♦ Will invest Rs35k cr in its 2nd facility with 1mn units capacity in Gujarat
New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki India is facing a small delay in finalising the site to set up a new plant with an annual capacity of 10 lakh units although the upcoming plant at Kharkhoda in Haryana is on track to start production by 2025-26, company Chairman RC Bhargava said on Tuesday.
Addressing at the AGM, Bhargava also reiterated Maruti Suzuki’s belief that low cost and small cars are necessary in India’s economic and social conditions and a temporary setback in demand is not going to change its strategy, while hoping that small car demand will revive in the next two years.
“Our programme for expanding production is proceeding as scheduled, cars produced in the Kharkhoda plant will add to our sales in FY25-26. A small delay has taken place in finalising the site for a new one million unit expansion. We are making our best efforts to come to a quick decision in this matter,” Bhargava said.
In January this year at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, Suzuki Motor Corporation President Toshihiro Suzuki had announced that the company’s Indian arm MSI will invest Rs35,000 crore to set up its second facility in Gujarat.
Allianz Partners India, a B2B2C insurance and assistance company, and Pulse Energy, a provider of EV charging software and roaming solutions, have entered into a strategic partnership to improve the electric vehicle (EV) ownership experience in India. This collaboration combines Allianz Partners India’s mobility assistance network with Pulse Energy’s roaming-hub-as-a-service platform, focusing on addressing key challenges for EV owners, including range anxiety, access to charging infrastructure, and the need for technical support.
The collaboration will introduce new features for customers, including seamless charging with real-time access to charger locations, remote control of charging processes, and roaming capabilities. An EV trip planner will also be available, mapping routes with charger locations and nearby amenities. Additionally, AI-driven technical support via chatbot will assist with any EV and charger-related issues.
Speaking on the partnership Charu Kaushal, Managing Director, Allianz Partners India, commented, “This partnership highlights Allianz Partners India’s commitment to sustainable mobility. Collaborating with Pulse Energy is a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance the EV ownership experience in India. By integrating their advanced platform with our services, we are committed to providing a seamless, innovative solution that supports sustainable mobility and meets the evolving needs of the customers.”
Akhil Jayaprakash, Co-founder of Pulse Energy, added, “Partnering with Allianz Partners is a major step forward in our mission to transform EV infrastructure in India. Combining our platform’s capabilities with Allianz Partners India’s extensive mobility assistance network will enable us to offer a truly integrated solution that simplifies EV ownership and supports the growth of the electric vehicle market.”
This partnership supports Allianz Partners India’s broader strategy to improve customer experience in the expanding EV market and promote sustainable mobility.
As EV (electric vehicle) adoption increases globally, the need for robust and secure EV infrastructure becomes paramount. One of the critical aspects of this infrastructure is data security, particularly given the increasing connectivity and digital integration of charging stations and electric vehicles. This article delves into the challenges and solutions for ensuring data security in the rapidly evolving EV landscape.
The Rise of Electric Vehicles and Smart Charging Infrastructure
The successful adoption of EVs hinges on developing an extensive and reliable charging infrastructure. Modern charging stations are not just power outlets but sophisticated digital systems that communicate with EVs, users, and grid operators. This interconnected ecosystem requires transmitting and storing vast amounts of data, ranging from user credentials and payment information to vehicle performance and charging patterns.
Data Security Challenges in EV Infrastructure
Sensitive Data Transmission: Charging stations and EVs exchange a variety of sensitive data, including user identities, payment information, and vehicle diagnostics. Ensuring the secure transmission of this data is crucial to prevent unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Vulnerable IoT Devices: Charging stations are part of the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape, making them susceptible to typical IoT vulnerabilities. These can include weak authentication protocols, outdated software, and inadequate encryption measures.
Cyber Attacks: As with any digital system, EV infrastructure is a target for cybercriminals. Attacks could range from data theft and ransomware to more sophisticated threats like vehicle hijacking or disrupting the power grid.
Interoperability Issues: The EV ecosystem involves multiple stakeholders, including vehicle manufacturers, charging station providers, energy companies, and third-party service providers. Ensuring seamless and secure interoperability among these entities is a complex challenge.
Privacy Concerns: With the extensive data collection involved, there are significant privacy concerns. Users need assurance that their personal and vehicle-related data are protected from unauthorized use and breaches.
Strategies for Enhancing Data Security
Encryption: Encrypting data at rest and in transit is fundamental to securing sensitive information. Advanced encryption standards (AES) and secure communication protocols (like TLS/SSL) should be implemented across all data exchange points.
Strong Authentication and Access Control: Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) and robust access control mechanisms ensures that only authorized users and devices can access the EV infrastructure. This includes secure user authentication at charging stations and role-based access control for administrators.
Regular Software Updates and Patch Management: Keeping software and firmware up to date is crucial to protect against known vulnerabilities. Regular updates and a proactive patch management strategy can mitigate the risk of exploitation by cybercriminals.
Secure Communication Protocols: Utilizing secure communication protocols for data exchange between EVs and charging stations, such as the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) with security extensions, can enhance the overall security posture.
Monitoring and Incident Response: Continuous monitoring of the EV infrastructure for anomalous activities and potential threats enables early detection and response to cyber incidents. An incident response plan should be in place to address breaches and mitigate their impact promptly.
Data Privacy Regulations Compliance: Adhering to data privacy regulations such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) is essential. This includes obtaining user consent for data collection, ensuring data minimization, and providing users with control over their data.
Secure Hardware Design: Ensuring that the hardware used in charging stations and EVs incorporates security features from the ground up can prevent physical tampering and cyber-attacks. This includes secure boot processes, hardware-based encryption, and tamper-evident designs.
Interoperability Standards: Developing and adhering to industry-wide interoperability standards that include security considerations can help ensure that different components of the EV ecosystem can work together securely.
Advanced Security Solutions
One promising approach involves leveraging an integrated solution that offers end-to-end encryption, secure key management, and real-time threat detection. This solution employs advanced cryptographic techniques to protect data at all stages—during collection, transmission, and storage. By using robust encryption algorithms and secure hardware modules, sensitive information remains confidential and intact.
Furthermore, this solution incorporates continuous monitoring and AI-driven analytics to detect and respond to anomalies in real-time, providing an additional layer of security against potential breaches. With a focus on compliance and privacy, it also includes features that help organizations adhere to regulatory requirements and responsibly manage user data.
Case Studies and Real-World Implementations
Tesla’s Supercharger Network: Tesla’s Supercharger network is a prime example of integrating secure and efficient charging infrastructure. Tesla employs end-to-end encryption for data communication between its vehicles and charging stations. Additionally, over-the-air updates ensure that security patches and software enhancements are deployed seamlessly.
ChargePoint’s Security Measures: ChargePoint, one of the leading global providers of EV charging solutions, emphasizes security by using secure communication protocols and encryption for data transmission. They also implement regular security assessments and vulnerability testing to ensure the robustness of their infrastructure.
Grid Security and EV Integration: Utilities and grid operators are increasingly focusing on the secure integration of EVs into the power grid. This involves using secure communication standards, implementing cybersecurity frameworks, and collaborating with EV manufacturers to ensure that vehicles can safely interact with the grid.
Future Trends and Innovations
Blockchain for Secure Transactions: Blockchain technology holds promise for enhancing the security and transparency of transactions within the EV ecosystem. It can provide a tamper-proof ledger for recording charging sessions, payments, and other interactions.
AI and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning can play a pivotal role in identifying and mitigating security threats in real time. Predictive analytics can help anticipate potential security breaches and implement proactive measures.
V2G Security: Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, where EVs can return electricity to the grid, introduces new security challenges. Ensuring secure bidirectional communication and protecting against unauthorized grid access are critical areas of focus.
Quantum Computing: As quantum computing advances, it will bring both opportunities and challenges to data security. While it has the potential to break existing encryption methods, it also offers the promise of developing unbreakable quantum encryption.
Conclusion
The increasing connectivity and digital integration of charging stations and electric vehicles present both opportunities and challenges for data security. Ensuring the security of the EV infrastructure is not just about protecting data but also about maintaining users’ trust and the grid’s stability. Stakeholders can create a robust and secure EV ecosystem by adopting a multi-layered security approach involving encryption, strong authentication, regular updates, and compliance with regulations. As technology evolves, continuous innovation and vigilance will be key to addressing emerging security threats and ensuring the sustainable growth of electric mobility.
About the author:
Ruchin Kumar is Vice President of South Asia at Futurex, where he is working with BFSI, Government & Enterprises dealing with critical data and where security & compliance is a concern. He is responsible for developing partner and channel networks, developing strong relationships with key customers, robust business growth and monitoring business operations in the South Asia region.
New Delhi: To bolster the domestic electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme with an approved outlay of Rs25,938 crore, along with some other key initiatives, have brought a significant change for the industry. The Centre has already approved 50 of the 74 applications it received from automakers for the PLI schemes in the EV sector and remaining 24 applications are under review.
According to approved applicants under the main PLI scheme, investments reached Rs17,896 crore and incremental sales crossed Rs3,370 crore (up to March 31).Under the PLI scheme, automakers can receive a government grant of 13-15 per cent of the annual sales value of EVs, which helps increase the company’s sales and offsets the higher costs of investing in new technologies.
Seoul: Electric vehicle (EV) models produced by South Korea’s Hyundai Motor and Kia have received top ratings in major global car crash safety tests, the automakers said on Sunday.
According to the companies, five Hyundai and Kia EV models utilising the E-GMP, Hyundai Motor Group’s proprietary EV platform, achieved the highest rating of five stars in the European New Car Assessment Programme, reports Yonhap news agency. The models are the Genesis GV60, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, and Kia’s EV6 and EV9.
The same models also received top-tier ratings in crash evaluations conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States.
The GV60, Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and EV6 were awarded the prestigious Top Safety Pick (TSP) Plus rating, while the EV9 earned the Top Safety Pick rating, indicating high levels of safety.
In last year’s IIHS crash evaluations, 20 Hyundai Motor Group vehicles achieved TSP or higher ratings, marking the highest number among global automotive groups.
The recently launched Kia EV3, which also utilizes the E-GMP platform, has not yet undergone safety evaluations in Europe and the US.
“Hyundai Motor Group will continue to invest significant efforts in research and development to ensure the highest level of safety for passengers in all aspects,” a group official said.
Meanwhile, automotive companies in South Korea are pushing forward with their new electric vehicle launch schedules despite public concerns over EV safety, with key players actively campaigning to debunk unsubstantiated myths surrounding safe charging practices.
The latest fears surrounding EVs began after a spontaneous fire that began in a parked Mercedes-Benz EV wiped out an entire underground parking garage inside an apartment complex in Incheon, 27 kms west of Seoul, while damaging over 100 cars.
Hyundai Motor and Kia said that their EV batteries are designed to be safe even when charged to 100 per cent, with the internal battery management system monitoring and controlling any issues that may arise.
Founded in 2022, Bengaluru-based start-up Swapp Design is developing an autonomous battery-swapping solution for electric 4-wheelers.
Team EVreporter caught up with co-founders Pathi Mohan Rao (L) and Buddhabrata Chakravorty (R) to understand their approach to battery swapping, solution design and level of technology readiness.
Please tell us about the target vehicle segment for Swapp Design solution.
At Swapp Design, we are building autonomous battery-swapping solutions for electric 4- wheelers. While the technology is designed to be compatible with any 4-wheeler EV, initially, we are solving for the intracity 4-wheeler cargo vehicle users with payloads up to 1.5 tons.
How is your solution different from that of other global battery-swapping companies, such as Nio or Ample?
Nio and Ample have demonstrated that battery swapping is a compelling solution. We share a few similarities with them on the ‘what’, but our ‘why’ and ‘how’ are unique.
While other companies use underground precision jigs and fixtures to facilitate under-chassis swapping, we use our proprietary SwappBots instead. SwappBots are fully autonomous special purpose mobile robots.
SwappBots give our approach the following key distinctions:
SwappBots are designed to work in groups to serve multiple EVs simultaneously.
They are designed to slide under the EV without needing to lift the EV, giving users a frictionless experience.
SwappBots align autonomously with the localized orientation of the EVs, so no additional time is spent in aligning the EVs.
These distinctions help maximize the Swapp Station’s asset utilization and resilience to incoming traffic fluctuations. This is the foundation for our unique path to profitability.
Please walk us through the process of automated swapping as designed by Swapp Design.
The entire swapping duration would be less than 5 minutes. Here’s how the process goes:
It starts when an EV drives into the Swapp Station and parks in the swapping area.
The Swapping Protocol is initiated.
A fleet of SwappBots approach the EV and precision align autonomously under the EV’s chassis as per the EV’s localized orientation.
Delatch the depleted Battery Modules and carry them to the Swapp Station, where they are recharged in a controlled environment.
These SwappBots then bring a set of pre-charged Battery Modules from the Swapp Station back to the EV.
The SwappBots then return to the Swapp Station, concluding the Swapping Protocol.
The EV is now at 100% charge and is good to go.
All of this happens without needing to park the EV in a specific way, without having to lift the EV, and without having to have the occupants step out of the EV.
How does your solution enable interoperability between different OEMs?
We approach it with a modular architecture. We have built a Lego-like standardized Battery Module. Multiple of these modules make up the bespoke battery system for the EV.
For integration with the EV, we have developed an adopter named Portal. The Portal sits on the chassis of the EV and houses the Battery Modules. So, while Portals are designed to meet specific EV constraints, the Battery Modules are standardized. The Swapp Stations are designed to function with standardized Battery Modules; thus, by extension, each Swapp Station caters to all the EVs on our platform.
What is the current TRL, and what kind of validation has the solutions received?
We are between TRL 4 and 5 in most cases.
We showcased our SwappBot’s autonomous capability (swapping between the Swapp Station and a retrofitted EV), although privately, to the investor community. We intend to showcase our tech publicly in the coming months.
Please tell us about the current focus of your R&D efforts and the IP created so far.
We have achieved the autonomous capability of our SwappBots. We are working on integrating our Battery Modules into the EV and iterating on the product development cycles. Next, we will look to get our technology certified. We are taking it one step at a time.
So far, we have filed eight patents and published one technical paper. These innovations allow us to build modular battery systems and swap the modules seamlessly. Our IPs range from the Battery Module to the Portal to the SwappStation and the user experience.
What are the expected economics of setting up a Swapping station with your solution?
Our Swapp Stations are designed to be modular and scalable. Variants can range from 6 to 48 EVs per hour, depending on the density of users in the locality. We will operate the first few Swapp Stations and establish a standard operating procedure. After that, we will open them up for franchising. Swapp Stations would earn back its investment within the first year of operation.
Please tell us about the investment raised so far and the plans ahead.
We were bootstrapped for about one year. Then, in October 2023, we raised pre-seed capital as part of the Sanchi Connect Pre-seed Accelerator, with investments coming in from Seafund Ventures, EV2 Ventures, ThinKuvate, and Mukesh Sharma Family Office. We are looking to raise our seed round.
SRIVARU Holding Limited, a company listed on Nasdaq under the ticker “SVMH”, has launched an electric motorcycle PRANA 2.0 starting at INR 2,55,150. During the launch event in Chennai, Mohanraj Ramasamy, the Founder and CEO of Srivaru Motors, unveiled the electric bike. Deliveries are expected to start end of Aug 2024. Two product variants were launched: PRANA 2.0 Grand and Elite.
Mohanraj Ramasamy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Srivaru Motors, said, “Tamil Nadu accounts for more than 40% of the country’s electric vehicle demand, positioning us in a rapidly expanding market. In 2023, India’s motorcycle market achieved revenues exceeding USD 25.6 billion, with projections indicating growth to USD 36.1 billion by 2027. By 2030, it is anticipated that electric motorcycles will account for approximately 50% of the market share, a significant increase from the current 3% share of electric two-wheelers in India. The EV sector is expected to be instrumental in India’s shift towards a low-carbon economy.”
The company’s inaugural facility commenced operations in Coimbatore in 2017. The latest iteration of the electric bike, PRANA 2.0, has undergone nearly two years of testing and now features over 100 new components compared to its predecessor. Our manufacturing facility is equipped to produce more than 2,000 units monthly on a single production line during one shift. With our advanced automated assembly and testing lines, we can swiftly scale up production to meet increasing market demand, he added. The company is working with iVP Semiconductor to build necessary electronics with PRANA and subsequent products.
Main features:
– The vehicle can go 0-60 km/h in less than 4 seconds. Top speed – 123 kmph, Range – 250 km
– The 72V LFP battery pack is available in capacities of 5.0 kWh (Grand) or 8.44 kWh (Elite).
– The vehicle features a BLDC Motor and an air-cooled BLDC controller with an operating voltage range of 42-72 V DC.
– The battery can be charged 0-100% in 8 hours.
Yuvaraj Sankar, Director of Engineering at Srivaru Motors, added that the battery pack consists of 46120 cells, and the vehicle offers four driving modes, producing different user ride experiences in terms of vehicle performance and torque, including a reverse mode for convenient parking assistance. PRANA holds multiple granted patents and utilizes the most efficient in-wheel motor featuring a detachable rim, enhancing serviceability.
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New Delhi, Aug 23: The government is committed to advancing India’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, fostering local manufacturing and promoting sustainable growth, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, has said.
During a post-budget webinar in the national capital, Kumaraswamy said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ and achieving net zero by 2070 guides our mission at the Ministry.
“We are committed to advancing India’s EV ecosystem, fostering local manufacturing, and promoting sustainable growth through key initiatives such as PLI, FAME, EMPS, and advanced capital goods schemes. These efforts will accelerate India’s journey towards greater self-reliance and enhanced Aatmanirbharta,” the minister emphasised.
Minister of State Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma said that India is on track to become a $5 trillion economy, with the automotive sector playing a pivotal role.
“The Ministry of Heavy Industries is driving innovation and self-reliance through initiatives such as the PLI Scheme for Automobiles and Auto Components. Together, we can create a sustainable and prosperous future for India,” Varma added.
The Union Budget 2024-25 focused on expanding and strengthening the electric vehicle ecosystem, including manufacturing and charging infrastructure.
Among the key initiatives of the ministry are the PLI-Auto scheme with an approved outlay of Rs 25,938 crore to boost domestic manufacturing and promote localisation, and the PLI Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) scheme with an approved outlay of Rs 18,100 crore for 50 GWh to enhance India’s ACC manufacturing.
The Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) scheme has an outlay of Rs 778 crore to support EV manufacturing, particularly for 2Ws and 3Ws, and the SMEC initiative is aimed at attracting global EV investments with a minimum commitment of Rs 4,150 crore.
By 2030, India is projected to have around 50 million EVs on its roads, with a market size expected to reach $48.6 billion. To achieve a ratio of 1-40 EVs to charging infrastructure, the country will need to install over 400,000 chargers annually, totalling 1.32 million chargers by 2030.
Ather Energy, an electric vehicle manufacturer based in India, has announced its entry into the Sri Lankan market. The company plans to open its first experience center in Sri Lanka in the upcoming quarter through a collaboration with Evolution Auto Pvt. Ltd., a joint venture between Sensei Capital Partners, Atman Group, and Sino Lanka Private Limited. Ather Energy’s international expansion began with its entry into Nepal in November 2023.
As the national distributor, Evolution Auto Pvt. Ltd. will oversee Ather Energy’s sales and service operations in Sri Lanka. The company will also work on establishing a network of fast-charging infrastructure in the country to support the adoption of electric vehicles.
Ather Energy launched its first scooter, the Ather 450, in 2018, followed by the 450X in 2020, the 450S in 2023, and the Rizta in 2024. The company has established a public charging network, Ather Grid, with 1,973 fast chargers across India and operates 208 experience centers as of March 31st 2024. In 2023, Ather expanded to Nepal, where it now has three Experience Centre (EC) and seven fast-charging grids.
Speaking on this development, Ravneet Singh Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said “We are thrilled to enter the Sri Lankan market. Sri Lanka has been a part of our global expansion plans after Nepal, where we established our presence last year. With the increasing cost of ownership of petrol vehicles and the economic and environmental benefits of electric vehicles, the Sri Lankan market has shown an increasing preference for EVs. Ather’s electric scooters are known for their performance, design and reliability, through which we aim to appeal to new-age Sri Lankan customers, who appreciate quality modern products. Our partnership with Evolution Auto Pvt. Ltd. will enable us to deliver the customer experience that Ather is known for, to our customers in Sri Lanka, while also focusing on setting up well networked charging infrastructure for EV users.”
Commenting on the partnership with Ather, Zahran Ziyawudeen, CEO, Evolution Auto, said “Our mission at Evolution Auto is to pioneer sustainable transportation in Sri Lanka, making eco-friendly electric mobility accessible and efficient for all. We are incredibly excited to collaborate with an industry giant like Ather Energy to launch a world-class range of scooters in Sri Lanka.”
Seoul, Aug 21: Kia, Tesla and two other carmakers will voluntarily recall more than 100,000 vehicles due to faulty components, the transport ministry here said on Wednesday.
The four companies, including Ford Motor and GM Asia Pacific Regional Headquarters are recalling a combined 103,543 units of seven different models, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said in a statement, reports Yonhap news agency.
The problems that prompted the recall include faulty hood software in Tesla’s Model Y, lack of durability in the hydraulic electric control unit of Kia’s Pride compact, a faulty brake booster in Ford’s Lincoln MKX SUV and software problems in the electronic brake control module of GM’s Cadillac Lyriq all-electric sedan, it said.
Vehicle owners can check the government’s homepage at www.car.go.kr or call 080-357-2500 to see if their vehicles are subject to the recall, the ministry said.
Earlier this month, BMW Korea, Hyundai Motor and two other carmakers voluntarily recalled more than 172,000 vehicles due to faulty components. The four companies, also including Kia and KGM Commercial, recalled 172,976 units of 103 different models.
The recall happened due to an error with the airbag module inflator of some BMW 320d units and a wiring error of the second-row seats of over 43,000 units of Hyundai Motor’s Santa Fe SUV.
Last month, Kia, Nissan Korea and three other carmakers voluntarily recalled more than 1,56,000 vehicles due to faulty components. The five companies, also including Hyundai Motor Co., Porsche Korea and Toyota Motor Korea Co., will recall 1,56,740 units of 32 different models.
The problems that prompted the recall include poor durability of the electronic control hydraulic unit of 1,39,478 units of the Sorento SUV model.
Also, 8,802 vehicles across eight Nissan models, including the Q50 model, were found to have defective manufacturing of the propeller shaft.
