storage solutions, the commercialisation of EVs and more. It witnessed 120+ exhibitors from umpteen segments related to EVs, some of the major companies being Jendamark, Drone Power, Sharp, Lubi EV Solutions, SLTL Group, Hioki, Phoenix Contact, IPG Photonics, Trumpf, Cybernetik Technologies, NKE Bikes and many more.

All the different exhibitors had a unique solution to offer to customers. For example, Grauer & Weil (India) Ltd presented chemicals for coating and lubricants, specialised paints, process technologies for plating on plastic, etc. in automotives. Blue Star and Hioki had also exhibited their test and measurement solutions. Some of Hioki’s products were the BMS testers, process data loggers, power analysers and more.

Sharp had put up its seven-inch display with a partner’s cluster solution made in India, a force touch display that gives the user a mechanical, button-like experience, MiniLED based futuristic display that augments visibility to 1 million:1, to name a few. Besides, Hi Link Printing Technologies had exhibited its pad printing machines, while Graco India was exhibiting its machines for dispensing sealants on EV batteries.

Under batteries, there was SLS Innovations as well, a manufacturer of lithium-ion cell holders and accessories. Cybernetik Technologies was presenting its EV battery solution lines, under prismatic and cylindrical. Then there were the OEMs, like iScoot Motors, BGauss and Nke Bikes, who had their EV two-wheelers on display. In fact, a rider or two were even spotted taking test rides on them.

Some of the other exhibitors, among the many ones, were Light Mechanics, presenting their laser welding and battery assembly line solutions for e-mobility. Coherent Laser India was also presenting its laser marking, cutting and welding machines. Apart from that, Akshay Enterprises had put its brass components for EVs and automotives on display, Trimoorty Autodeco Components had exhibited its foam components, NVH application, etc., while ESS DEE Industries had presented its DCDC converter, battery cables, battery harnesses, full body harnesses, and more, while at the expo.

The next generation’s role in EVs
Besides, the exhibition had a footfall of about 12,000. Of the 12,000, a humungous amount of the visitors were young students from schools and colleges, including children visiting with their parents. Sharing his views on this, Prem Anveshi, Managing Director, Futurex Trade Fair and Events, cited, “I never expected for children to come to the expo. But children are our future. If they understand our technology now, then they will become the Abdul Kalams of the next generation. So we want them to come and experience the expo.”

Anveshi further asserted that unless the future generation comes and learns about the technology related to EVs, they will not get themselves involved. “When we start propagating that there is a future, money and great opportunities available in EVs, only then will the new generation show an interest in it. So we want the new generation to play a great role here,” he expounded.

While at the EV Dynamics Conference 2022, Himanshu Jadhav, CEO, Jendamark, too, shared that the kids at the expo have showed amazing curiosity and energy. “The biggest experience at this expo is that we can influence the next generation for more innovative technologies of the automotive industry,” he averred.

Living up to the demand
An EV, in fact, is like a young child growing up, trying to take on the age-old ICE, quoted Jadhav. He said that the main components of EVs are product level components. “The product level maturity is there. The government did the right thing by incentivising the demand side. Today, we realise that the manufacturing side is not mature enough for that demand,” he highlighted and continued, “Even the infrastructure side is catching up. There is a demand, so we have a need. But the rate of increase in demand is so high that it’s going to be a difficult situation for anyone.”

Manoj Patil, Founder and Managing Director, Evtric Motors Pvt Ltd went on to mention that the EV business has been growing in the last six to seven years. There are incentives, facilities and subsidies from the government also, who are making it a priority. He further said, “A good line is very important if you want a first-time-right- product. Manpower is very important for EVs and people need to be trained according to the customers’ demand.”

EV batteries
Vicky Panchal, Business Development Manager, Graco India, further shared his views in terms of the battery. He said, “The battery comes with a lot of challenge, which needs to be manufactured and dispensed in a very precise way.”

Speaking of batteries, Amar Deshpande, Head – Business Development, Cybernetik Technologies, asserted that EV batteries are upcoming and the quality standards are very high. “Safety is the most important aspect that needs to be taken care of,” he explicated and added, “And those with the most innovative solutions will come up as leaders in the industry.”

Redon, who provides lithium-ion battery solutions, was also one of the exhibitors at the expo and presenting its lithium batteries. In truth, Redon’s booth even had a live demo of its IP67 on display, sunk into water, and had been running for 72 hours and counting. Apart from that, the company was exhibiting a variety of its batteries that were from 48 watt to 70 watt.

 

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Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has placed an extra order for 148 electric buses from Tata Motors, the biggest commercial vehicle manufacturer in India. This purchase comes after BMTC placed an earlier order for 921 electric buses, the majority of which have been delivered and are operating effectively with an uptime of more than 95 percent.

The Tata Starbus EV 12-metre low-floor electric buses will be supplied, operated and maintained for a term of 12 years by TML Smart City Mobility Solutions Ltd, a completely owned subsidiary of Tata Motors. With its best-in-class features and outstanding design, the Tata Starbus EV offers a pleasant and environmentally friendly commute. These zero-emission electric buses are built on cutting-edge battery technologies and next-generation design to provide a convenient, safe and comfortable intra-city journey around Bengaluru.

Ramachandran R, IAS, MD, BMTC, said, "We are happy to further strengthen our partnership with Tata Motors with these additional 148 electric buses for our fleet modernisation. The performance of the existing Tata electric buses has been exceptional, aligning perfectly with our commitment to sustainable and efficient public transportation. The larger e-bus fleet will significantly enhance our capacity to provide eco-friendly, comfortable and reliable services to the citizens of Bengaluru."

Asim Kumar Mukhopadhyay, CEO and MD, TML Smart City Mobility Solutions Limited, said, "We are honoured by BMTC's continued trust in our e-mobility solutions. This additional order of 148 buses is a testament to the proven success of our Starbus EVs and the operational excellence delivered in Bengaluru's urban environment. We remain committed to delivering innovative solutions that benefit both the community and the environment."

Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), the country's largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has shared the teaser image for its first electric vehicle product - the e Vitara.

Set to be unveiled at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, the e Vitara will be made in India for the world. It was recently unveiled by Suzuki Motor Corporation at Milan, Italy.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The e Vitara is a testament of our unwavering commitment to sustainable mobility and technological innovation. With decades of automotive expertise, we have combined advanced electric technology with a customer-first approach to deliver something truly transformative. At Maruti Suzuki, we have always believed that to promote EV adoption, we need to create a holistic ecosystem that simplifies customers' battery electric vehicle ownership journey.”

“A critical barrier to the adoption of EVs is the lack of accessible charging. To tackle this issue, we are committed to introduce a reliable and comprehensive EV ecosystem alongside the e Vitara. This will include home charging solutions as well as a nationwide network of fast chargers available at Maruti Suzuki dealerships and service touchpoints. Our goal is to make EVs accessible, convenient, and appealing to a broader set of customers, and this is exactly what we have set out to achieve with the e Vitara,” he added.

​​Vadodara-headquartered electric vehicle company WardWizard Innovations & Mobility recently launched its new range of EV offerings, which it expects to give a new charge to its retail sales.

It was on 13 December 2024 the Joy e-rik V1 (L5) and Joy Bandhu (L3) electric three-wheelers in the passenger category and Joy Sahayak + Cargo (L5) and Joy Eco Loader (L3) in the electric three-wheeler cargo space were launched by the EV maker, thus marking its entry into the fast-growing electric three-wheeler space.

The Joy e-rik V1, priced at INR 385,000 (ex-showroom), comes with 10.24 kW li-ion battery, 50 kmph max speed and 140 km claimed range on a full charge. It can be charged in 4.5-5 hours using the 50 Amp charger.

The Joy Bandhu priced at INR 134,000, uses a 7.2 kW lead-acid battery, has a claimed range of 120 km and top speed limited to 25 kmph.

On the other hand, the Joy Sahayak + Cargo, priced at INR 424,000, is targeted for payload capacity of 650 kg + driver, max speed of 50 kmph, up to 130 km range on a single charge. It uses a 10.2 kW LFP li-ion battery and can be charged in four hours using 50 Amp charger. The Joy Eco Loader, on the other hand, comes with a payload capacity of 310 kg + driver and is priced at INR 130,000.

At present, electric three-wheeler sales in India are averaging 56,674 units a month (CY 2024) as compared to 47,204 units last year. What’s also driving the sales is the government incentives like the Centre’s PM E-Drive scheme that provides demand incentives to support purchase of 316,000 e-three-wheelers including e-rickshaws. They are entitled to a subsidy of INR 25,000 in the first year and INR 12,500 in the second year. For the L5 category (cargo e-three-wheelers), the incentive is INR 50,000 per unit in the first year and INR 25,000 the next.

For the Vadodara-based EV maker, the idea to enter the electric three-wheeler space is on the back of the growing demand for greener last-mile delivery as well as last-mile mobility connectivity options.

Interestingly, it has already onboarded 27 dealerships that will focus on selling electric three-wheelers. Furthermore, it will also provide preference for its around 900 existing dealer and network partners to sell its new offerings.

For FY2025, WardWizard Innovations & Mobility estimates to sell around 50,000 units of electric vehicles across electric two-wheelers (low speed and high speed) and three-wheelers (L3 & L5) in India. It estimates that the sales will grow by 22-24 percent YoY in FY2026.

While it has recently entered the e-three-wheeler space, the company expects the new products to have around 30-35 percent share in its overall sales starting from FY2026.

On the other hand, reducing its reliance on low-speed electric two-wheeler category, the company also introduced a new high-speed e-scooter ‘Nemo’. Priced at INR 99,000 (ex-showroom), it comes with a 40 Ah NMC li-ion battery and a 1,500W DC brushless hub motor that gives it a max speed of 65 kmph. It has a claimed range of 130 km on a single charge in Eco mode. The e-scooter uses a digital speedometer, 5-inch full-colour TF display and projector LED headlight. The company has targeted a modest 2,000 units sales for Nemo in the next three months.

The EV maker currently has an installed capacity to produce 73,000 electric two-wheelers, 7,300 L5 electric three-wheelers and 18,250 L3 electric three-wheelers per annum. The company claims that apart from some plastic components and cells being imported, everything has been localised.

It further aims to start manufacturing its own batteries in the next one year in Vadodara, for which the pilots are underway.

Ahmedabad-based electric mobility start-up Matter was recently awarded the 10th CII Industrial IP Award 2024 at the CII Annual Summit on Technology, Intellectual Property, and Industry-Academia Partnership, held on 12th and 13th December in New Delhi.

The recognition was on the back of the company’s robust portfolio of over 300 patent applications and 58 granted patents in areas such as powertrain cooling, gearbox technologies, charging infrastructure, and manufacturing automation.

The EV maker is the first to launch a geared e-motorcycle called ‘Aera’, which it expects will play a key role in driving higher adoption of green vehicles in the motorcycle space.

Kumar Prasad, Founder and CTO, Matter, said, "Innovation has always been at the heart of Matter’s vision. This award reaffirms our commitment to redefining the electric mobility sector with pioneering research and development. We are proud to contribute to India’s vibrant IP ecosystem and continue driving technological advancements for a sustainable future."