Taral Agarwal is helping his father run their ‘chikki’ business at Lonavala besides studying to achieve a BBA degree. Coming from a family that has been into the traditional Indian sweets business for three generations now, Agarwal firmly belongs to Gen Z and has the confidence as well as the exposure to match. His thoughts about how he wants to see their family enterprise grow sustainably and offer hygienic products is interesting, He does not seem to be bothered about how fast a ‘chikki’ brand in his city has grown and branched out.
What is surprising about the lad who rides to college and runs errands for his family on a fossil fuel powered two-wheeler, is his thoughts about shifting to an electric vehicle to cut down operating costs. Agarwal is clearly not convinced. He is not convinced about the claim of EVs being ‘green’! What is the point in buying an EV when the fuel or electricity it is going to be powered with, is going to come from burning lignite? he asks.
Agarwal is not alone among the Gen-Zers. Credit should be given to them for their exposure to the world events and how they think of or are sensitive to the developments taking place around them. They perhaps are more sorted with the idea of environment and sustainability. Paying more for the initial acquisition cost of an EV is a concern to Agarwal, but a bigger concern is whether what is claimed by EVs manufacturers in terms of range and carbon neutrality is true or not.
The falling prices of batteries or the alternatives to rare earth metals has the attention of Gen-Zers like Agarwal, but a larger and complete picture is what he and other like him want to see. Aware of the fact that their country would benefit from less dependence on fossil fuel, the Gen-Zers seem to want products that truly measure up to their claims. They, it looks like, are keen to see with their eyes, real sustainability plans over claims. They are looking for more than the ESG performance may indicate, though that is one parameter that is assuming importance.
Events like floods, bush fires and the accelerated melting of glaciers are not beyond the purview of the Gen-Zers. They are in fact making them aware of where the directions of the efforts should be. But they are not the one that will believe in claims. They are therefore keeping a close eye on how the future mobility scene is shaping up in terms of carbon neutrality and sustainability. Something that the tall compounds walls of manufacturing plants and glass facades of various corporate offices of automotive manufacturers may not be able to conceal for long.
Even governments are not beyond the watchful eye of the Gen-Zers. It is important therefore that it will take much more for them to simply announce regulations and change rules pertaining to mobility. It would not take long to understand for the Gen-Zers if the governments are truly interested in addressing their concerns and needs or simply chalking out short and mid-terms measures.
The Gen-Zers are at a juncture where they are seriously thinking if fossil fuel vehicle pollute more over their lifetime or the EVs do. They are rather concerned about the ‘cost-to-the-environment’ and recyclability than the claims of zero-pollution.
Future interest in EV adoption fell most among Gen Z age category (74 percent in 2021 vs 56 percent in 2022), read the intro of an article in theevreport.com dated 1 August 2022. An article dated 8 May 2023 in USA Today mentioned that electrifying the car market may be getting more difficult with the share of Americans who say they’re ‘very unlikely’ to consider an EV for their next vehicle purchase. Citing a report by consumer analytics firm JD Power, the article stated that persistent worries about charging infrastructure and vehicle pricing was dampening enthusiasm for EVs among other reasons like the lack of public charging infrastructure, geography and education.
The rising status of India as the world’s biggest micro-electro mobility market would do good to align with the expectations of the Gen Z. Not just in terms of performance, durability or range, but also in terms of how ‘green’ the entire concept truly is. It is only when they are convinced, would they want to invest. Mere ESG figures may not even satiate their appetite in terms of their future mobility needs.
The question that comes to mind therefore is, are hydrogen vehicles really the future? Are governments the world over simply rushing to phase out fossil fuel vehicles? Are government truly aware of the ‘cost-to-the-environment’ about EVs vis-à-vis fossil fuel vehicles or they simply interested in reducing their dependence on imported fuels? What are their plans about producing electricity through greener means to support the kind of EVs envisaged? What about the other infrastructure needs? What about taxation and subsidies?
Typical answers and corporate keywords may not work in this case. For the Gen-Zers to bet their money on EVs, it will take much more. Incidences like EVs catching fire has already put more questions in the mind of Gen-Zers. Convincing them would not be easy.
- Montra Electric
- Tube Investment of India
- TII
- Murugappa Group
- electric vehicle
- electric Small Commercial Vehicle
- e-SCV
- Vellayan Subbiah
- TIVOLT Electric Vehicles
- TI Clean Mobility
Murugappa Group’s TIVOLT Electric Vehicles set to launch e SCV under Montra Electric brand
- by MT Bureau
- May 13, 2024
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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Add Comment- Mahindra Last Mile Mobility
Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Sets Up Three-Wheeler EV Charging Stations In Mumbai Suburbs
- by MT News
- February 22, 2023
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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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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Add Comment- BluSmart
- Mahendra Singh Dhoni
- MS Dhoni
- Cricket
- Sumant Sinha
- Sameer Tirkar
- responsAbility Investments
- Punit Goyal
BluSmart raises INR 2 billion in pre-Series B Round
- by MT Bureau
- July 15, 2024
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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