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Category: Auto & Electric Mobility

  • ElectroRide and Battery Smart to establish battery swapping at 2,500 locations across India • EVreporter

    ElectroRide, an electric vehicles retail chain in India, has announced a partnership with Battery Smart, India’s battery swapping network for electric two and three-wheelers. This collaboration will begin with Battery Smart establishing 50 swap stations at ElectroRide locations in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

    The partnership aims to enhance electric mobility adoption by creating additional EV swapping infrastructure. It aligns with Battery Smart’s goal of offering EV users access to swap stations within a 1 km radius with minimal wait time. Over the next five years, ElectroRide plans to equip its 2,500 locations with battery swapping stations.

    Rahul Goenka, Director of ElectroRide, expressed enthusiasm about this endeavor, stating, “Our collaboration with Battery Smart, a key player in the Indian two and three-wheeler EV market, underscores our commitment to revolutionizing the electric mobility landscape. The deployment of 2,500 battery swapping stations is a testament to our vision for a sustainable and accessible electric vehicle infrastructure in India. This initiative aligns with the government’s push towards greener transportation solutions and is poised to make electric vehicles more viable for the masses. The strategic placement of these stations aims to cater to the needs of urban and intercity electric vehicle commuters, fostering a paradigm shift towards cleaner and efficient mobility solutions.”

    Operational since June 2020, Battery Smart has expanded to 1,000 stations across 30 cities, completing over 35 million swaps. By utilizing Battery Smart’s Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model, EV users can quickly replace depleted batteries with fully charged ones in approximately 2 minutes. Future phases of the project will involve a rapid network expansion to ensure widespread accessibility. ElectroRide also plans to deploy 30,000 vehicles with battery swapping technology to enhance their range.

    “We are excited to partner with ElectroRide as they continue strengthening India’s EV infrastructure. With the growing adoption and acceptance of electric vehicles nationwide, it is crucial to expand access to battery swapping stations. This will enable two and three-wheeler EV users to benefit from the convenience, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency that battery swapping offers,” added Nishant Garg, Senior Director – Expansion, Battery Smart.

    ElectroRide, a division of Goenka Green, offers a range of e-mobility products, including motorcycles and three-wheelers, and provides after-sales support. The company is actively involved in developing and deploying e-vehicle charging infrastructure across India, with a strong presence in the northern region and plans to expand to South India.

    Also read: Battery Smart raises USD 33M, targets 100K customers by 2025

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  • Hyundai Motor doubles down on ensuring longer driving range of EVs

    Seoul, June 24: Hyundai Motor Group is strengthening its electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and internal production capacity, as the world’s third-largest auto group seeks to present price-competitive EV models with better driving ranges.

    Last week, SQM, a Chilean lithium mining company, announced that it reached a long-term agreement with Hyundai Motor and Kia to supply lithium hydroxide to the South Korean automakers.

    The SQM deal marked Hyundai’s third lithium hydroxide supply contract signed this year after the ones with Chinese companies Ganfeng Lithium and Chengxin Lithium Group announced in January, reports Yonhap news agency.

    Lithium hydroxide is used in high-priced ternary batteries, such as NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) batteries, which are high in energy density. NCM batteries are relatively expensive but allow for a long driving range per charge for EVs compared with the more broadly used LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries.

    Auto industry observers see Hyundai Motor Group’s recent lithium hydroxide supply deals as a sign that the group is focusing on adopting high-capacity NCM batteries to boost the driving range of its future EV models.

    Anxiety over the driving range of EVs is often cited as a key hindrance in the mass adoption of electric cars, with many drivers remaining unconvinced that EVs offer enough mileage per charge.

    The Casper Electric, Hyundai’s yet-unveiled sub-compact electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), boasts a maximum driving range of 315 kilometers on a single charge thanks to its NCM battery, whereas the comparable Ray EV by Kia has a range of 205 kms due to its LFP battery.

    The Casper Electric, which will be badged as Inster in Europe, will debut at the Busan International Mobility Show this week.

    The EV3, Kia’s new dedicated EV SUV to be sold starting in July, will also be equipped with an NCM battery instead of an LFP battery. The long-range trim of the EV3, fitted with a high-capacity 81.4 kWh NCM battery, has a driving range of up to 501 kms on a single charge.

    Given its higher price tag, Hyundai Motor Group is seeking to lower its EV customers’ NCM battery cost burden by internalising production.

    This year, the South Korean auto giant began production at its battery plant in Indonesia established jointly with LG Energy Solution. Kia will use the NCM batteries produced at the Indonesia plant in the upcoming EV3 units.

    Song Ho-sung, CEO and president of Kia, last month stressed the importance of ensuring the long driving range of EVs, suggesting that Kia will expand its adoption of NCM batteries.

  • Runwal with Audi Mumbai West launches the second edition of Quattro Drive

    Hyderabad: Runwal, a prominent luxury real estate developers in Mumbai in association with Audi Mumbai West has launched the second edition of Audi Quattro Drive. The event, hosted at one of Runwal’s marquee properties – 25 Hour Life in Thane, will be a first of its kind customer engagement initiative by any real estate developers, a media release states.

    The event will provide a platform for auto enthusiasts for a unique opportunity to go off-roading in various Audi models. The tremendous success of the inaugural launch of Runwal Presents Audi Quattro Drive last year highlights Runwal’s dedication to offering a comprehensive experience of luxury living to their buyers. The brand strives to deliver not just luxurious housing but also a platform for buyers to enjoy luxury in every aspect. The initiative aims to provide an experience that blends luxury and rugged terrain through the off-road test drive of various models of Audi.

    Runwal 25 Hours Life, Thane’s true urban habitat sprawls over 21 acres and 4.5 acres of open space and 50 storeyed towers, offers buyers an ideal location to explore not only the vast land parcel of their upcoming homes, but also enjoy activities like off-roading in the heart of Mumbai. Runwal offers buyers a unique opportunity to view their future homes in the initial phases and appreciate the expansive land, providing a clearer perspective of the project’s extensive scope.

    Commenting on this initiative, Rima Kirtikar, Group Chief Marketing Officer, Runwal said, “At Runwal, our buyers are our top priority. We are dedicated to offering extraordinary experiences to our esteemed customers. Both Audi and Runwal are synonymous with quality and luxury and this event gives us an opportunity to be a part of our customers’ lives while creating unforgettable experiences for them.”

    Hitesh Mulani, Vice President of Audi Mumbai West said “We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Audi Experience X Quattro Drive in collaboration with Runwal. This event not only highlights the dynamic features of our Audi Q range but also provides enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to experience the versatility and robustness of our vehicles in challenging off-road conditions.”

    Runwal plans to introduce more experiential initiatives for their customers, continually aligning with the theme of elevated living.

  • Company’s first electric vehicle spotted testing in India: Video

    Maruti Suzuki’s inaugural electric vehicle (EV), the eVX, has been spotted testing in India, offering a glimpse into what this highly anticipated model will bring to the burgeoning Indian EV market. The eVX, a compact SUV, has been seen on Indian roads with recent spy photos revealing notable design updates and features.

    Key Features and Updates

    Exterior Design

    Alloy Wheels: The latest spy photos highlight a redesign in the eVX’s alloy wheels, shifting from the previously spotted 10-spoke design to a sleeker 5-spoke configuration, likely measuring 16 inches or larger.

    Door Handles: The prototype maintains the unique rear door handles mounted on the C-pillar, a nod to the older Swift model, deviating from the initial concept version’s design.

    Lighting: The eVX will feature advanced lighting, including LED headlights, daytime running lights (DRLs), a full-width LED light bar, and a high-mounted stop lamp. Additional design elements include a rear spoiler and a shark-fin antenna.

    Interior and Features

    Modern Amenities: Inside, the eVX promises a futuristic experience with a large touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digital instrument panel, wireless charging, and ventilated front seats.

    Comfort and Convenience: The vehicle is expected to come with automatic climate control, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, providing enhanced comfort and convenience.

    Powertrain and Performance

    The eVX is built on a new electric skateboard platform designed to maximize interior space and support a sizeable battery pack. Maruti Suzuki has equipped the eVX with a 60 kWh battery, offering an estimated driving range of up to 550 kilometers on a single charge. This positions the eVX as a formidable contender in the Indian EV market, providing both long-range capability and the practical benefits of a compact SUV.

    Market Entry and Expectations

    Slated for launch next year, the Maruti Suzuki eVX marks the company’s significant leap into the electric vehicle market. The extensive testing and evolving design underscore Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to integrating innovative features while maintaining the practicality and affordability that the brand is known for. With its blend of modern design, advanced technology, and robust performance, the eVX aims to capture a substantial share of the EV market in India.

    As anticipation builds, the eVX’s development reflects Maruti Suzuki’s strategic approach to introducing electric vehicles, catering to the growing demand for sustainable and efficient transportation solutions in India.

  • Our extraction rate of critical materials from Li-ion batteries at over 98 pc, best globally: Attero’s CEO

    New Delhi, June 24: India’s largest end-to-end e-waste management and the world’s leading Li-ion battery recycling company Attero’s co-founder and CEO Nitin Gupta on Monday said that the firm’s extraction rate of critical materials is at over 98 per cent.

    “We utilise a comprehensive mechanical and hydrometallurgical approach to extract pure battery-grade materials such as cobalt, lithium carbonate, graphite, and nickel with an impressive recovery efficiency exceeding 98%This exceptional performance outshines competitors worldwide, who typically attain recovery efficiencies below 75%,” Gupta told IANS during an interaction.

    At Attero, the lithium-ion recycling process serves as a prime example of this transformation, demonstrating a remarkable reduction of up to or more than 97 per cent in greenhouse gas emissions when compared to the extraction of virgin metals,” he added.

    Attero stands out as the sole entity in India and one of the foremost global leaders in conducting complete processing and refinement of black mass. Attero does not engage in exporting or supplying black mass to other companies. Instead, the company focuses on maximising value from the recycling process by refining black mass into battery-grade materials for its clientele.

    Attero boasts the world’s lowest capex for extracting Lithium carbonate, standing at just $3,200 per tonne.

    This figure is notably 40 per cent cheaper than industry standards in the battery recycling sector. In comparison, the minimum capex for a conventional hydro process amounts to $5,500 per tonne, while for a pyro process, it skyrockets to $10,000 per tonne for other competitors. In addition, Attero also has the lowest opex globally and recycles all types of end of life Li-ion batteries.

    The company presently has a lithium-ion battery recycling capacity of 15,000 metric tonnes. It aims to build more recycling plants not only in the country but also around the world.

    Over the next four years, the company aims to achieve a global annual refining capacity of 300,000 metric tonnes of lithium-ion batteries.

    “We have over 45 granted global patents on NASA-approved recycling technologies developed by us in India. These patents are across the US, Europe and Asia, including China, Japan, and India, and many more applied for,” Gupta said.

    Attero’s carbon credit methodology is approved by the United Nations and is based on the fact that the amount of energy involved in Attero’s processes to extract pure copper, pure cobalt, pure lithium carbonate and graphite from the end of life lithium-ion batteries.

    Highlighting the company’s growth, the CEO further said the firm might consider filing an initial public offering (IPO) in the Indian market in the next 18 to 24 months. Gupta said that the company is continuing to scale its business from the present 1,000 crore to 100 per cent year-on-year.

    “Attero today is roughly a 1,000 crore revenue company this year. We are already at a growth road of the annual run rate and profitable cash-flow positive and growing at 100 per cent year-on-year,” he mentioned.

    When asked about the new electric vehicle (EV) policy rolled out by the government to attract more investments in the country, the co-founder said that it is a great policy and it will propel the entire EV sector.

    “The EV sector in the country is already growing and this new policy will be good for the ‘Make in India’ initiative and ensure that India becomes the global hub for EV manufacturing,” he stated.

    Attero’s current operating plant is in Roorkee, Uttarakhand and is in the process of building up another plant in the country for battery recycling at a roughly initial capacity of 10,000 tonnes per annum.

    The company is also in the process of building a plant in Poland and finalising the space for a plant in the US.

  • Musashi starts production of EV e-2W e-axles in India • EVreporter

    Musashi Auto Parts India Pvt Ltd (Musashi), a subsidiary of Musashi Seimitsu Industries, Japan, has begun mass production of EV two-wheeler e-axles in India. The e-axles will be manufactured at Musashi India’s Bangalore facility, with the line-off ceremony held on June 5 to mark the start of production.

    In the first phase, Musashi has set up a capacity to produce 10,000 e-axles per month, with plans to increase this capacity with additional lines from the third year onwards. These e-axles are designed to be compatible with EV two-wheelers, offering compactness, lightweight, and quiet operation to enhance performance, range, and user experience.

    Musashi plans to invest INR 160 crore in its EV business in Phase I, focusing on new assembly lines for EV transmission components and upgrading existing facilities. The company entered the EV segment in India in September 2023 through a joint venture with Delta Electronics, Inc. and Toyota Tsusho Corporation, forming Musashi Delta e-Axle India Private Limited. Musashi holds a 51% stake in the JV and established the Bangalore facility to manufacture and sell e-axles for two-wheeler EVs in the Indian, African, and ASEAN markets. The facility includes a motor assembly line and a drive unit assembly line, with a target localization level of two-thirds of the total cost by the end of the financial year.

    Mr. Naoya Nishimura, CEO India & Africa Region, stated, “The commencement of the manufacturing of e-axles marks a significant milestone in our journey towards accelerating the adoption of EVs in India and enabling a faster transition to green mobility. Our production lines are equipped with state of the art technologies that will ensure a seamless integration across the assembly line, ensuring increased efficiencies and production output. With the rapid growth of EV two-wheelers in India, the need to build a local and robust ecosystem of EV components is imperative. At Musashi, our goal is to contribute to the growth of  this ecosystem by combining our legacy and expertise in manufacturing auto components with our R&D capabilities to deliver cutting-edge, high performance EV drive units to the burgeoning EV industry in India.”

    Musashi India is collaborating with BNC Motors to develop EV drive units for BNC’s upcoming EV two-wheeler, which will be equivalent to a 125cc ICE scooter, as stated in the company statement.

    Also read: Musashi Seimitsu enters Indian e-mobility market | Plans to invest INR 70 crore in phase 1

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  • Musashi starts production of EV e-2W e-axles in India • EVreporter

    Musashi Auto Parts India Pvt Ltd (Musashi), a subsidiary of Musashi Seimitsu Industries, Japan, has begun mass production of EV two-wheeler e-axles in India. The e-axles will be manufactured at Musashi India’s Bangalore facility, with the line-off ceremony held on June 5 to mark the start of production.

    In the first phase, Musashi has set up a capacity to produce 10,000 e-axles per month, with plans to increase this capacity with additional lines from the third year onwards. These e-axles are designed to be compatible with EV two-wheelers, offering compactness, lightweight, and quiet operation to enhance performance, range, and user experience.

    Musashi plans to invest INR 160 crore in its EV business in Phase I, focusing on new assembly lines for EV transmission components and upgrading existing facilities. The company entered the EV segment in India in September 2023 through a joint venture with Delta Electronics, Inc. and Toyota Tsusho Corporation, forming Musashi Delta e-Axle India Private Limited. Musashi holds a 51% stake in the JV and established the Bangalore facility to manufacture and sell e-axles for two-wheeler EVs in the Indian, African, and ASEAN markets. The facility includes a motor assembly line and a drive unit assembly line, with a target localization level of two-thirds of the total cost by the end of the financial year.

    Mr. Naoya Nishimura, CEO India & Africa Region, stated, “The commencement of the manufacturing of e-axles marks a significant milestone in our journey towards accelerating the adoption of EVs in India and enabling a faster transition to green mobility. Our production lines are equipped with state of the art technologies that will ensure a seamless integration across the assembly line, ensuring increased efficiencies and production output. With the rapid growth of EV two-wheelers in India, the need to build a local and robust ecosystem of EV components is imperative. At Musashi, our goal is to contribute to the growth of  this ecosystem by combining our legacy and expertise in manufacturing auto components with our R&D capabilities to deliver cutting-edge, high performance EV drive units to the burgeoning EV industry in India.”

    Musashi India is collaborating with BNC Motors to develop EV drive units for BNC’s upcoming EV two-wheeler, which will be equivalent to a 125cc ICE scooter, as stated in the company statement.

    Also read: Musashi Seimitsu enters Indian e-mobility market | Plans to invest INR 70 crore in phase 1

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  • India, EU startups pitch for enhanced cooperation in battery recycling tech

    New Delhi: In a bid to enhance the Electric Vehicle (EV) landscape and ecosystems in India and Europe, the India-European Union Trade and Technology Council (TTC) organised an event, featuring 12 high-impact startups in battery recycling technologies for EVs.

    An independent committee of experts from each side shortlisted these 12 startups through a rigorous process based on scientific merit, market readiness, and prospects for cooperation. “The initiative aligns with India and the EU’s commitment to promote a sustainable agenda, foster innovation, and forge stronger economic relations between India and the European Union,” said Office of Principal Scientific Advisor to the government of India in a statement. The event offered the startups/SMEs an exclusive platform to pitch their innovative technologies.

    Start-ups operating across the battery recycling value chain, covering collection to valuable mineral extraction participated in the matchmaking event.

    “This matchmaking event brings together the best talents and technologies in the battery recycling space on both sides, giving them an exclusive platform for exchange, networking, and prospective investments,” said Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Central government. “We believe the exchange trip, awarded to three Indian and three EU start-ups, to visit EV battery recycling facilities on either side would be highly beneficial,” he added.

  • Amara Raja invests EUR 20M to raise stake in InoBat • EVreporter

    Amara Raja Energy & Mobility (ARE&M), a battery manufacturer based in India, has invested EUR 20 million to acquire an additional 4.5% equity stake in InoBat AS, a Norwegian company specializing in batteries for electric vehicles. This investment increases Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Limited’s total ownership in InoBat AS to approximately 9.32%, following a previous EUR 10 million investment.

    InoBat focuses on researching, developing, and manufacturing custom-designed batteries for various sectors including automotive, commercial vehicles, motorsport, and aerospace. Amara Raja’s investment reflects its strategy to expand in the energy and mobility sector, particularly in sustainable energy solutions. InoBat’s battery technology aligns with Amara Raja’s goal of promoting environmental sustainability. Amara Raja is also progressing with the establishment of one of India’s largest gigafactories for Li-ion cell and battery pack manufacturing, with the first phase expected to start operations this year.

    Vikramadithya Gourineni, Executive Director of Amara Raja, stated, “Our investment in InoBat underscores our commitment to being at the forefront of the energy revolution. InoBat’s innovative approach to battery technology complements our mission to deliver sustainable and cutting-edge energy solutions. Together, we aim to accelerate the transition to electric mobility and contribute significantly to global sustainability goals.”

    Also read: Amara Raja Batteries’ plans for lithium-ion cell manufacturing

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  • Auto sector grows 19% to Rs 10.22 lakh cr in FY24

    India is at the forefront in leading the global automobile race, bypassing lower-priced products and creating more value in feature-rich, higher-priced vehicles. Consumer preferences and robust economic fundamentals are drivers of this transformation in the Indian automobile industry. Significantly, the UV and SUV segments are becoming a preferred choice for most Indian consumers,” said Anurag Singh, MD, Primus Partners

    Mumbai: The Indian automobile industry grew 19 per cent to Rs10.22 lakh crore in FY24 driven by a robust growth in the utility and sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment, a report said on Wednesday.

    The volume grew by 10 per cent during the year, the report by management consulting firm Primus Partners said. A notable shift in the UV and SUV segment was that the volume increased by 23 per cent and price by 16 per cent leading to overall value increase by 39 per cent last fiscal year. The average price increase in this segment was due to general rise in prices, shift to higher segment, shift to hybrid and automatic, popularity of sunroof and shift to electric vehicles (EVs), it said. Indians are preferring higher, more expensive models across segments, and the average price of vehicles is increasing, as per the report.

    “India is at the forefront in leading the global automobile race, bypassing lower-priced products and creating more value in feature-rich, higher-priced vehicles. Consumer preferences and robust economic fundamentals are drivers of this transformation in the Indian automobile industry. Significantly, the UV and SUV segments are becoming a preferred choice for most Indian consumers,” said Anurag Singh, Managing Director of Primus Partners.