JSW MG Motor India, which recently launched the MG Windsor EV, which is claimed to be India’s first Intelligent CUV, has received a good customer response.

The company claims it has received 15,176 bookings for the Windsor EV within 24 hours after the bookings commenced on Thursday 3 October, 2024.

This milestone it states highlights the growing demand for four-wheeler EVs in the Indian market and underscores the shift toward electric mobility.

Satinder Singh Bajwa, Chief Commercial Officer, JSW MG Motor India said, "We are grateful to our customers who have embraced the MG Windsor wholeheartedly and enabled it to reach the milestone of 15,176 bookings in just one day. This achievement solidifies the MG Windsor's position as a progressive force in India's electric vehicle market. As the first EV to reach this benchmark, the MG Windsor’s popularity underscores the increasing demand for sustainable, cost-effective, and rider-friendly transportation choices among Indian car buyers. We are delighted to contribute to this evolution, and remain committed to delivering innovative, intelligent, and eco-friendly mobility solutions.”

The Windsor EV is said to combine the comfort of a sedan and the expanse of an SUV. The Intelligent CUV sports an aerodynamic design, spacious and opulent interiors, imposing stance, reassuring safety, smart connectivity, driving comfort, and many hi-tech features. It is available for car buyers at an attractive starting price of INR 999,000 plus INR 3.5/kilometre, under the BaaS program. The option for an outright purchase is also available, with prices starting from INR 1.34 million (ex-showroom).

The MG Windsor EV is powered by a 38 kWh Li-ion battery pack, which is IP67 certified, and delivers an impressive performance of 100KW (136ps) power and 200Nm Torque through four driving modes (Eco+, Eco, Normal and Sport), resulting in over 332 km ARAI certified range on a single charge. The CUV is available in three variants: Excite, Exclusive, and Essence; and four vibrant colour options: Starburst Black, Pearl White, Clay Beige, and Turquoise Green.

The Windsor EV is offered with a lifetime battery warranty to the first owner, one-year free charging at public chargers through the eHUB by MG app, assured 60 percent buyback after 3 years/45,000kms and MG e-Shield: A 3-3-3 package for complete peace of mind (3 years unlimited km warranty on vehicle/3 years RSA coverage/3 labour-free services).

Tivolt Electric Vehicles, the EV venture of Murugappa Group and a subsidiary of TI Clean Mobility, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Power Renewable Energy (TPREL), to enhance EV charging solutions for its commercial vehicles customers across the country. 

As part of the understanding, Tata Power will bring its experience in setting up and managing an expansive EV charging infrastructure across the country to Tivolt dealerships, customer locations, and high-traffic public spaces. In fact, the company has experience of deploying over 200 customised EV charging stations across100 cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Pune and Kochi for its other EV customers.

The MoU was signed by Saju Nair, CEO, Tivolt Electric Vehicles and Virendra Goyal, Head BD EV charging, Tata Power, in the presence of Shivram Bikkina, Chief -Solar Rooftop & EV charging business, Tata Power. 

Saju Nair said, “We are excited to partner with Tata Power. This will be a key enabler in the Electric Adoption journey and the strategic partnership will accelerate the development of EV charging infrastructure. This MoU is a significant step towards empowering the EV ecosystem for e trucks with robust, accessible charging solutions, ensuring that clean and sustainable mobility becomes a reality for our customers.” 

Deepesh Nanda, CEO & MD, Tata Power Renewable Energy, said, "Through our partnership with Tivolt, we are enhancing our EV charging network to empower the small and commercial vehicle segment—key drivers of India’s economy as they ensure seamless last-mile deliveries and efficient transportation. A robust and well-integrated EV ecosystem will accelerate the adoption of commercial EVs thereby propelling India's energy transition and paving the way for a more sustainable future."

GreenLine Logistics, the LNG trucking business of the Essar Group, has announced a new partnership with Merino Industries, a leading manufacturer of laminates and surface solutions, to provide sustainable logistics solutions.

To reduce its Scope 3 emissions, Merio Industries will deploy LNG trucks from GreenLine for its logistics operations. The company currently meets 75 percent of its energy needs through non-fossil fuel sources such as solar, agro residue, and biogas.

Prakash Lohia, MD, Merino Industries, said, “This transition marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward sustainable operations. The adoption of LNG-powered trucks not only aligns with our vision for a greener tomorrow but also sets a benchmark for responsible logistics in the industry. Together with GreenLine, we are creating a cleaner and more sustainable operational network in India."

Anand Mimani, CEO, GreenLine Logistics Solutions, added, “As we expand our fleet across various sectors, this partnership with Merino Industries marks a significant milestone, being the first of its kind in the laminate industry. By introducing LNG-powered trucks into their logistics operations, we are not only reducing emissions but also paving the way for sustainable practices to be adopted more widely across different industries.”

At present, GreenLine provides LNG trucks for logistics purpose to a wide-variety of industries such as FMCG, e-commerce, automotive, cement, steel, metals and mining, express cargo, oil and gas, and chemicals. The company counts the likes of Castrol, TVS, Saint-Gobain, Hindustan Zinc and Ultratech Cement amongst its clients.

The electric vehicle and ancillary industry in India is set to get a new charge with substantial investments of around USD 40 billion in the next five to six years said a report titled ‘EVs in India: Renewed Vigour in Electric Mobility’ by Colliers.

The vast majority of investments, constituting 67 percent (USD 27 billion) of the total investments planned, will be in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries, followed by OE and EV manufacturing at USD 9 billion (23 percent) and others accounting for USD 4 billion (10 percent).

The report observes that the despite slower than anticipated EV adoption, the investment commitments have grown 3X in the last three years.

Share of planned investments for EV over the next 5-6 years

The planned investments will also see a spill over effect on multiple real estate opportunities from manufacturing to showrooms to even EV charging infrastructure. The report estimates that almost 45 million square feet of real estate would be required by 2030 for charging infrastructure alone.

On the other hand, while the penetration of electric vehicles in the country is lower single digit, it is estimated to reach around 8 percent by 2024, which translates to sales of almost 2 million green vehicles.

Growth required in EV sales to achieve 2030 targets

Note: Penetration refers to share of EV registrations in overall vehicle registrations | 2024 data is estimated on basis of data till Oct 2024. Source: Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Niti Aayog, Colliers, Industry

Badal Yagnik, CEO, Colliers India said, “Although the demand for EVs has picked up in recent years, the target of achieving 30 percent penetration by 2030 looks like an uphill task. While demand and supply incentives will continue to play a pivotal role in faster adoption of EVs, a multifold increase in EV sales can be fast-tracked by the reduction in production costs and improving affordability with respect to EV price points. Additionally, high-capacity original equipment manufacturing units and large-scale production of lithium-ion battery variants must be high on the EV priority list.” 

Vimal Nadar, Senior Director and Head of Research, Colliers India, said, “Accelerated growth in the EV industry is bound to positively impact the Indian real estate sector. Supported by supply-side incentives from the government, leading developers are likely to increase their focus on state-of-the-art warehouses. Additionally, over 45 million sqft of real estate will be required for building extensive network of public charging stations over the next 5-6 years. Residential and commercial developers too are likely to increasingly integrate dedicated charging stations and parking spots for EVs within their projects. Such practices will provide a competitive edge, aligning with the requirements of corporate occupiers and homebuyers.”

Horiba India has inaugurated its first Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) Test Bed Facility at its Technical Centre in Chakan, Pune. This marks the company’s foray into hydrogen technology, supporting global goals of carbon neutrality and sustainable development.

The facility, part of Horiba’s broader green energy initiatives, comes with an investment of approximately INR 280-300 million and offers engine testing capacity of up to 380 kilowatts, addressing the needs of India’s commercial vehicle sector.

Dr George Gillespie, Executive Corporate Officer, Horiba Energy and Environment, emphasised the significance of hydrogen in the energy transition.

“Hydrogen presents a powerful solution for carbon-neutral fuel which can embark on a new era in Energy. We are excited to support India’s ambition of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. The establishment of this Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Test Bed facility is going to be a significant step towards a sustainable tomorrow and plays a crucial role in India’s green energy revolution. This initiative is a testament to Horiba’s legacy of authenticity and excellence, captured in our mission of enhancing Honmamon,” he said.

Dr Rajeev Gautam, Corporate Officer, Horiba and President of Horiba India, highlighted the company’s long-term sustainability goals. “The first-ever Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Test Bed facility took a kick-start from India in the entire Global Horiba group, and this pivotal step is a testament toward Horiba’s goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 42 percent by 2033, hence achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This investment is a strong step towards revolutionising the automotive industry in India with an environmentally efficient approach,” he said.

The Chakan facility, operational since 2016, spans 10,000 square meters and serves as a hub for emission measurement systems, advanced analytical instruments, and customisation for both domestic and international markets. It is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, and NABL ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certified, aligning with India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Horiba has invested over INR 1 billion in the facility since its inception, with projects including emission monitoring systems, electric vehicle chassis dynamometers, and water and air quality monitoring systems. Recently, the facility also began producing and calibrating Mass Flow Controllers (MFCs).

The new hydrogen test facility includes products such as the HyEVO Hydrogen Gas Analyser, the HyFQ-2000 Series Hydrogen Fuel Flow Meter, and the Mexa-One-XL-NX Laser Spectroscopic Motor Exhaust Gas Analyser. It also features live demonstrations for customers and partners to experience Horiba’s technology firsthand.

The launch of the H2-ICE facility underscores Horiba’s strategy to support India’s green energy revolution while addressing global energy needs.