A global movement to celebrate e-mobility and a day to shift the transition to sustainable transport with consumer, business and policy outcomes, World EV day is a social media-led campaign to engage consumers around the sustainability benefits of EVs. In its inaugural year, World EV day is an initiative created by the media company, Green TV.

In an exclusive interaction with Jeetender Sharma, MD and Founder, Okinawa Motors, Motoring Trends correspondent learned that the Indian EV diaspora is going stronger than ever before. On the occasion of World EV day, Jeetender Sharma shares his views: “World EV day marks our greater ambition to make the challenging but much-needed shift from ICE to EVs. Seeing the clean blue-sky during lockdown was not just a matter of awe, but an alarm for us. Now we all have seen very clearly what we have lost and only our wiser choices can return our healthy environment back to us.  The auto industry was already going through a slow down before COVID 19 hit the markets and now it has taken a turn for even worse. Every industry, including the automobile industry had to suffer the blow. However, due to the outbreak people are now opting for their own vehicles. Post lockdown lift, we observed the trend wherein people wanted to own their vehicles that would ensure their safety. And for those who are now buying new vehicles, the fact that in long term EVs prove economically viable has caught their attention. This would lead the EVs to share a major slice in the overall revival of the auto industry. Technology and innovation only make sense when it follows environmental sustainability. Today, I urge every person to pledge to make the shift from conventional fuel run vehicle to electric vehicle.”

Every automobile manufacturer is putting in efforts to make their vehicle the smartest and the most sustainable in their respective segments and electric powertrain seems to be the ‘in-demand’ factor for the ‘smart vehicle’ buyers. Manufacturers are also expanding their portfolio to include electric motorcycles. Okinawa is aggressively pushing for its much-hyped Oki100 motorcycle to go on sale in this fiscal year. The motorcycle is targeted towards riders who prefer long journeys and powerful accelerations.

Right policies, Right regulations, Right Timeline
The Government plays a very crucial role in setting the path for expansion for the EV industry in India. The import and export are not in a very healthy state right now due to the pandemic. Post this, EV manufacturers are looking for support from the government in terms of tax rebates and financial support to businessmen who are into exports business. Consideration on import duty on certain components used in EVs would boost the EV market in India. Even though a lot has already been done by the government it needs to be further expanded and communicated in the Indian manufacturing sector to boost the morales and sentiments of the consumers during this pandemic.

Jeetender Sharma, as an EV manufacturer and having been active in the automotive industry for the past two decades, opines, “Earlier in 2015-2017 most of the electric vehicle industry players were importing CKD (Completely Knocked Down) units only. However, with strict norms and FAME 2 in place, things improved and industry players started localising to a certain extent. To become Atmanirbhar (self reliant) there needs to be a two-way strategy- strictness on localisation and boosting the local manufacturers. Only when strict norms are brought EV players will be pushed towards localizing across the segments. Once taxes and rebates motivate the local manufacturers and suppliers, they will be lured to innovate further. In terms of battery, currently battery cells are not available in India. These are mostly imported from Japan, China, and few other countries. Though there is rigorous research going on in India to manufacture the battery cells locally, once the research is supported by government authorities and provided with the right economic influx, we will be able to avail faster results. Localisation of Okinawa is already more than 92 percent and with Oki 100,  it will be 100 percent. We are increasing our supplier base in India and within a couple of years we will have the full ecosystem within India only.”

With Indigenous products like the Ridge, the Praise, iPraise+, R30, Lite series, Praise PRO, Ridge+ in the market, Okinawa has introduced detachable lithium-ion batteries and its own patented permanent magnetic BLDC motor and microprocessor controller for electric two-wheelers. Okinawa aims to expand its dealership network to 500 from the current 350. Okinawa has revealed that it retailed 1,000 units in just 30 days post the lockdown lift and is very aspirational for the upcoming festive seasons.

Okinawa claims that it has collectively reduced around 90 million kgs of CO2 through the 84,000 electric scooters it has sold in India since its inception. This would be equivalent to over 3 million full grown plants.

TVS Motor Company, a leading two- and three-wheeler manufacturer, has launched the updated TVS Apache RTR 160 4V at INR 139,000.

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is powered by a 159.7cc, oil-cooled, fuel-injected, 4-valve, which produces 17.55 PS at 9,250 rpm and 14.73 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm.

It comes with a segment-first 37mm Upside Down (USD) suspension and three ride modes — Sport, Urban, and Rain, which the company claims enhance control, stability, and adaptability across diverse riding conditions.

Like with most of the new models from the TVS Motor Co’s stable, the Apache RTR 160 4V now comes with TVS SmartXonnect technology, which provides Bluetooth connectivity, providing turn-by-turn navigation, call & SMS alerts, and voice assist.

In terms of design, the refreshed TVS Apache RTR 160 4V’s can be had in three colour options – Granite Grey, Matte Black, and Pearl White, which are complemented by sporty, race-inspired graphics, golden-finish USD forks, and red alloy wheels. 

Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “We are proud to lead the way in engineering and innovation in motorcycles. With that commitment, we are excited to announce the upgrade of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V with cutting-edge features and advanced technology. Built on a rich racing legacy, the TVS Apache Series proudly serves over 5.5 million enthusiasts, making it one of the fastest-growing premium motorcycle brands globally. We are committed to meeting the evolving needs of our customers by integrating performance, technology, and style. By constantly evolving in our set of offerings, we have set new benchmarks for performance motorcycles in India.”

KAW Veloce Motors Pvt Ltd (KVMPL) has unveiled the Brixton brand of motorcycles (600 cc and 1200 cc) and an e-scooter of the Italian brand Velocifero (VLF) called Tennis in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

The unveiling of both the machines – the motorcycle with an ICE and the e-scooter with a battery and motor – at the Highland Club on the outskirts of the city took place amid much fanfare.

The Brixton motorcycle and VLF e-scooter – with an angular bodywork overall that is synonymous with Italian design culture and featuring a 2.1kW hub motor, and a range of 130 km – will be offered through the MotoHaus retail channel, the first outlet of which is set to be commissioned in a few days from now in Kolhapur.

Both the two-wheelers – the e-scooter is priced at INR 1,30,000 ex-showroom – are being put together (from a CKD kit) at a plant that is about 12 km from the launch venue as part of the Phase I strategy. To be offered through MotoHaus outlets in cities Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Jaipur, Vapi, Goa, Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Nashik, Nagpur, Surat, Ahmedabad and Vadodara besides Kolhapur, the two vehicle brands are expected to be joined by a third Italian brand and an in-house electric two-wheeler brand at a later date.

Once the Phase I strategy plays out and the Bixton and VLF offerings find a footing in the Indian market, the company will embark on the Phase II strategy that will include a design and development centre at Kolhapur. The strategy will also include a manufacturing plant that can do 25,000 units and enable the engineering of a robust supply chain in terms of localisation.

It is at the Phase II level that investments from Brixton Motorcycles (Austria) and VLF are expected to come into the venture, which is initially supported by the parent company of KAW Veloce.

TVS Motor Company-owned British premium motorcycle brand Norton Motorcycles, has announced changes to its leadership structure.

The company has announced Dr. Robert Hentschel, currently CEO, will step back from his role effective immediately. He will transition to a non-executive director role within the company.

On the other hand, Nevijo Mance will join Norton Motorcycles as Executive Director, overseeing all upstream business operations, as part of the new leadership structure.

He will be responsible for product design, development and engineering, manufacturing, procurement, quality control, and supply chain management.

In addition, Richard Arnold, who was appointed Executive Director in June 2024, will be responsible for downstream business operations, including marketing, brand management, sales, distribution, customer relationship management, aftersales service, product management, and public relations.

He will also be responsible for enhancing customer experience, expanding Norton’s market reach, and strengthening the brand’s presence across global markets.

Dr Rober had been leading the company since 2021, and has been instrumental in strengthening Norton’s foundations, guiding the company through crucial stages of its growth plan and establishing a strong operational base. He had played a key role in synergistic relationship with parent TVS Motor Company, which has been pivotal in advancing Norton’s progress and setting the stage for future success.

TVS Motor Company (TVSM), a global manufacturer of two- and three-wheelers, has announced the date and venue for the fourth edition of its TVS MotoSoul festival. The two-day festival will be held at Vagator, Goa, on 6 and 7 December 2024 with a focus on eco-friendly branding and sustainable practices.

Riding on this year’s theme of ‘Feel the Adrenaline, Feel the Inspiration, Feel the Groove’, TVS MotoSoul 4.0 is expected to draw visitors not only from India but also from other countries where the company has a presence. The two-day event promises attractive sessions like culinary experiences, wellness and personal care sessions, bike trips and tricks sessions and community and bonding sessions, as well as live music performances by top artists. The festival will provide attendees with a chance to participate in motorsports including dirt track racing, stunt shows and flat track challenges. Additionally, the attendees will be able to interact with race champions, riding experts and motorcycling legends.

Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “TVS MotoSoul is a mark of the motorcycling spirit. It celebrates the bond between man and machine. Each edition has not only grown in scale but has also deepened this connection among enthusiasts. Our commitment goes beyond just motorcycles; we are devoted to nurturing a thriving ecosystem of riders. As we gear up for TVS MotoSoul 4.0, we are excited to redefine the journey with extraordinary experiences, all wrapped in a vibrant and colourful theme that captures the free-spirited essence of our community. We are confident that our mission to democratise these experiences will lead to one of the most exhilarating celebrations of riders and their journeys at TVS MotoSoul 4.0.”