India’s oldest two-wheeler manufacturer Bajaj Auto has launched the world’s first CNG bike (Compressed Natural gas powered two-wheeler), named Freedom 125. The first compressed natural gas i.e. CNG powered bike will start at nearly Rs- 95000. This lowest-priced bike will be a revolution in the motorcycle market.
Bajaj launches Freedom 125, world’s first CNG-powered bike
CNG Bike Key Features:
• Telescopic front forks
• Mono-link suspension
• A front disc and rear drum brake setup
• Engine up to 125 cc
• Conventional fuel tank with CNG cylinder placed beneath
CNG Bike Color & Variants:
CNG Freedom 125 will be available in a total of six colors and three (03) Variants.
The three Variants with ex-showroom prices are
i) Drum@ Rs 95,000,
ii) Drum LED@ Rs 1.05 Lakh and
iii) Disc LED@ Rs 1.10 Lakh
Engine and Power:
A 125cc Single-Cylinder Engine
Power: 9.5PS
Torque: 9.7Nm
Fuel:
The motorcycle features dual-fuel capability, running on both petrol and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) with a simple button switch.
Range/Mileage:
Bajaj claims it offers a mileage of 213 kilometers per kilogram of CNG. The bike boasts the longest seat in its segment, standing at 785mm.
Running Economy:
The operational cost of CNG two-wheelers would be approximately Re 1 per kilometer. The Freedom 125 includes a 2 kg CNG tank.
This bike, the company said, promises 50 per cent cost savings by reducing fuel expenses compared to petrol motorcycles. The CNG tank provides a range of over 200 km on 2 kg of CNG, while the 2-litre petrol tank offers an additional 130 km, culminating in a total range of 330 km for a full tank, said the two-wheeler major.
Consumers save around Rs 15,000 annually on fuel bills, effectively recovering the cost difference between the CNG bike and its petrol counterpart, said Bajaj Auto, which is in discussions with oil marketing companies to expand the CNG station network and include dedicated two-wheeler segments for consumer convenience.
Maintenance:
The company claimed the bike has a 50 percent lower maintenance cost than other bikes.
Manufacturing Strategies:
Bajaj Auto’s Executive Director Rakesh Sharma said we would initially produce 10,000 units of the Freedom 125 monthly, retailing in Gujarat and Maharashtra, with plans to scale up to 40,000 units by the financial year’s end. Executive Director Rakesh Sharma mentioned that the automaker is also considering more models with flexi-CNG-petrol technology if this product succeeds.
The company has identified six export markets for the bike, but the initial focus remains on India. “Then we will look at exporting to Egypt, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Columbia, and Peru,” Sharma said.
The CEO of Bajaj Auto, Mr. Rajiv Bajaj said that the bike is an avatar of freedom and freedom from petrol. “India can show the world how we can move away from petrol and diesel and move towards cleaner fuel.”
Speaking to ET Now, Bajaj Auto’s Executive Director Rakesh Sharma earlier “said that the Bajaj CNG bike is the outcome of a very intense exercise over the last two to three years.
“It addresses a very large market size. Almost 70% of the one million per month market of motorcycles has some level of sensitivity to fuel economy,” he had said.
It is a well-known fact that China is famous for cheap goods, and by manufacturing any goods cheaply, China sells its goods all over the world and is weakening the economy of the whole world. To maintain its reputation in the field of electric vehicles, China is selling cheap cars all over the world. Because of this, American President Joe Biden has proposed a 100% tax on Chinese cars. This step is to protect the US carmakers from cheap imports.
As per the sources, this is a preventive measure to stop the flood of Chinese goods in the U.S. market. A four-year review will follow this.
Range of Tariff on Electric Vehicles & Others:
On electric vehicles, the tariff will increase from 25% to 100%, a tax increase from 7.5%to 25% will be on lithium batteries, a 0 (zero) to 25% rise on critical minerals, and 25% to 50%, and 25% to 50% on Semiconductors.
U.S. President Joe Biden said that the increased tax is a proportionate response to China’s overloading capacity of the electric vehicle sector. As per the record, china produces 30m electric vehicles every year but manages a domestic sale of only 22m to 23m.
The new tariffs will kick in after 90 days– a period that will be closely watched for signs of tit-for-tat retaliation by China. White House sources said the aim was not to escalate trade tensions but to help parts of the US economy where there had been a cycle of disinvestment.
Beginning this year, all lithium-ion EV batteries from China will be subject to a 25% import duty.
According to Reuters, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers have benefitted from $57 billion in government subsidies between 2016 and 2022, leading to an overproduction of Electric Vehicles, creating artificially low pricing that could choke out global competitors.
China’s response:
In response, China’s state spokesperson news outlet published an editorial, accusing the US of “discouraging fair trade and environmental protection”, while saying that US consumers would endure the most of the tariffs.
“Unfortunately, the United States is a country that advertises open economy and free trade, but its actions are against its words. It also promises that it does not seek to decouple from China and hinder China’s development, but its practices tell another story,”
Biden’s Reply:
Biden said he was “not looking for a fight with China” but that the US needed to stand up to China’s “unfair economic practices and industrial overcapacity”. “I’m looking for competition, but fair competition,” he said.
U.S. politicians and manufacturers already see Chinese Electric Vehicles as a serious threat.
Biden said, “My administration is combining investments in America with tariffs that are strategic and targeted. It’s a smart approach,”
The administration will also double tariffs on Chinese solar cell imports to 50%, a move meant to counter China’s dominance of solar production, which currently comprises about 70% of the global market.
The Biden administration says the move is an effort to protect American workers against unfair Chinese trade practices.“Bottom line, I want fair competition with China, not conflict,” Biden said. “And we’re in a stronger position to win that economic competition in the 21st century against China than anyone else because we’re investing in America again.”
Conclusions:
This is a very normal thing that any country to adopt whatever rules and regulations are possible to strengthen its economy and to grow and protect its manufacturing sector and tries to grow its economy. America is a strong country. Whatever appropriate rules it takes to counter China’s unfair trade policy and sell cheap and low-quality products in its country, it is a successful policy.
Introduction: Electric cars, Hybrid cars & Plug-in Hybrid cars.
Hybrid cars also known as self-charging cars incorporate a small battery and an electric motor to boost efficiency. It requires a petrol or diesel engine as its primary propulsion and then runs in pure electric mode.
In plug-in hybrid vehicles, apart from petrol or diesel engines, a larger battery is also incorporated there, delivering an electric range of up to 50 miles, depending on its model.
The battery of a plug-in hybrid car is used to recharge with a home charging point or can also be charged using a public charging network.
Electric cars, battery electric vehicles, or all-electric battery vehicles depend completely on a battery pack as its means of propulsion. It must be plugged in when the battery is low on juice.
Remember this rule:
In a hybrid you cannot plug in, in a plug-in hybrid you should plug in, and in an electric car, you must plug in.
1. Hybrid Cars:
The most famous hybrid car on the planet is Toyota Prius, which was launched in 1997. This was the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle.
A hybrid car pairs an electric motor with a petrol or diesel engine. It means the driver has access to three forms of propulsion i.e. by engine, by pure electric, or both. Hybrid cars are more efficient and economical than conventional gas-powered engines.
Hybrid Cars: Pros and Cons:
Pros:
1. Familiarity:
The hybrid car is very familiar with the conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. While driving, you will not notice much difference between both and even need not to worry about recharging the battery.
2. Efficiency:
In hybrid vehicles, an electric motor is there to improve fuel economy and overall efficiency. Hybrids are more efficient than petrol, and more economical than diesel cars in the town.
Hybrid vehicles can recharge their batteries either by using an internal combustion engine or by regenerative braking. In regenerative braking, the energy that would have been lost under braking or when lifting off the accelerator pedal is diverted to the battery to power the electric motor.
3. Tax:
The government has announced Tax rebate on hybrid vehicles. As per rule, lower CO2 emission means lower vehicle excise duty (VED), especially in the first year of purchase of the vehicle.
4. Towing:
For anyone looking for an electric car for towing, the hybrid car is the best choice. The maximum towing capacity might be slightly less in hybrid cars as compared to petrol or diesel cars but it is significantly more than of a pure electric car. Even many electric cars are not allowed and approved for towing purposes.
Cons:
1. Cost:
The cost of purchase is higher in the case of hybrid cars as compared to petrol or diesel cars.
2. Range:
The electric range of hybrids is very limited.
3. Ban:
As the government aims to go carbon neutral by 2050, The sale of new hybrid cars is to end in 2035 and petrol and diesel cars are already going to be a history after 2030.
2. Plug-in hybrid cars:
The PHEV, a Plug-in hybrid vehicle is equipped with a battery pack to store and deliver power to an electric motor to run the petrol or diesel engine. The battery pack in the plug-in hybrid vehicle is recharged at home or a public charging network.
The plug-in hybrids are gaining popularity and in the U.K the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the best-selling car model.
Because of a large battery pack, the plug-in hybrid vehicles travel more than the hybrid on electric power.
Generally, a plug-in hybrid car should go up to 20-30 miles of electric range, and in some brands and models, it can go up to even 50 miles of range. The BMW X5 xDrive45e claims a range of 54 miles.
Plug-in hybrid cars: pros and cons
Pros:
Backup engine:
In plug-in hybrid vehicles, the petrol or diesel engine supports the running range of the vehicle, and there is no range anxiety. When the battery is exhausted, the vehicle switches to a petrol or diesel engine. Moreover, refueling petrol or diesel is just like that of conventional gas-powered vehicles.
Less Fuel Consumption:
The plug-in hybrid cars typically start in electric mode and generally, people do not require running the gas engine to complete the shorter trips. Indeed, the average car’s daily trip is generally not more than 10 miles, and for this, the driver does not require switching the gas-powered engine.
Tax:
Especially for company car drivers, it matters great in tax benefits as the Lower CO2 emission means the Tax benefits are greater.
Lower Running Cost:
Driving of Plug-in Hybrid is as easy as a regular gasoline car, only you need to plug-in the vehicle as and when required. The combination of electric and petrol and diesel power delivers improved performance without the high running costs of a fast petrol car. Although, it is a very minor thing but in case if you don’t have access to a charging point, no need to worry much, you simply use the engine until you get home or find a charging station.
Cons:
Upfront cost:
The initial investment cost of a plug-in hybrid is a major drawback. For example, the cost of the Hyundai Ioniq hybrid is around £24,000, while the plug-in hybrid and electric versions are priced at around £30,500.
Change In Driving Habits:
The plug-in hybrid drivers will have to add in their habits of recharging their car before going for the next trip, otherwise, they will have to switch on the conventional gas engine petrol or diesel mode, which will be expensive. A plug-in hybrid is not the best choice if you are not using the battery mode.
Handling:
The Plug-in hybrids are fast in a straight line, with plenty of torque for swift overtaking. The weight of the big battery pack can have a slight disadvantage on the car’s ride and handling. They are less comfortable over pitted roads and more bulky when cornering.
3. Electric cars:
Electric Vehicles in India are growing rapidly. It is a demand to go green and save the environment with sustainable development. In this way, alternative fuel vehicles are in global demand. Electric vehicles are the most popular and adopted way to go green globally. In India, many Indian manufacturers as well as foreign investors have already launched many brands in the Indian Market.
India is growing their electric vehicles market in all segments like two-wheelers, Three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and commercial buses & trucks.
Indian Government has supported with several rebates like manufacturing rebates to the producers and tax rebates to the customers.
Electric cars: pros and cons:
Pros:
Incentives:
The government is offering a rebate of £2,500 towards the cost of new electric cars costing less than £35,000.
A separate grant of £350 is available via the electric vehicle home charge scheme when buying a home charge unit.
Tax:
The government taxes on the purchase of all-electric cars are meager and rebated. These vehicles qualify for the free VED (vehicle Excise duty), lowering the purchase cost.
Low Running Cost:
An electric car is always cheaper to run than a petrol or diesel car. It will be more economical if you charge at home and take advantage of special tariff offers to electric vehicle owners.
The servicing and maintenance cost of electric vehicles is much less as there is no engine and hence no need to do periodic maintenance like lubrication, oiling, etc.
Air quality:
The main attraction of electric vehicles is their zero-emission quality, as there is no combustion engine and no tailpipe.
Driving experience:
The instant torque makes an electric car responsive and fun to drive and gives a great driving experience.
Cons:
Quoted range:
The range of electric cars is a major part of the concern. For a long go you, if your battery juiced, then there is no other option left with you, to go further.
With the range of available electric cars, you do not even think about running long in a single go.
.
Upfront Cost:
Although the running cost is lower in the case of electric cars, the initial upfront cost is big.
A figure of around £30,000 is more realistic, while some upmarket EVs break the £100,000 mark.
Charging:
Anyone without access to a garage, driveway, or off-street parking might struggle to charge an electric car at home, and while the public charging network is getting better rapidly, some areas remain underserved, and there are some reports of inoperative charging units.
Conclusion:
So, if you are planning to go green on wheels and are willing to purchase an alternative fuel vehicle. Think once which one either hybrid, Plug-in hybrid, or electric vehicle is good for you? It all depends on your circumstances, so doing some planning and market surveys is essential.
If your daily running by car is within the city and not much more range is required, then go for the hybrid. A hybrid is a better alternative to a petrol or diesel car, for short trips and city movements.
A plug-in hybrid is an excellent route to a pure electric car, only you must plug it in, before your drive.
The pure all-electric car is the best alternative fuel vehicle with many new technological advances, government rebates, and support.
A few days back, sunroofs in cars were an exclusive luxury feature, now sunroofs are becoming a popular feature in cars. Initially, the sunroofs were coming with luxury cars priced over 15 lakhs, but now it is also coming with many mid-range cars under 10 lakh rupees. Sunroofs are still a selling point for many carmakers as they gained popularity over the last few years. The sunroofs allow fresh air and natural light into the car’s cabin, giving an open-air feeling to the passengers. A vehicle with a sunroof is always the first choice for many car buyers but their high price was always a concern for some people. Now it is no longer a dream for budget-conscious buyers as there are many options for cars with sunroofs under 10 lakh. Now, the sunroofs are coming with various petrol, diesel, CNG, and even Electric car models
Check the list below of some best cars under 10 lakh with sunroofs:
1. Tata Altroz With Sunroofs:
On Indian roads, the Tata Altroz is the most affordable and best-looking hatchback with sunroofs in India under rupees 10 lakh.
Tata Altroz now gets sunroofs for all 13 new variants across the petrol and diesel variants.
The following are the variant-wise prices of the new Tata Altroz variants (all prices, ex-showroom):
Tata Punch is a small and full-featured best-seller car of Tata Motors. The micro SUV is priced a Rs 6.12 lakh onwards ex-showroom and the variant that gets the sunroofs option is priced at Rs8.34 lakh onwards.
After launching the Punch CNG with a sunroof, Tata has now prolonged this feature to the regular petrol variants of the micro SUV.
The prices of the sunroof-equipped variants are given below:
The fifth vehicle on the list is the newly launched Mahindra XUV 3XO, which, in essence, is the facelifted version of the XUV300. The Mahindra XUV 3XO’s prices start from Rs 7.49 lakh ex-showroom onwards, while the variant with a sunroof costs Rs 8.99 lakh ex-showroom, making it the most affordable sub-4 meter SUV in the segment. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is priced between ₹ 7.49 to 15.49 Lakh.
Fig: Jeep Wagoneer S Preproduction Model, the actual production vehicle and features may vary, coming late 2024.
The Jeep Wagoneer S is a premium SUV that offers excitement with every drive with fascinating all-electric vehicle performance,
Specifications Highlights of Jeep Wagabeer S:
600 Horsepower and 617 LB-FT of Torque
3.4-Second 0-60 MPH Time
300-Mile All-Electric Range
Available Radar Red InteriorSegment-Exclusive 19-Speaker High-Performance McIntosh Audio System
Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof
16-way Heated and Ventilated Power Adjustable Front Seats with Two-Way Lumbar Support, a Driver Memory Function, and a Massage Feature
Wagoneer S is the only Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in its class to have Standard Heated and Exclusive Standard Ventilated Rear Seats
Best-in-Class 45 Inches of Total Display Screen Area Among EV ModelsSegment-
Exclusive Among EVs Standard Front Passenger Interactive Display
Over 170 Standard and Available Safety and Security Features
With a standard heated and ventilated 16-way power-adjustable front seat that can give you a massage and standard heated and ventilated rear seats, the Wagoneer S offers specialized comfort wherever you sit.
Before you get behind the wheel, the Wagoneer S offers excitement at a glance.
This premium SUV surrounds the driver with passionate style and relaxing comfort by merging classic silhouettes with sleek modernism on its exterior and offering personalized satisfaction throughout its cabin.
Sleek, Magnetic Exterior Style of Jeep Wagoneer S:
Stunning From the Start:
The Wagoneer S uses ultramodern flair to redefine the concept of a premium SUV with 20-inch gloss black painted wheels, an illuminated grille, and dark gray metallic exterior accents.
High Profile:
A sloping aerodynamic roofline cascades beneath a cantilevered rear spoiler, bridging function and aesthetics with its signature Wagoneer silhouette.
Heavens Above:
Enjoy the freedom of open air, warming sun, and inspiring stars with the standard dual-pane sunroof.
Best Face Forward:
The iconic illuminated Seven-Slot Grill lives on, offering onlookers a stylish flash.
Adaptable interior comfort:
Entertainment System:
Exhilarating All- electric performance:
The All-electric Jeep Wagoneer Rane Is 300 miles in a single charge.
High Energy:
The all-electric motor on the Wagoneer S carries powerhouse stats that speak for themselves.
Anticipate the Unpredictable:
The traction management system drive mode offers specialized Auto, Snow, Sand, Sport, and ECO drive modes with the click of a dial, managing vehicle traction to help make sure you can handle whatever is around the bend.
Technological Freedom at your Fingertips:
Simplified Wireless Connectivity:
You can control your vehicle from your smartphone using the Jeep app, Whether scheduling a service appointment, viewing critical insides of your vehicle’s health, or using remote convenience features.
Remote Climate Activation:
Using the Jeep app, you can remotely cool down your vehicle on a hot day or heat it up in the cold by activating the climate control system.
With Just a Touch:
The Wagoneer S allows you to personalize your experience, from choosing your entertainment to accessing comfort settings and information about your trip.
Charging Packages:
The Wagoneer S lets you choose between two convenient Free2move Charge packages. The available Free2move Charge Home Package lets you charge your vehicle in approximately 2 hours via a 48-amp Level 2 charging station that can be professionally installed for an additional fee by the Jeep partners Or choose the available Free2move Charge Go Package, which includes $600 in charging credits to be used at public charging stations around the country.
The U.S. government on Friday loosened some rules governing Electric Vehicles tax credits, potentially making more EVs eligible for credits of up to $7,500 but leading critics to accuse the Biden administration of helping China.
The Treasury Department announced final regulations for the credits under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, giving automakers more time to comply with some provisions about where battery minerals can come from.
Electric Vehicles Credit Range:
The credits range from $3,750 to $7,500 for new EVs. There’s also a $4,000 credit for used ones.
They’re aimed at juicing demand for EVs in an effort to reach a Biden administration goal that half of all new vehicle sales be electric by 2030. This year the credits are available at the time a vehicle is purchased from an authorized dealer rather than waiting for an income tax refund.
Qualifying for the credits depends on a person’s income, the price of the vehicles and requirements related to battery makeup and minerals that get tougher each year. To get the credits, EVs must be assembled in North America. Some plug-in hybrids also can qualify.
Starting this year, complex rules are being phased in to promote development of a domestic electric vehicle supply chain. The rules would limit EV buyers from claiming the full tax credit if they purchase cars containing battery materials from China and other nations “of concern” that are considered hostile to the United States. Those include Russia, North Korea and Iran.
Under the final rule, however, small amounts of graphite and other minerals used in batteries would be exempt from the restriction until 2027, because their country of origin is nearly impossible to trace, officials said. Without the exemption, some vehicles that met nearly all of the requirements could get knocked out of tax credit eligibility due to tiny amounts that couldn’t be traced, Treasury said.
The National Mining Association slammed the new exemptions as a giveaway to China.
“Congress created these tax incentives to secure our supply chains and generate American jobs while supporting EV adoption. They did not intend for loopholes to be created that essentially amount to a blank check from the American taxpayer to China,” said Rich Nolan, the mining lobby’s president and CEO.
West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said that through the new rule, the Biden administration “is effectively endorsing ‘made in China.’ ”
Manchin, who played a key role in passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, President Joe Biden’s landmark climate law, said the law specifically prohibits EVs that contain materials from foreign adversaries such as China and Russia from being eligible for the tax credit after 2024. “But now Treasury has provided a long-term pathway for these countries to remain in our supply chains. It’s outrageous and illegal,″ he said.
This year half of the critical minerals in an EV’s battery have to be mined or processed in the U.S., or a country with which it has a free trade agreement. Sixty percent of the battery parts have to be made or assembled in North America.
Starting in 2025, batteries with any critical minerals from nations of concern would not be eligible for any tax credits. But after getting comment from the auto industry and others, treasury officials decided to loosen that restriction.
The rule issued Friday is likely to make more EVs eligible for credits in 2025 and 2026, but the auto industry says that’s difficult to tell until automakers finish tracing the origin of all the minerals.
“The Electric Vehicles transition requires nothing short of a complete transformation of the U.S. industrial base,” John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a large industry trade group, said in a statement. “That’s a monumental task that won’t – and can’t – happen overnight.”
The rule change, he said, “makes good sense for investment, job creation and consumer EV adoption.”
At present, China dominates crucial parts of EV battery supply and production, even as automakers race to establish key mineral and components efforts elsewhere.
Of 114 EV models currently sold in the U.S., only 13 qualify for the full $7,500 credit, the automotive alliance said.
Despite the tax credits, sales of electric vehicles grew only 3.3% to nearly 270,000 from January through March of this year, far below the 47% growth that fueled record sales and a 7.6% market share last year. The slowdown, led by Tesla, confirms automakers’ fears that they moved too quickly to pursue EV buyers. The EV share of total U.S. sales fell to 7.15% in the first quarter, according to Motorintelligence.com.
“The Inflation Reduction Act’s clean vehicle credits save consumers up to $7,500 on a new vehicle, and hundreds of dollars per year on gas, while creating good paying jobs and strengthening our energy security,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement.
The Chinese automakers MG Motor and BYD have already arrived in the Indian Electric Vehicles market and now another Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer is ready to enter the Indian Electric Vehicles market. The company which was previously been in discussion with Sajjan Jindal’s JSW, will be announcing investments and India entry plans in partnership with the Stellantis group, which recently bought a stake in its global operations.
As per the Time of India Sources, “Leapmotor and Stellantis are likely to announce their plans to enter India, and this may happen as early as the next few weeks”. If the Indian government approves, the budget electric vehicles developed by Leapmotor will be launched in the Indian auto market very soon, which will intensify the competition in the green car space.
The collaborator Stellantis is one of the top automakers worldwide and currently runs a slew of brands across continents, these include Citroen, jeep, Chrysler, Peugeot, Fiat, and Maserati. The company Stellantis is already present in India through Jeep and Citroen and is now planning to go on overdrive when it comes to expanding operations, introducing brands, widening retail, or making new investments.
The global partnership between Stellantis and Leapmotor perhaps gives confidence to the Chinese company to make a bid for the Indian market, despite strict checks on investments from companies that originate from countries that share a land border with India.
The one Chinese carmaker BYD has already struggled, due to the government’s strict regulations, to expand in India after failing to get approvals from the government on its investment plans, despite making a bid with a local partner. On the other hand, MG Motor, owned by China’s SAIC group, had to finally give space to an Indian partner as Sajjan Jindal’s JSW bought a significant stake in the company with agreements to take up to 51% over the next few years.
Stellantis had announced plans to invest $1.6 billion in Leapmotor to acquire approximately 20% in Oct last year, emerging as a significant shareholder in the Chinese budget EV Company. The deal between the two companies also outlined the formation of a new entity called Leapmotor
International, a 51:49 Stellantis –a led joint venture that holds exclusive rights for the export and sale, as well as manufacturing of leap-motor products outside Greater China. The India entry plans are expected to be led by the new export-oriented entity.
Economies of Scale:Electric Vehicles
The only way for Stellantis to stay relevant is to have economies of scale with a competitive costing structure. Leapmotor can end up being the proverbial Knight in shining armor here where its Electric Vehicles range can hopefully generate the volumes and give a fillip to the overall business. or many years.
BYD is yet another Chinese auto brand that has been present in India focusing on electric buses through a collaboration with Olectra Greentech, a subsidiary of the Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering. BYD has also entered the automobile arena with e6 and Atto 3 followed by the more recent Seal. The Chinese auto brand has emerged as the latest threat to Tesla’s dominance in the global EV space and will in all likelihood, race ahead and come out tops this year.
Strong Local collaborator:
India may be ready to allow Chinese investments into its auto domain going forward if one key criterion is having a strong local partner in place.
BYD, therefore, needs to find someone with the influence of a JSW Group, which has collaborated with MG Motor. Likewise, Leapmotor is in the Stellantis Kitty which has been around for some time, and operates from two facilities in Tamilnadu (for Citroen) and Maharastra (Jeep).
“Perhaps the future will see a Citroen-branded EV that is a Leapmotor product. MG motor was quick to realize that SAIC needed to be in the background since the Chinese association would have struck a jarring note in India.” Says an auto industry veteran. The Strategy worked and MG Motor, as the front face, tasted quick success with its Hector SUV and is now an established brand in this market.
It is still a million-dollar question if another Chinese automaker will be inclined to follow this route for India. Before tensions broke out along the border with Chinese troops attacking Indian armed forces, Great Wall Motors was all set to step into the General Motors plant at Talegaon near Pune, the needless aggression from China only saw relations with India nosedive with the result that all investments were put on hold.
Great Wall, motors waited for nearly two years but when became clear that nothing was going to change, the company wisely decided to park its investment in Brazil and Thailand. The GM plant finally went to Hyundai Motor India, which will now use it to service the western region as well as overseas markets.
Electric Vehicles in India are growing rapidly. It is a demand to go green and save the environment with sustainable development. In this way, alternative fuel vehicles are in global demand. Electric vehicles are the most popular and adopted way to go green globally. In India, many Indian manufacturers as well as foreign investors have already launched many brands in the Indian Market.
India is growing their EVs market in all segments like two-wheelers, Three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and commercial buses & trucks.
Indian Government has supported electric vehicles with several rebates like manufacturing rebates to the producers and tax rebates to the customers.
Despite that, there are still electric vehicles are still facing many challenges.
# Challenges for Electric Vehicles:
1. Mindset of the Consumers for Electric Vehicles:
The majority of Indian Customers are unaware of the impact of emissions on the environment and the after-effects of the same on future generations, so they are not very sensible to stop the pollutants and make their environment clean and green.
2.Affordability of EVs:
Even after government incentives and tax rebates, still electric vehicles are costlier compared to gasoline-engine vehicles. The running cost of these electric vehicles is less but the initial cost of purchasing the vehicle is high. The Indian government has reduced costs with FAME 2 incentives. The two-wheelers and three-wheelers can achieve cost uniformity and even reduce cost in the long term for vehicles operating in commercial activities. But we are behind in achieving this equality for four-wheeler segments.
3.Charging Anxiety with EVs:
Even though the electric vehicles market in India is growing and the consumer base is increasing day by day. Still, there is a fear in the mind of the electric vehicle driver of getting discharged their car vehicles in between trips. The charging infrastructure is not growing very rapidly in India; we have only 20,000 public charging stations to date. Many major players are in the field to develop the charging infrastructure but it will take a long time to come into existence.
4. Range of EVs:
The average range of Indian electric cars is around 350 to 400 k.ms and this is good for the city and around-the-city movement but in the end, there is always a fear of being discharged, during the trip.
5. Convenience: Charging a vehicle takes time to get it fully charged and is not as easy as re-filling the fuel in the vehicle. Even though the public charging stations are not very close around out of the city, it is also a tough job to get your vehicle fully charged. It takes a minimum of 30 minutes to 2 hours to get it at its full charge.
6.Regulatory Challenges:
The government policies and regulations are not very clear and consistent. The well-defined regulations, clear tax incentives & rebates, and setting clear targets for electric vehicle adoption can encourage investment and innovation in the sector.
#Opportunities of Electric Vehicles in India:
Apart from all the challenges with electric vehicles in India, there are many opportunities also associated with this like:
1. Government Support to Electric Vehicles:
The Indian government is committed to the development and promotion of alternative fuel vehicles and electric vehicles as part of these initiatives comes under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme. The FAME is the financial scheme supported by the Indian Government to provide financial incentives for the adoption of Electric Vehicles.
2. Growing Market:
The urban population of India is growing rapidly and this population is of literate people, who are more concerned about environmental issues. As the awareness of a clean and green environment rises, more consumers are willing to switch to alternative fuel vehicles and electric vehicles are one of the best available choices to date.
3. Job Creation:
The electric vehicle development and growth create many employment opportunities in the fields of research and development, design, manufacturing, sales, service, and various sister concerns.
4. Innovations:
The Indian electric vehicle market provides opportunities for innovations in different areas like battery technology innovations, charging infrastructure development, and electric mobility solutions for the country’s special needs and challenges.
5. Rural Electrification:
The rural electrification initiative will be geared up with the adoption of electric vehicles, as this will accelerate initiatives like solar-powered charging stations. This could bring clean transportation options to remote areas.
6. Partnership and collaboration:
The Indian government, industry players, and academia can come together and in collaboration, they can drive innovations and accelerate the growth of the electric vehicle ecosystem. Partnerships with international players can provide new innovative technologies and even foreign investments.
7. Export Potential:
India has the potential to become a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles with a cost-effective and skilled workforce.
Conclusion:
This is the new era of alternative fuel vehicles and electric vehicles are one of the most popular globally. There are many of government support to promote electric vehicles in India. The government is providing many rebates and tax relaxation. FAME is employed to promote the faster manufacturing and adoption of electric vehicles throughout India. Even though, there are many challenges in the expansion of electric vehicles unawareness of Indian consumers, less and undeveloped Infrastructure like charging networks, High initial cost of the vehicles, etc.
Despite all the challenges, we should come forward to sustainable development to provide a clean and green environment for future generations.
In recent years, there has been a significant development in research for wireless charging technology for electric vehicles. Many different startup companies and even established companies like Tesla are working to develop various wireless charging technologies to make charging electric vehicles more convenient and efficient.
We are already charging our mobile phones without plugin it with the charger i.e. doing wireless charging of phones and it was a surprise for many people. We cannot overdo the value of taking concern about running out of power or finding a place to plug in.
Now in the same way thinking about the convenience for the Electric Vehicles. This wireless charging technology for electric vehicles are already active in some part of Europe and Asia and very soon expected in USA. It is an estimate that, the global the global wireless electric vehicle charging systems market is projected to exceed $825 million by 2027.
How the Wireless Charging or Inductive Charging System Works?
Inductive charging, which uses electromagnetic fields to transfer energy between two coils as one in the charging pad on the ground and another in the vehicle, is one of the most promising wireless charging technologies for electric vehicles. In this system, you need only to park your vehicle on the charging pad and there is no need to plug in any physical cable anywhere.
An engineer holds a smartphone displaying the Hevo Inc. app to charge electric vehicles with wireless technology at the company’s power facility in Brooklyn, N.Y. (Christopher Lee/Bloomberg News)
As the research is on its way, very soon a day will come, when plug-in cars may no longer need a plug. Electric car drivers is only required to park their car into a specific and designated space of charging, whenever their car needs to power up, and after parking there, wait for a light on their dashboard to switch on, and then step out of the car leaving it for getting fully powered.
This is the responsibility of distant electric vehicle charging, an inductive trade of electrons that would kill the requirement for that large number of tedious ropes. Different new organizations are attempting to make the dream a reality and investing years and looking for a world in which remote charging goes standard. Associations are joining everywhere in standardized development, automakers are leaving on remote tests, and regions are outlining use cases.
While charging without a rope sounds great on paper, the advancement faces the very peculiarity that is influencing the rollout of public fittings. More grounded buyer solicitation could push vehicle associations to take up remote charging, yet improvement in Electric Vehicle demand is perplexed slightly by concern about open charging.
Remote, wireless or inductive, electric vehicle charging works by using attractive resonation and a charging pad to make a power-conveying field. Right when a twist in a recipient under the vehicle lines up with a circle in the charging pad, the beneficiary gets that energy and feeds it to the vehicle’s battery. The development looks like remote phone charging, which moreover requires a collector and changed circles, but Electric Vehicles structures can work with up to 10 comedowns of division.
However, in any case, speed is a concern. Most distant chargers are similar to a Level 2 charger (the smart one you would use at home) and not the prompt current (DC) speedy chargers open at various public stations.
Advantages of wireless charging for Electric Vehicles include:
1. Convenience:
In wireless charging technology, users do not need to plug in their vehicles physically. This is the more convenient and user-friendly charging process.
2. Safety:
The wireless or remote charging technologies are equipped with safety features to prevent hazards such as short circuits and electric shocks.
3. Efficiency:
The wireless charging systems are automated systems with optimum efficiency and having faster charging times with better energy transfer.
4. Reduced Wear and Tear:
As there are no physical connectors, there is less wear and tear on both the charging infrastructure and the vehicle’s charging port.
Conclusions:
However, the wireless charging systems for electric vehicles are in the very early stages, many automakers and related companies are aggressively working on organizing wireless charging systems. Even though, many challenges like standardization, cost, efficiency, and infrastructure development are required to be addressed before bringing the wireless charging system into the mainstream for electric vehicles.
As the technology matures and standards are established, wireless charging for Electric Vehicles could become a more common feature in the automotive industry, offering Electric Vehicles owners a convenient and hassle-free way to charge their vehicles.
If you have any counter-opinions, or any reactions, clarification or questions, just put them in the comments box below. Thanks for reading…
In India, Hybrid Cars are going ahead of Electric cars. Indian Consumers prefer hybrid vehicles to pure battery electric vehicles. Hybrid vehicles are a blend of internal combustion engines and electric motors, while the only battery-powered electric cars only depend on electric motors powered by batteries.
Why Hybrid Cars are overtaking pure electric Cars?
#Hybrid Cars are Reliable & Affordable with low Maintenance Cost:
Hybrid vehicles are becoming more popular as these vehicles are reliable and affordable and the maintenance cost of hybrids is low. On the other hand, very limited range, lack of charging facilities and expensive insurance are the major concerns that the Electric Vehicles ecosystem needs to address effectively to make it easy for Indian customers.
# Hybrid Cars are Cheaper:
Hybrid cars are cheaper as compared to all-electric cars i.e. battery electric cars. The market researcher Jato Dynamics reports that the average retail price of a hybrid is 16.98 lakh while that of an electric vehicle is Rs 17.71 lakh. The total hybrid vehicles sales from January to December 2023 was 12.6 % of the total passenger vehicles sold whereas the share of electric vehicles was only 2.3%.
The president of Jato Dynamics, Mr. Ravi Bhatia says that the hybrids may continue to play a major role in an intermediate technology like Stepping Stone towards adopting a full adoption of electric vehicles and will help to educate and familiarize consumers with alternative fuel technologies to transit completely to electric mobility.
One of my known, who is an IT engineer, was initially planning to buy an electric version of Tata Nexon ev of having an Ex-showroom price of Rs18.69 lakh is changed his mind and opted for a hybrid Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Zeta of price Rs. 18.33 lakh. He says the challenges of charging infrastructure and lower outstanding value made him go for a hybrid.
Hybrid Cars vs. Electric Cars:
#Range Anxiety:
The lack of enough charging stations creates range anxiety among potential electric vehicle buyers. Hybrids with their dual power source, offer the comfort of long-distance travel without relying solely on electricity.
# Affordability:
Compared with electric vehicles, hybrid technology is more mature and more affordable.
# Tech Familiarity:
The familiar combustion engine in hybrids brings down the apprehensions about new tech.
# Govt. Incentives:
While the Indian Government offers incentives for both electric vehicles and hybrids, policies often favor the hybrids.
# Urban Driving Conditions:
Stop-and-go traffic in cities favors hybrids as it switches seamlessly between electric and ICE power.
# Consumer Preference:
Many consumers are still hesitant about electric vehicles. Hybrids with a longer presence in the market, benefit from brand recognition and customer trust.
Conclusions:
Many car manufacturers swear that electric vehicle is the technology of the future, as they will help in meeting COP26 goals, and in going carbon neutral in the long term. However, not everyone in the automotive industry is convinced that electric vehicle is the solution.
“Electricity generation in India is largely through thermal means and hence electric vehicles don’t help in furthering COP26 objectives. Also, there are functional transportation needs in a growing economy. Electric vehicles with the high cost of acquisition and lack of charging infrastructure have limits in addressing this requirement”.
“We need to support all sustainable fuel technologies (hybrids/ethanol blended, hydrogen, and CNG) proportionately so that we can displace petrol and diesel.” Regulatory pushes, such as CAFE or corporate average fuel efficiency that requires companies to lower greenhouse gas emissions and increase fuel efficiency–– are pushing manufacturers to launch more models in different segments.
RC Bhargava, chairperson of the country’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, says hybrids are much more acceptable to the customer as it is cleaner than EVs. He says, “We need to have multiple technologies at different price points catering to a diverse set of customers to cut down the carbon footprint.”
Shashank Srivastava, senior executive director of Maruti Suzuki, says the company will follow customer preferences “even as we meet regulatory requirements”.
The future, it seems, will be powered by many powertrains.
