Electric Vehicles And The Road Ahead

Electric Vehicles And The Road Ahead

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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Murugappa Group’s TIVOLT Electric Vehicles set to launch e SCV under Montra Electric brand

Murugappa Group’s TIVOLT Electric Vehicles set to launch e SCV under Montra Electric brand

TIVOLT Electric Vehicles, part of Murugappa Group and a subsidiary of TI Clean Mobility, is gearing up to launch an e-Small Commercial Vehicle (e-SCV). 

Once launched, the vehicle is expected to bring about a significant change in India's mid-mile and last-mile mobility sectors, thanks to its cutting edge technology, distinctive design, strong performance, and durable build quality. The company says the development of the e- SCV will be a culmination of extensive research and rigorous testing.

Founded in February 2022 as a subsidiary of Tube Investments of India (TI), TICMPL is foussing on clean mobility solutions. With the inclusion of e-SCVs as its fourth EV platform, TICMPL is now positioned to offer complete mobility solutions to enterprises and logistics companies, serving their needs across intercity, intracity, and last-mile applications.

Vellayan Subbiah, Executive Vice Chairman, TII said “Montra Electric represents our commitment to enhancing life through eco-friendly mobility solutions, ushering in a new era of growth and innovation for us. The electric vehicle industry is experiencing an exciting phase of development, not only in India but globally as well. We have dedicated our top resources and time to develop this product, and we are looking forward to the customer response upon its launch in the coming months. At Montra Electric, our goal is to offer products and solutions that are beneficial for both our customers and our business, ensuring practicality and sustainability.”

He further stated that India is poised to lead the global adoption of electric vehicles, second only to China. 

“TICMPL is making impressive strides in the electric vehicle sector with a substantial commitment of INR 3,000 crore. Currently, we are developing four platforms, including the successful MHCV truck and electric three-wheeler already in the market. What excites me the most is our upcoming Small Commercial Vehicle (SCV) platform. SCV represents the largest category in the commercial vehicle segment, making our entry into this arena particularly thrilling. This segment is primed to adopt EVs swiftly, supported by policies, government initiatives, and increasing adoption rates. Our dedication to becoming the foremost player in this segment in India is unwavering. The TIVOLT e-SCV is poised to be a standout product, a definite winner in the market,” concluded Vellayan Subbiah.

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Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Sets Up Three-Wheeler EV Charging Stations In Mumbai Suburbs

Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Sets Up Three-Wheeler EV Charging Stations In Mumbai Suburbs

Mahindra Last Mile Mobility (LMM), a division of the Mahindra & Mahindra Group, has set up several charging stations near autorickshaw stands, auto driver home clusters and junctions. LMM has done this through strategic charging vendors. The division has done so to boost EV penetration in Mumbai and its suburbs.

Chargers have also been installed at Mahindra outlets and Mahindra Mitra Technician spots wherein customers can charge their three-wheelers. The charging points have been positioned in strategic locations like Malad, Kandivali, Mira Road, Navi Mumbai, Vasai, Virar, Andheri and so on. This is an ongoing process and the Mahindra team, along with key stakeholders, has identified additional charging spots in and around Mumbai and with due approvals, will commence work. The auto driver partners, too, have been notified of these additional charging points.

In addition to this, more than 60 mechanics have been trained by LMM’s service personnel to handle Mahindra three-wheeler EVs.

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Electric Fast Charging Station At Mumbai’s CSMIA

Electric Fast Charging Station At Mumbai’s CSMIA

Six robust DC fast EV charging stations have been installed at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). They are available for service as Public Charging Stations (PCS) for passengers as well as guests visiting the airport. 

The EV station at Terminal 1 is at P1 - Multi-level Car Parking (MLCP). At Terminal 2, it is at P5 – MLCP. There is another station at the Airside of Terminal 2 as well. The owners of private EVs and commuters who will avail of the charging stations at MLCP in either terminals will be billed only for the charging sessions. They will be given a deduction against the parking fees.  

Adhering to all the requirements, policies and protocols outlined by the regulators, the charging stations at either terminal of CSMIA are of the CCS Type II Dual Gun 60 kW and GB/T (DC 001) Dual Gun 40 kW Charger type and compatible with all the prevailing EV cars in the country. There would be augmentation of 60 kW and 240 kW capacity EV chargers to cater to the needs of Airside logistics.  

CSMIA runs on 100 percent renewable energy with its onsite solar power plant, Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) and procures green power. For EV charging, the airport will source 100 percent green power, according to sources in the know of the development.

 

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BluSmart raises INR 2 billion in pre-Series B Round

BluSmart raises INR 2 billion in pre-Series B Round

BluSmart, a leading electric vehicle cab service and EV charging infrastructure network company, has raised $24 million (INR 2 billion) in pre-Series B funding round.

The company saw investment from responsAbility Investments (a leading impact asset manager); Sumant Sinha (a leading player in the Renewable Energy sector); MS Dhoni Family Office (former Indian cricket team captain); existing investors and BluSmart founders. 

The funding the company says will be deployed to expand its operations in India, as well as grow its EV charging infrastructure and assets.

Interestingly, the company claims it has grown its fleet of 70 electric vehicles in January 2019 to 7,500 EVs plying across Delhi NCR and Bengaluru. Its EVs have clocked over half a billion (500+ million) electric kms and delivered over 16 million electric trips saving nearly 40 million kgs of CO2 emissions since launch. The company has over 9,800 driver partners and also operates one of the largest EV charging infrastructure with 50 EV Charging Hubs spread across 2 million sqft. 

BluSmart states it recently crossed INR 5.5 billion ARR ($65 million Annual Revenue Run-rate).

Punit Goyal, Co-Founder, BluSmart said, “BluSmart is building an integrated energy-infrastructure, mobility and technology company to take the full advantage of the EV revolution. Our latest fundraise of $24 million is an important step in our journey to scale the e-mobility fleet and EV Charging Infrastructure.”

Sameer Tirkar, Head of Climate Infrastructure Investments APAC at responsAbility Investments AG said, “We are happy to continue our partnership with BluSmart through our second round of funding. BluSmart has been able to lead the way in building from the grounds up an entire EV ecosystem to disrupt the conventional modes of commute without compromising on reliability and convenience. We believe in their vision and capabilities in creating positive environmental and social impact by reducing carbon emissions in urban transportation.”

Sumant Sinha said, “The future of mobility is electric, and e-mobility is a crucial step in making the shift to cleaner, emissions-free transportation. India’s growing economy and favourable policies provide ample impetus to this transition. I am excited to partner with BluSmart in their growth journey.”

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