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Tag: mobility

  • 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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  • 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.

  • JSW MG Motor India Partners with Ecofy to boost faster adoption of EVs

    Hyderabad: JSW MG Motor India announced an MoU with Ecofy, a leading NBFC backed by Eversource Capital, committed to financing India’s green transition, along with its technology & leasing arm Autovert. This collaboration aims to unlock new financing options for JSW MG’s electric vehicles, making them more accessible to customers across India including semi-urban and rural areas.

    Over the next three years, the partnership with Ecofy will provide innovative financing and leasing solutions (powered by Autovert) for up to 10,000 JSW MG EVs. This will encompass attractive loan options and leasing arrangements across retail customers and B2B operators for the existing and forthcoming electric vehicles of JSW MG Motor India.

    Recognising the evolving needs of modern consumers, Ecofy and JSW MG Motor India along with Autovert have co-created innovative products and structures, including easy subscription plans. These innovative offerings are expected to drive rapid adoption of electric passenger vehicles by providing customers with unparalleled flexibility, convenience, and affordability.

    Speaking on the partnership, Rajashree Nambiar, Co-founder, MD & CEO of Ecofy said, “We are excited to partner with JSW MG Motor India, a visionary company that shares our commitment to sustainable mobility. By combining our expertise in finance and JSW MG’s cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, we aim to make EVs accessible to a wider audience, empowering individuals and businesses to embrace a greener future without compromising on convenience or affordability.”

    According to Gaurav Gupta, Chief Growth Officer, JSW MG Motor India, “This partnership reflects JSW MG India’s commitment to offer innovative EV ownership solutions to augment the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India. By offering innovative financing solutions in collaboration with industry specialists, we are making EV ownership more accessible and affordable to a broader audience. We remain committed to promoting sustainable mobility and supporting the government’s vision of a cleaner environment and a robust electric mobility ecosystem.”

    Kartik Gupta, Chief Growth Officer, Autovert added, “India is at a cusp of a large green revolution, demand is picking up however regular financing methods are not enough. There is a growing need for alternate financing methods like subscriptions, pay-per-use which is expected to act as a catalyst for this growing demand.”

    Under the partnership, through its extensive dealership network, JSW MG Motor India will provide access points for customers seeking to purchase EVs with attractive financing options. The partnership’s competitive edge also lies in its innovative products, seamless digital approval processes, and hassle-free product ownership experience for customers. Ecofy’s financial solutions, coupled with JSW MG’s advanced electric vehicles, will provide consumers with a seamless and convenient transition to sustainable transportation.

  • Completes 1 lakh trips in a month

    Hyderabad: Routematic, a leader in employee fleet management and transport automation solutions, announced a significant milestone exceeding 100,000 corporate trips fulfilled in a single month. This achievement underscores Routematic’s unwavering commitment to providing efficient, reliable, safe, convenient, eco-friendly shared mobility solutions to corporates/businesses across India, a media release says.

    Routematic specialises in end-to-end urban mobility solutions, leveraging a modern fleet of vehicles to accommodate diverse employee shift requirements, boasting a presence in over 19 cities nationwide with its technology, and corporate fleet operations in Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi-NCR and other major cities. With a clientele of 175+ businesses and serving more than 300,000 monthly users, Routematic continues to set industry standards for innovation and excellence in employee transportation and serves clients from diverse industries ranging from Information Technology, Healthtech, Banking and Insurance. Key clients include Unisys, Infosys, Ericsson, HCL, Amdocs amongst others.

    Speaking on the latest milestone achievement of 1 lakh monthly trips, Sriram Kannan, Founder & CEO of Routematic, said: “At Routematic, our vision is to ensure safe, reliable, comfortable and affordable daily commute options for every member of the global workforce while reducing the global carbon footprint. Exceeding 100,000 trips in a single month not only highlights our operational efficiency but also stands as a testament to the unwavering trust of our clients and investors, the dedication of our entire team including our 3000+ driver community, and our relentless pursuit of innovation. We aspire to further build on this momentum and leverage the immense potential of technology in our mission to redefine employee transportation in India.”

    Routematic’s comprehensive solutions portfolio offers a holistic range of offerings for Corporate Mobility Technology, Transport as a Service offering that covers end-to-end fulfilment using Routematic fleet as well as managing transport operations. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, Routematic is also committed to contributing to a greener future. The company’s initiatives to integrate electric vehicles and promote eco-friendly practices in fleet management are pivotal steps towards reducing carbon footprints and fostering sustainable urban mobility.

  • Exicom partners with Hubject to bring Plug&Charge to India • EVreporter

    Hubject, an EV interoperability company, has formed a strategic partnership with Exicom, an EV charger manufacturer in India. The partnership aims to use Hubject’s interoperability technology to enhance the charging experience for EV drivers in India. This includes the use of Hubject’s intercharge platform, which will facilitate the process for EV drivers to locate and use charge points.

    Exicom and Hubject will collaborate on Hubject’s Plug&Charge platform to:

    • Implement global technology standards
    • Support local charge point operators (CPOs) using ISO15118 standards
    • Enable automated charging capabilities
    • Develop the first Plug&Charge standard in India

    This collaboration means EV drivers in India will be able to use compatible charge points and charge their vehicles automatically without the need for an app or RFID card.

    Christian Hahn, Hubject CEO, said: “The EV market in India is seeing explosive growth. Last year sales nearly doubled and this year they are expected to rise by 66%. This strategic partnership with Exicom and the introduction of Hubject’s intercharge platform aims to support this massive growth by making the charging experience easier and more reliable for EV drivers. This is an important step in encouraging more drivers in India to make the switch from cars using fossil fuel to EVs.” Mr Hahn added: “This partnership is good news for Hubject, Exicom and EV drivers in India, and it’s also a big step forward in our strategic aim of having Plug&Charge everywhere.”

    Anant Nahata, CEO of Exicom, spoke on the scope of the collaboration: “Addressing the challenges of reliability and seamless EV charging experience in the Indian market is crucial. Our partnership with Hubject aims to provide a frictionless charging experience for EV users. The establishment of a central interoperability hub will further streamline payment settlements and reduce dependence on multiple wallets, ensuring a smoother experience for EV users nationwide.”

    Hubject’s interoperability technology simplifies the charging process by allowing EV drivers to locate, access, and pay for charging services through their preferred interface, regardless of the operator. This eliminates the need for multiple memberships and payments, making EV charging as straightforward as refueling a traditional car.

    Also read: Hero Electric to partner with Exicom for BMS solutions

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  • Chinese EV maker BYD set to enter South Korean market in low-cost segment

    Seoul, June 18: The expected entry of China’s BYD Auto into the South Korean consumer electric vehicle (EV) market this year will likely intensify competition within the low-cost segment of the market, which globally has seen a stagnation in growth as of late due to the so-called EV adoption chasm, according to industry watchers on Tuesday.

    The Chinese EV maker has applied for emissions and noise certification for its midsized EV sedan Seal with the National Institute of Environmental Research under the South Korean environment ministry on June 5, marking the beginning of BYD’s domestic release procedure.

    The process, which checks factors, such as the driving range on a single charge, is known to take around two to three months. Performance evaluations linked to a review for EV subsidies are conducted separately by the Korea Environment Corp, reports Yonhap news agency.

    In terms of size and performance, BYD’s Seal model, whose entry price trim is set at 179,800 yuan ($24,730), is comparable to Tesla’s Model 3 and Hyundai Motor’s Ioniq 6.

    Market watchers expect the model to become eligible for EV subsidies when released. Some, however, note the use of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in the model could work against the model due to the low recyclable value of LFP batteries.

    Other more affordable BYD models, including the Dolphin hatchback and the Atto 3 compact crossover, are also reportedly being considered for release in the country.

    BYD has already applied for trademarks for six models in the domestic market, including those for the Seal, Dolphin and Atto models.

    If BYD successfully launches its passenger EV cars in South Korea with competitive pricing, it could impact the domestic electric vehicle market, currently dominated by Hyundai Motor and Kia.

    South Korean automakers have already seen a decrease in the domestic EV market share, dropping 3.5 percentage points to 76.6 percent last year, especially in line with the release of Tesla’s Model Y vehicles produced in China.

    Local automakers, too, are moving to introduce more affordable models with a better value proposition, notably improved battery capacity.

    Hyundai plans to unveil the EV version of its mini SUV Casper at the upcoming Busan International Mobility show later this month. Kia’s EV3, the company’s third and latest EV model after the larger EV6 and EV9 models, is widely expected to become a hit.