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  • 2025 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Spotted Testing Before Launch

    The 2025 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 will have exciting updates. It will feature a new single-pod instrument console.

    The motorcycle will also come with LED tail lights and updated indicators.

    Royal Enfield is working on new motorcycles in the 350 cc, 450 cc, and 650 cc segments.

    They plan to reveal their first electric motorcycle, the Flying Flea, at the 2024 EICMA show in Milan, Italy.

    Earlier this year, Royal Enfield launched the updated Classic 350 in India.

    Other models like the Hunter 350, Bullet 350, and Meteor 350 will also get updates soon.

    The updated Interceptor 650 has been seen testing in a near-production form.

    Royal Enfield has quickly expanded its 650 cc lineup with new models like the Shotgun and Super Meteor.

    They are also developing a scrambler called the Interceptor Bear 650 and a Classic-themed twin.

    The new Interceptor 650 will feature a single-pod instrument cluster. This is similar to those found in the Guerrilla 450 and Himalayan 450. Some fans may be disappointed with the change from the traditional twin-pod design.

    The test bike kept the usual telescopic front forks. It also has an updated tail lamp and LED indicators.

    There won’t be any changes to the engine. The engine is a 648 cc parallel twin-cylinder.

    It produces over 47 PS of power and 52 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed transmission.

    Royal Enfield may introduce new colors and graphics.

    They will keep features like black alloy wheels, disc brakes with dual-channel ABS, a slipper and assist clutch, round mirrors, and dual exhaust pipes.

  • India Right Place For Software Defined Vehicles, Says PTC

    Bengaluru: Despite the slump in the Indian automotive industry, Neil Barua, newly appointed CEO of PTC, a Nasdaq-listed global software company that, among others, provides product development software to global automakers like Volkswagen, BMW, and Toyota, said India is the right place to be now. Since taking over as the CEO and global head in February, this is Barua’s first visit to India. He was visiting Bengaluru as part of his India tour. Apart from Bengaluru and Pune, PTC has offices in Chennai and Gurgaon in India.

    PTC began in India as a research and development centre in Pune about 25 years ago, which is now the company’s largest site and R&D hub. “We started in India as an R&D centre producing software in the country, not just being back office. And we’ve expanded that significantly. We’re going to continue to reinforce that,” said Barua in an interview. Barua said India, despite the current setbacks, will play an increasingly bigger role in facilitating the world economy. “PTC wants to be playing a part in supporting that. I think it’s a very important thing for the company’s success,” said Barua.

    He also said his company is excited to be facilitating the trend that is defining the automotive industry at the moment – software defined vehicles (SDV) – by offering integrated solutions for automobile brands so that hardware subsystems that sense and act are closely integrated with the software. “In India, we are working with Tata Motors, TVS Motors and Royal Enfield,” added Barua. He said the current turbulence in the automotive market — due to the struggle of original equipment manufacturers (OEM) like Ola in putting together a cohesive SDV — is perfectly timed for PTC’s expansion in India.

    “Such software has to have a huge amount of discipline traceability and requirements management. One of the hallmarks of our software is that they adhere to compliance that is built by governments around the world. “This is also why the demand for them is beginning to be very strong here in India because that discipline is needed in any situation, regardless if the regulatory bodies are strong and are enforcing those,” said Barua. Although 95 per cent of Fortune 500 discrete manufacturing companies are PTC customers, the strategy in India for PTC, is to stay focused in the verticals that allow them to have real depth in their offerings to customers, he said.

    “So, that’s how we’ll position ourselves. If we get too excited too quickly, because India is a big market, that may not work for us. Our continued investment in India will focus around a few key verticals like aerospace and defence,” said Barua. What makes India stand apart from China is its openness to work with other countries, he said. “I think that is a difference from what I see in the Chinese market, which is geopolitically a bit more closed to the Western world. But because of the openness, Indian companies proliferate across the world,” said Barua. Another interesting trend that keeps India ahead of the curve is also its openness to global capability centres (GCC), added Barua.

  • Ashok Leyland subsidiary secures order for 500 e-buses from MTC, Chennai • EVreporter

    Ashok Leyland, part of the Hinduja Group and a major Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer, announced that its subsidiary, OHM Global Mobility, has received an order for 500 12-meter electric buses from the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), Chennai. OHM, Ashok Leyland’s electric mobility division, focuses on the Mobility-as-a-Service business.

    Switch Mobility, another subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, will supply the Switch EiV12 model buses to OHM. These buses will be operated and maintained by OHM over a 12-year period under the contract awarded by MTC. Out of the 500 buses, 400 will be non-AC, while 100 will be air-conditioned.

    The electric buses will accommodate 37 seated passengers and provide standing space for 24. With a range of over 200 kilometers per charge, the buses are suited for long city routes in Chennai, offering continuous service. The buses feature a low-floor design to improve passenger access and reduce travel time.

    The Switch EiV12 is equipped with a 650V electric system and IP67-rated batteries. The buses are also designed to be wheelchair accessible, with a ramp and secure anchorage points. They offer seating capacity in their segment, with chassis-mounted batteries that lower the center of gravity, improving stability and handling in urban areas.

    Charging infrastructure will be established at six depots in Chennai—Perumbur, Perumbakam, Poonamalle, Vyasapandi, Thondiapet, and KK Nagar—ensuring operations and minimizing downtime.

    Mr. Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO of Ashok Leyland, said, “We are excited to continue our long-standing partnership with the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) and be a partner in their journey towards green public transportation. This new order underscores our dedication to producing highly efficient and technologically advanced products, driving the growth of public transportation in the country. Our SWITCH EiV12 buses combine cutting-edge technology, reliability, and comfort, making them the ideal solution for modern cities. We are committed to driving the transition to electric mobility, and this partnership with MTC is a step forward in creating cleaner, more efficient transport systems. Switch already has over 950 vehicles in operation and with this order has a healthy order book of over 2000 vehicles.”

    Also read: Ashok Leyland announces INR 1200 crore investment in Switch Mobility for EV expansion

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  • How Network Slicing Tech Shaping Our Future

    Network slicing is the key feature and enabler of 5G networks and this unlocks the full potential of 5G. It logically partitions the network into multiple virtual networks across a single infrastructure, with dedicated resources for each virtual network, to meet the QOS requirements. Network slicing creates ‘Network of Networks’. This technique offers flexibility and efficiency. Using Network slicing, networks can be customised to meet the specific requirements of industries, businesses and customers. It is a strategic tool to enhance service delivery and it drives innovation. The use cases of 5G are Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC) and Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (uRLCC). Each type of service requires a different set of parameters like automated vehicles need low latency, high user throughput application requires high speed broadband, robotic surgery requires ultra reliability and low latency.

    These types of services can be served via slicing. Each slice can have a different set of characteristics and different parameters. Using Network slicing, the physical network is divided into logical networks and each slice is isolated with one another and is secure. Each slice operates independently and is tailored to meet the specific needs of diverse applications and services. If something goes wrong with one slice, it will not affect the other slice. The isolation and independence of slices allows us to add new slices without impacting the rest of the network. We can have different sets of parameters, different sets of configuration to each slice. Network slicing obviates the need for dedicated networks for meeting different requirements.

    Slicing standardisation

    3GPP release 15 in 2018 is the 1st specification for network slicing. In this specification, slicing framework in 5G architecture, RAN signalling procedures and resource availability for respective slices are dealt with. Release 16 in the year 2020 contains further specifications, considering the continuity between different technologies. 3GPP shared some standard slices for various services like eMBB, mMTC, uRLLC, IOT, V2X. However Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) can define the characteristics of slices as per their requirements and can provide the services as per the need of use case.

    Device echo system in network slicing

    In 2021, the 5G capable devices were hardly 3 to 4 per cent. In subsequent years, 5G capable devices are increasing year by year. It is projected that by 2026, 5G capable devices will be in the 45-50 per cent range. These devices can get the benefit of slicing. 5G capable devices can connect to one or multiple slices. Multisplice capability is supported for the different OS with different 3GPP releases. For Android, release 13 is compatible and for IOS, release 17. Multi slice capability is supported by advanced FWA CPEs. Slicing supports continuity between 5G, fixed wireless access/Wi-Fi

    End to End (E2E) Network Slicing Architecture

    The entire network architecture will be divided among slices. Let us say that four slices are created; one for internet, one for enterprise, one for FWA and one for gaming service. If we consider enterprise slice, this slice is created as per the requirement, say high throughput and low latency. Similarly, other slices. These slices are created on the respective cell site and in the domains.

    Once a slice is created, resources will be partitioned to the slice across all domains i.e. radio domain, transport domain and the core. In the radio domain, the scheduler does the resource allocation to the slices. In addition to partition of resources, Quality of Service will be applied in the radio domain based on the requirement of enterprise slice.

    Traffic from the enterprise slice will go to the enterprise slice only. In the transport domain, resource partitioning to the four slices will be done based on MPLS etc. If the enterprise organisation wants to keep their data separate, then a dedicated core can be deployed in their premises.

    Further to this, the traffic will move to their private MPLS and their applications server. All the slices are secured, as much as wireless networks are secure. On all domains, the management function will sit on top. The job of the management function is to create the new slice and modify the slice as per the requirements. When there is a need for a higher number of slices or a higher number of sites, then the automation comes into the picture. Via automation, slices can be created automatically by instruction coming from the orchestrator. This end to end orchestrator is the driving body for creating the slices, managing the slices and giving instruction to each domain.

    How many slices are possible? On the SA network, theoretically there is no limit on the number of slices but the challenge is how many slices can be managed. Practically 10-15 slices can be there on a public network and an even higher number of slices on a private network. As per the URSP (User equipment Route Selection Policy), present User Equipment (UE) can latch to 8 slices simultaneously. Eight different profiles can be there and depending on the SLA for that particular application, a particular slice will be assigned.

    Slice management architecture

    The End to End orchestrator carries out the Communication Services Management Function (CSMF) and Network Slice Management Function (NSMF). CSMF is responsible for translating the communication service related equipment to the network related equipment and further that communication will be sent to NSMF. NSMF will further communicate with Network Slice Subnet Management Function (NSSMF).

    The job of NSMF is to orchestrate managed networks slice subnet, deriving slice network subnet requirements and further it coordinates with Network Function Management Function (NFMF). NFMF sits on RAN, Transport and Core. These respective management functions will execute the definition of slice at their respective end and acknowledge back to the upper hierarchy of NSMF and CSMF.

    5G network slicing use cases

    As per survey, the priority use cases for 5G network slicing are in the following order:

    1. Service based (IOT, connected cars, smart home, fixed wireless)

    2. Vertical industry based (health, agriculture, manufacturing)

    3. Organisation based (Universities, large enterprises)

    4. Event based (sporting events, festivals).

    The most commercially attractive network slice services are: private network extension into wide area network (example SBI desiring to have a pan India private network working with JIO and asking for a slice), security enterprise VPNs, Fixed Wireless Access, public safety, events, gaming, OTT video.

    Some of the successful demonstrations of network slicing

    1. Vodafone UK and Ericsson demonstrated VR oriented slicing for a retailer, offering guaranteed bandwidth and latency (260 Mbps, 12.4 ms)

    2. Deutsche Telekom and Ericsson demonstrated cross border continuity of enterprise network slicing (in Germany and Poland)

    3. Live coverage of the king’s coronation in the UK using slicing on Vodafone UK’s public 5G network.

    4. Jio,Tella, Etilsatv have launched FWA service on priority slice to give better user experience.

    5. Verizon is doing public safety use cases by enabling slice in its 5G SA network.

    Some of the use cases which can be targeted initially are video production/ media houses, cloud gaming, AR/ VR, private networks and FWA. The TSPs have commercially launched these use cases in their networks and are monetising them.

    The top choices of verticals for network slicing are Transport automotive/logistics, Health care, Manufacturing, Smart cities, Energy and utilities, Media and Entertainment.

    Innovations in 5G slicing

    In case of 5G SA network slicing, the network slicing capabilities are enhanced (compared to NSA network) and it happens on NSSAI (Network Slice Selection Assistant Information) and based upon this information, the slices are done end to end. In the coming future, there will be intent based slicing or dynamic slicing which will help operators to take decisions on the fly and bring in more efficiencies in the utilisation of network resources by a lot of automation orchestration.

    Another new concept is L4S (Low Latency Low Loss Scalable throughput) which is one level next to network slicing. For the applications which require latency less than one millisecond, latency has to be prioritised. Network with L4S functionality does this. This feature will be important for URLLC use cases.

    Way forward

    The need for slicing is for Service differentiation, creating new business segments and for generating new revenue streams. The benefits of E2E Network slicing for enterprise customers are improved experience, tailored and flexible services, improved security and faster service delivery. The benefits for TSPs are unlocking new revenue streams, faster delivery of services, maximising the utilisation and monetisation of network resources and enabling new business models.

    For 5G implementation there are two architectures NSA (Non Stand Alone) and SA (Stand Alone). In NSA architecture, the control signalling of 5G Radio Network is connected to 4G core network while in SA architecture, 5G Radio is connected directly to the 5G core network. E2E Network splicing is possible only in SA architecture. In our country only Reliance Jio is implementing 5G with SA architecture in public networks. BSNL after implementing 4G will upgrade it to 5G SA.

    The challenges in implementation of network slicing are Significant behind the scene IT support, Slice friendly or slice aware UE requirement and on-demand slice allocation.

    DOT and TRAI are of the view that network slicing will not violate the principle of net neutrality. Appropriate changes will be made in licensing rules, when network traffic gains pace, to allow slicing in the 5G networks. DOT feels that the TSPs are not going to throttle speeds for consumers when they slice the network. So network neutrality doctrine will not come in the way in the growth of network slicing use cases.

    According to recent spectrum leasing rules, DOT has allowed TSPs to offer captive private networks, as a service to enterprises, through network slicing over public networks. TSPs expect around 40 per cent of 5G revenue to come from captive private networks in the days to come.

    Up to 30 per cent of 5G use cases are expected to require network slicing in future. Network slicing will push the telecommunication industry to new heights. From fibre splicing to network slicing, telecom technology has made rapid strides!

    (The author is a former Advisor, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India)

  • OFICCI Association Submits Representation on Behalf of OBC Entrepreneurs to Parliamentary Committee

    Hyderabad: The Office Bearers and Association Members of the OFICCI Association (OBC Federation for Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) led by Rama Mohan Manamasa, CMD, MRM Group Founder and Chairman, OFICCI, called on the OBC Parliamentary Committee Chairman Ganesh Singh Ji along with Ambica G Lakshminarayana Valmiki, MP, Anantapur; here on Wednesday and gave a representation on behalf of OFICCI. Manikam Tagore, MP appreciated the efforts of OFICCI. Rama Mohan Manamasa, Founder and Chairman of the associatiation along with executive members Prabhakar Yadav, G Sreedhar and other members; explained the need for promoting OBC Entrepreneurship in India. The representation contained the following points.

    1. Preferential Treatment in Public Procurement via GeM (Government e-Marketplace):

    – Despite the establishment of GeM as a transparent portal for government procurement, OBC-owned enterprises often struggle to secure government tenders due to limited resources and access.

    – We request the Committee to recommend measures for preferential treatment or quotas for OBC-owned MSMEs on GeM, similar to the provisions for SC/ST entrepreneurs, to ensure fair competition and equitable access to government contracts.

    2. Instructing Banks to Support OBC Entrepreneurs under CGTMSE (Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises):

    – While CGTMSE provides much-needed financial support to MSMEs, there is a lack of targeted support and awareness among OBC entrepreneurs.

    – We request the Committee to direct banks to prioritise OBC entrepreneurs for CGTMSE loans, ensuring ease of access to credit without the burden of collateral. Additionally, banks should conduct outreach programs specifically aimed at increasing awareness of CGTMSE among OBCs.

    3. Priority Lending for OBC MSMEs:

    – Access to affordable credit remains a critical issue for OBC-owned businesses. Despite being a significant contributor to the MSME sector, OBC entrepreneurs face higher interest rates and bureaucratic delays in loan approvals.

    – We propose that the Committee recommend guidelines to banks for prioritising lending to OBC-owned MSMEs, along with lower interest rates to facilitate their growth and reduce financial stress.

    4. Reservation in Allotment of Plots in Industrial Parks Across India:

    – Industrial plots in state and central industrial parks are vital for the establishment and expansion of MSMEs. However, OBC entrepreneurs often face challenges in acquiring such plots due to stiff competition and lack of reservation policies.

    – We request the Committee to recommend a reservation of at least 15 per cent of industrial plots in all central and state industrial parks for OBC entrepreneurs. This would provide a level playing field and support the establishment of OBC-owned enterprises in these parks.

    Meanwhile, the association requested for a whitepaper on OBC Entrepreneurs’ current share in public procurement, bank lending, and MSME schemes in India. The important areas that they wanted in the whitepaper are:

    1. Enhancing Opportunities for OBC Entrepreneurs: A Roadmap for Inclusive Growth

    – Brief overview of the OBC population in India and their contribution to the economy.

    – Current challenges faced by OBC entrepreneurs in accessing opportunities and resources.

    2. Analysis of Public Procurement (GeM)

    – Data on the participation of OBC-owned enterprises in government tenders via GeM.

    – Comparative analysis of the share of contracts awarded to OBCs vs. other categories.

    – Recommendations for introducing quotas or preferential treatment for OBC-owned businesses.

    3. Access to Financial Support through CGTMSE

    – Analysis of the distribution of CGTMSE loans among different social categories.

    – Challenges faced by OBC entrepreneurs in accessing CGTMSE loans.

    – Data to be requested: Number of OBC beneficiaries under CGTMSE in the last 5 years, default rates, and loan disbursement trends.

    – Recommendations for improving access and awareness of CGTMSE among OBCs.

    4. MSME Priority Lending

    – Review of RBI guidelines on priority sector lending for MSMEs and their impact on OBC entrepreneurs.

    – Data to be requested: Breakdown of MSME loans provided to OBCs vs. other categories in the past 5 years, including interest rates and terms.

    – Recommendations for enhanced lending support and lower interest rates for OBC-owned MSMEs.

    5. Reservation in Allotment of Industrial Plots

    – Current policies on industrial plot allotment and the challenges faced by OBC entrepreneurs.

    – Data to be requested: Allotment of industrial plots to OBCs in central and state industrial parks over the last 5 years.

    – Recommendations for implementing a reservation policy for OBC entrepreneurs in industrial parks.

    6. Case Studies and Success Stories

    – Highlighting success stories of OBC entrepreneurs who have benefited from government schemes.

    – Analysis of best practices from other social categories that can be adapted for OBC support.

    7. Conclusion and Way Forward

    – Summarising the key issues and recommendations.

    – Roadmap for implementing the proposed measures for supporting OBC entrepreneurs.

  • Ola Electric’s stock may trade below its debut price of Rs76, no respite seen

    Mumbai: Facing a barrage of customer complaints amid poor after-sale service, Bhavish Aggarwal-run Ola Electric saw its stock plummet to a record low on Wednesday — below Rs 80 apiece in the morning trade — as market experts said the share may soon trade below its debut price of Rs 76. At the end of the day, the stock closed marginally higher at Rs 81.76. During the session, the share touched Rs 79.15 on the lower side and Rs 83 on the higher side.

    The EV company’s stock has fallen about 48 per cent from its highest level of Rs 157.40. Ola Electric’s shares were listed in August. After listing, a sharp rally was seen in the Ola Electric and the counter made an all-time high of Rs 157.40.

    Jigar S Patel, Senior Manager- Technical Research Analyst, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock-Brokers, said for Ola Electric, the support will be at Rs 76 and resistance at Rs 86. Market experts said that the strong support of Rs 86 has broken in Ola Electric and the next target is Rs 75 and the “trend in the counter continues to be negative”.

    The stock remains weak and selling is being seen at all levels. Due to the weakness, investors should stay away from this stock and invest in stocks with strong fundamentals, said market analysts. The reason for the fall in the shares of Ola Electric is the decline in sales and service-related problems.

    According to the government portal Vahan, Ola Electric sold 24,665 e-scooters in September. In August, this figure was 27,587. As per reports, Ola Electric’s flagship S1 series EV scooter has become a nightmare for hundreds of customers who are consistently facing issues like malfunctioning hardware and glitching software and spare parts are hard to come by, resulting in inordinate delays. Market analysts say that the share is showing extreme volatility due to challenges the company faces as well as rising competition and service-related issues.

  • Tata Motors inaugurates ‘Customer Care Mahotsav’, a nationwide programme for commercial vehicle customers

    Hyderabad: Tata Motors, commercial vehicle manufacturer, announced the launch of its Customer Care Mahotsav 2024, a comprehensive customer engagement program for commercial vehicle customers till 24th December 2024. The unique and value adding programme will be held at over 2500 authorised service outlets across the country, bringing together fleet owners and drivers for insightful discussions. Through the Mahotsav, customers can avail a range of benefits, including thorough vehicle check-ups conducted by trained technicians, and access to value-added services. Additionally, drivers will receive extensive training on safe and fuel-efficient driving practices, along with tailored offerings under its Sampoorna Seva 2.0 initiative.

    Launching the Customer Care Mahotsav 2024 edition, Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors highlighted, “We are excited to bring back the Customer Care Mahotsav this year, starting 23rd October. The day holds a special significance for us as we sold our first commercial vehicle in 1954, we now celebrate it as the Customer Care Day. This Mahotsav reflects our commitment to deliver the best-in-class service, through meticulous vehicle check-ups and by offering a wide range of benefits. By ensuring that the Mahotsav delights our customers at every touchpoint across the country, we aim to strengthen our relationships across all our stakeholders. We cordially invite all our customers to their nearest Tata authorised service centres, and I am confident that this initiative will add significant value to their businesses.”

    The company’s widest commercial vehicle portfolio is complemented by a host of value-added services designed for comprehensive vehicle lifecycle management through its Sampoorna Seva 2.0 initiative. This all-inclusive solution begins with the vehicle purchase and supports every operational aspect throughout its lifecycle, including breakdown assistance, guaranteed turnaround times, annual maintenance contracts (AMC), and convenient access to genuine spare parts.

    Additionally, the company leverages Fleet Edge, its connected vehicle platform for optimal fleet management, enabling operators to maximise vehicle uptime and minimise total cost of ownership.

  • India’s electric vehicle supply chain landscape

    As of 2024, localization levels for critical electric vehicle components such as motors and controllers remain at 30-40% in India, reflecting a significant gap, writes Preetesh Singh, Manager – CASE and Alternative Powertrains at Nomura Research Institute (NRI) in his analysis of India’s electric drivetrain supply chain.

    EV Manufacturing and Assembling

    There is significant EV push from Indian government’s policy initiatives, such as the FAME scheme and the new PM E-Drive with a total outlay of INR 10,900 crore, including INR 2,000 crore specifically for charging infrastructure. These policies, coupled with attractive tax and incentive benefits, like PLI scheme or Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on imported components such as motors, aim to increase localization, making the supply chain for critical child parts mature & robust.

    The current state of EV manufacturing in India is categorized into four strategies: SKD Imports, CKD Imports, Buying Critical Components with Assembly in India and Component Child Part Imports with Sourcing & Assembly in India.

    The reliance on imports, particularly for critical components such as motors and controllers, is evident across all these strategies. While some OEMs & suppliers have started localizing manufacturing, dependence on foreign suppliers for raw materials and critical child parts continues to pose challenges.

    Localisation Status of EV Components

    Localization of EV components is vital for several reasons like cost reduction, supply chain resilience, and long-term sustainability. The government is pushing for localization, but it remains challenging today. Localization of the following three critical EV components is necessary:

    Motors and Controllers

    They together form the e-drive, the second-largest cost component of an EV, accounting for 8-10% of the BoM​. Localization of these components remains a challenge, with only 30-40% of the motor being localized. Most of the critical child parts, such as the rotor, stator, and permanent magnets, are imported.

    Source: Nomura Research Institute

    Source: Nomura Research Institute

    Localisation status of EV components

    EVs utilize various types of motors, each offering distinct benefits. In India, Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) and Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) are the most common choices across different EV segments due to their balance of performance and cost.

    Brushless Direct Current Motor (BLDC):

    A BLDC motor delivers current through a commutator into coils on the rotor, with the rotor itself being a permanent magnet. The coils, however, remain fixed on the stator. This configuration allows BLDC motors to offer a balanced mix of efficiency & cost-effectiveness.

    It is used by Ola, Ampere, TVS and Ather for their e-2Ws and also by YC Yatri e-rickshaw.

    Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor:

    PMSM motors are a type of AC synchronous motor where the field is excited by permanent magnets with its rotor generating a magnetic field. It is highly efficient, making it ideal for high performance vehicles. However, it is expensive due to the use of permanent magnets.

    Commonly used in cars and buses e.g. Tata Urban E-bus, Mahindra XUV400 EV, MG ZS EV, Hyundai Ioniq 5, etc.

    Induction Motor (IM):

    These are asynchronous motors where the electric current in the rotor is induced by EM induction from the stator winding’s magnetic field. These motors offer cost advantages. They are not as efficient as PMSM under heavy loads.

    These motors are used across vehicle segments, including LCVs & cars like Tata Ace EV, Mahindra Treo 3W, Tesla S & X models, etc.

    Switched Reluctance Motor:

    Switched Reluctance Motors’ rotor contains no magnets or coils. The motor operates by sequentially energizing the stator windings, creating a magnetic field that pulls the rotor into alignment. It can deliver high torque but struggles with inefficiencies at lower speeds. These are not common in EVs and are emerging for heavier industrial applications.

    Range Rover SV comes with SRM motor.

    Critical EV Motor Child Parts’ Availability in India

    The performance of an EV traction motor, which converts electrical energy into mechanical motion is heavily influenced by several critical child parts, including copper coils, MG (magnetic) cores, stator laminations, permanent magnets (made from rare-earth metals), etc. After understanding how important EV motors are, with an 8-10% of BoM, it becomes crucial to understand the Indian landscape of EV motor child parts suppliers.

    Copper Coil in EV Motors

    Copper coils are used in the windings of the stator to generate the magnetic fields necessary for motor operation. India is world’s 4th largest copper importer, and also has significant copper reserves in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand. The copper wire industry is well-developed in India, and while there are no suppliers currently specializing in EV-specific copper coils, many have the capability to do so as demand grows.

    MG Core (Magnetic Core)

    MG cores, also known as laminated steel cores, are essential for reducing energy losses in EV motors. They consist of thin layers of steel sheets coated with insulating material to minimize eddy currents, which can cause power loss and heat buildup. The thickness of these sheets plays a crucial role in the motor’s efficiency, with thinner laminations offering better performance.

    Permanent Magnet

    Permanent magnets, particularly those made from rare earth metals like neodymium, are crucial for creating the strong magnetic fields required in high-performance EV motors, especially PMSMs. These magnets significantly influence the motor’s power density, torque, and overall efficiency. India imports 92% of its rare earth metals from China, which controls 79% of the global rare earth metals market.

    Due to the reliance on China for rare earth materials, localizing permanent magnet production in India is a major challenge. The high cost of rare earth metals, coupled with the complex processing required, makes localization difficult.

    Way Forward for India to Improve EV Localization | Recommendations

    • The government’s PLI Auto Component Champion Scheme needs to accelerate certification processes, especially for e-drives, motors, and controllers, to boost domestic manufacturing.
    • The development of rare-earth-free motor technologies like Switched Reluctance Motors (SRM) should be prioritized. Promoting technologies like these could safeguard the supply chain against global disruptions and price hikes in rare-earth metals.
    • To foster innovation and reduce import dependence, a more robust R&D ecosystem is needed. Upskilling engineers and creating specialized laboratories focused on motor design and electrical testing can enhance the design capabilities of Indian suppliers. Strengthening of industry-academia collaboration via schemes like the Advanced National Research Foundation (ANRF) can accelerate R&D efforts as well.
    • As components like inverters and controllers rely heavily on semiconductor chips, India’s semiconductor policy must align with its EV goals. Increased domestic production of semiconductors will boost the localization of motor controllers and other electronic parts, driving down costs and reducing the reliance on imports​.

    Special thanks to co-authors Athul Nambolan, Deputy Senior Consultant and Som Pathak, Associate Consultant at Nomura Research Institute for their extensive contribution to this analysis.

    Also read: Driving toward tomorrow: Insights into EV charging infrastructure development

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  • IPO shows HMIL’s commitment to India: Hyundai chief

    Mumbai:South Korean auto major Hyundai Motor Company is taking the next big step with the IPO of its Indian arm which shows its commitment to the country, Hyundai Motor Group Executive chair Euisun Chung said on Tuesday. Speaking at the listing ceremony of Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) here, Chung also said that the IPO also shows HMIL is a key part of India.

    Shares of Hyundai Motor India Ltd made a muted market debut and further fell by nearly 6 per cent against the issue price of Rs 1,960. The Rs 27,870-crore initial public offer of Hyundai Motor India Ltd, which had a price band of Rs 1,865-1,960 per share, was subscribed 2.37 times on the last day of the bidding on Thursday, helped by institutional buyers.

  • Toyota Kirloskar Motor Launches Fesitive Limited-EditionToyota Rumion MPV

    Hyderabad: Making this festive season special for car buyers, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) on Tuesday introduced the Festive Edition of the Toyota Rumion. This limited-edition, featuring exclusive Toyota Genuine Accessory (TGA) packages aimed at enhancing the Rumion’s aesthetics and comfort is the perfect mobility choice to celebrate the season in elegance and style.

    This festive edition of the car, available across all grades, comes with a dealer-fitted TGA package worth Rs20,608, ensuring that customers enjoy a premium experience.

    The Festival Limited Edition TGA package features include: back door garnish, mud flaps, rear bumper garnish, deluxe carpet mat (RHD), head lamp garnish, number plate garnish, door visor – chrome, roof edge spoiler, body side molding garnish finish.

    Sabari Manohar – vice president, sales-service-used car business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “We are thrilled to introduce the Limited-Edition Toyota Rumion, which not only enhances aesthetics and comfort but also ensures a superior driving experience. As we embrace the festive spirit leading up to Diwali, our commitment to offering exceptional value to our customers remains unwavering. This special edition showcases our dedication to customer satisfaction by offering newness through features such as premium accessories, extended warranties topped with outstanding after-sales service, all meticulously designed to cater to the unique needs of Indian buyers.”

    The new model has already garnered a strong following as a versatile and family-friendly MPV, seamlessly combining spacious interiors, fuel efficiency, and superior safety features. Offering a choice between a 5-speed manual transmission and a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission, providing a seamless driving experience for both manual and automatic enthusiasts, this MPV is available in powerful K series 1.5-litre Petrol engine with Neo Drive (ISG) technology and E-CNG technology. The cutting-edge K-series engine also offers an excellent fuel efficiency of 20.51 km/l for Petrol variant and 26.11 km/kg for CNG variant.

    The new model is available in six variants of S MT/AT, G MT, and V MT/AT, S MT CNG offering a wide range of options for customers.