Electric vehicles news this month

Here are some of the most important electric vehicles news from this month.

Amazon orders 1,800 Mercedes Benz electric vans for deliveries in Europe

A multinational technology company has made an announcement that it has ordered 1,800 electric vans from Mercedes-Benz for its European delivery fleet. This move is a part of the online retailer plan to run a carbon-neutral business by 2040. Most of the electric vehicles from Daimler AG’s car and vans division will be in service this year. It has ordered 1,200 Mercedes-Benz larger eSprinter models and midsize eVitos 600.

Till now, it is the biggest order for Mercedes Benz for electric vehicles to date which includes 800 vans for Germany and 500 for the United Kingdom. Amazon’s recent order for 100,000 electric delivery vans from Rivian Automotive LLC, a startup it has invested in. The Amazon Chief Executive Jeff Bezos said in a statement that the Daimler agreement was part of retailers “journey to build sustainable transportation fleet in the world.”

Assam issued tender for 50 new electric buses

To promote public transport in the State, the State government of Assam issued a tender for 50 new electric buses. In that 40 will be air-conditioned and 10 will be non-AC buses. The Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) made a proposal, as per the proposal, the interested bidders should make earnest money deposit (EMD) of Rs 1 crore latest by September 1, 2020.

As per the proposal from the Assam government looking for 40 air-conditioned and 10 non-air-conditioned buses should be nine-meter-long with the seating capacity of 25 people including the driver and the buses should also have the facility of wheelchair accessibility.

The applicants should be registered bus manufacturers based in India with at least 35% local operations. They must have an average annual turnover of at least Rs 50 crore and a positive net worth in the last three financial years. The electric buses must come with a two-year or 2,00,000 km warranty and a five-year warranty is needed for the battery.

Bike rental VOGO to add electric vehicles to its Hyderabad fleet

A Bengaluru-based bike rental startup VOGO is planning to introduce an electric vehicle fleet to provide sustainable mobility solutions to commuters in Hyderabad.

The company in a statement said that it has recovered 40 per cent of the pre-COVID revenues in Hyderabad when since the lockdown had been relaxed. It intends to get back to the growth path by the end of 2020.

VOGO has some other rivals like Zoomcar, Rapido, Bounce and Drivezy. Its services are available in Bengaluru and Hyderabad which have completed 5 million rides. Recently the company had raised $25 million in Series C funding.

Grinntech unveiled high-tech batteries for electric vehicles

A Tamil Nadu based lithium-ion batteries specialised startup Grinntech has unveiled a range of high-tech batteries with a unique design which suits the Indian conditions. It has IoT enabled BMS to power two-wheelers, three-wheelers and tractors/light vehicles.

The company in a press release said that electric vehicles growth is boosted in India by government incentives and a corresponding flurry of new EV models launched by Indian manufacturers. It has been noticed that the battery technology and battery cost will determine the speed of EV adoption by the customers.

The company is focused on energy storage solutions with their years of dedicated R&D. Its new facility will be able to manufacture battery solutions for two-wheeler and three-wheeler. It also manufactures Pintail an IOT-enabled 2-wheeler starter battery and the Falcon, large battery that suits for tractors and light vehicles.

Microsoft selects Magenta for its Startup support program for EV Software & Charging Platform Development

Microsoft has selected Magenta the pioneer in the business of clean mobility and clean electricity, for its Start-up support program. Under this program, Microsoft supports B2B tech startups to scale and grow to leverage its technology, cloud marketplace, enterprise sales team, and Rapidly growing partner ecosystem for developing its Digital Technology platforms for EV and EV charging.

Magenta has been developing India specific EV charging hardware solutions since 2017. Now with the support of Microsoft, Magenta will be able to develop technology for the ChargeGrid software, which will truly enable Magenta to become an end-to-end ‘Socket to Software’ solution provider for EV charging in India.

Mahindra partners REE Automotive to develop electric vehicles

Indian Leading automaker Mahindra and Mahindra signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Israel based e-mobility firm REE Automotive to develop and manufacture electric commercial vehicles for global markets.

As per MoU the electric vehicle design, engineering, manufacturing assets and sourcing capability will be of Mahindra’s and REE will look for electric vehicle corner module, platform technology of integrating powertrain, suspension and steering components in the arch of a vehicle wheel. This will support REE’s global customer need for 2 lakh to 2.5 lakh electric commercial vehicle units over a few years.

Volkswagen to make electric car cells, battery packs in US

The German automaker Volkswagen AG said that it is expanding its Chattanooga factory in Tennessee to make electric vehicle cells and battery packs in the United States, assembling electric vehicles. Volkswagen plans to produce its own cells and battery packs for electric vehicles in the United States follows an emissions scandal at the company. The carmaker said it would invest $800 million to build a new electric vehicle at its plant in Chattanooga.

EV startup EVage raised funding from Ola Electric, launching 4W electric delivery van

Mobility tech electric vehicles startup EVage has raised an undisclosed amount of funding led by Ola Electric co-founder and senior advisor Anand Shah. EVage is all set to launch it’s first ‘Made in India’ structure, four-wheeler electric delivery van in India.

The startup aims to electrify India’s logistics sector with its zero-emission commercial vehicles. Inderveer Singh, founder and CEO, EVage said that they are working hard to make it easy for vehicle-dependent businesses to leverage clean mobility with purpose-built products.

India’s first Lithium-Sulfur battery tech made from industrial waste & bio-renewable feed-stock

India’s first Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) battery technology has been introduced by Shiv Nadar University a research-focused university and an Institution of Eminence (IoE). This research will support the production of lithium-sulfur batteries that will be cost-effective,energy-efficient, safe, compact and eco-friendly. At present the lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in electric vehicles and these batteries can become alternative to them.

The Shiv Nadar University’s Li-S battery technology includes the petroleum industry by-products (sulfur), agro waste elements and copolymers such as cardanol (a by-product of cashew nut processing) and eugenol (clove oil) as cathodic materials. This technology has the capacity to support various industries including tech gadgets, drones, electric vehicles, etc.

Union Minister promotes pilot project to run electric buses with private investment

The Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari promoted a pilot project to run electric buses with private investment. During the fourth UITP India Bus seminar, through video conference, while addressing the bus transport industry Nitin Gadkari has promoted the new pilot project through the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

He also spoke about the London model of public transport and said that he has been trying to implement it. He also said that the government was also planning to make bus ports and can be developed like an airport through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Cadillac Lyriq electric car unveiled priced at less than $60,000

The GM’s first generation electric vehicle, Cadillac Lyriq has unveiled last week and the company has confirmed the electric SUV is going to start at less than $60,000. It is a low price for the premium SUV which uses the GMs’s Ultium platform.

Talking about its technical terms, it has got a great design with a range of 300 miles, 150 kW fast charging and some of its specifications need to announce by the company. Steve Carlisle, president of General Motors North America, confirmed that the Cadillac Lyriq will start at less than $60,000.

India’s first Li-ion battery manufacturing unit to set up in Karnataka

A Mumbai based Epsilon Carbon, a coal tar derivatives company announced that it has commissioned India’s first manufacturing facility in Karnataka to produce graphite anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LiB). India’s first Li-ion battery manufacturing unit will produce 50,000 tonnes per annum by 2025.

The company said that it has planned to invest Rs 500 crore in the next five years in the facility that will produce 5,000 tonnes of anode material annually. It plans by 2021 this will be tripled to 15,000 tonnes and to 50,000 tonnes per annum by 2025.

ARCI develops supercapacitors using tamarind & cotton waste biomass for hybrid & EV

A Group of Indian Scientists from the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) have used tamarind seeds and cotton waste biomass to develop materials for making cost-effective supercapacitor devices which are widely used in hybrid and electric vehicles.

The Tamarind seeds and cotton waste may soon be used to make low-cost supercapacitors for energy storage. This effort will pave the way for affordable electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles which rely on supercapacitors for braking systems and start-stop cycles.

Odisha issued a tender for electric rickshaws & charging infrastructure

The Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) has invited expressions of interest (EOI) for solar trees, solar street lighting systems, solar drinking water kiosks, electric rickshaws, and their charging infrastructure in Konark Notified Area Committee (NAC) of the state. It sought 20 electric rickshaws, 2 charging stations for rickshaws, 40 solar-based water kiosks, 50 solar trees, 200 solar street lights. Odisha issued a tender that lasts till August 29, 2020.

The last date for the submission of EOI is August 29, 2020, and the scope of work includes the designing, engineering, installing, testing, and commissioning the products with operation and maintenance services for them. The criteria for this EOI is separated for each product category.

Hero Electric partners OTO Capital to offer finance options for electric scooters

Hero Electric, a leading two-wheeler manufacturer has made an announcement about its partnership with OTO Capital to provide affordable and flexible financing options to buy electric scooters. This partnership will offer consumers with affordable and flexible financing options to buy the company’s electric scooters and bikes.

It will save up to 30% on their electric scooter by paying monthly OMIs compared to other financing options in the market.OTO’s model of ownership allows consumers to lease an electric two-wheeler for a minimum of 12 months. They can also upgrade to any other models. The leasing period can range from 12 months to 36 months.

India’s first retrofitted electric light commercial vehicle launched by Etrio

India’s first retrofitting electric vehicle start-up Etrio has launched India’s first certified retrofitted electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV).

While looking into the technical terms of the retrofitted electric light commercial vehicle it is equipped with a lithium-ion battery of 20 kWh on a 96 V system which provides a range of 120 km. Its motor power is 15kW and develops torque of 120 Nm and can handle a gradient of 7 degrees.

Xcel Energy plans for 1.5 million electric cars on road by 2030

An energy provider Xcel Energy from the United States which provides 3.3 million electricity customers has made an announcement that it planned to help to put 1.5 million electric cars on the road by 2030.

Xcel aims to see 20% of all the vehicles in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Texas and New Mexico transition to electric powertrains reducing annual carbon emissions by 5 million tons (about 4.5 million tonnes).

Edison Motors to invest 5k Cr for manufacturing facility in UP, 90% components localisation & 5k job opportunity 

The South Korean electric vehicle manufacturer Edison Motors has announced its plans to invest Rs 5,000 crore to set up a production facility in Uttar Pradesh. The investment will be made in the phased manner by Edison Motors, in the first phase of the plant, Rs 1,000-1,500 crore will be invested and in the second phase Rs 2,000 and 3,000 crores in the third phase.

In the third phase of its electric vehicle plant will create job opportunities for thousands of people. This development came to known when the Edison Motors’ managing director YK Lee and a delegation led by him called on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to share his desire to establish an electric vehicle manufacturing facility in the state.

Okaya Power partners Prakriti E-mobility to provide EV charging solutions

Okaya Power has announced that it has made a partnership with India’s largest four-wheeler fleet operators Prakriti E-Mobility Private Limited to provide enough EV charging stations for their fleet operations. This EV chargers charge fast and are high energy density and low in weight. It provides noise and pollution free first and last-mile connectivity solutions.

The Okaya has joined CharIN to contribute to the global electric mobility revolution as it is expert in developing EV chargers which use the latest technology and communication standards. It includes the Combined Charging solution (CCS)-CharIN and CHAdeMO, a quick charging standard for electric vehicles.

Okaya has launched its four-wheeler EV products range with all three types of the protocol being used worldwide-GB/T, CCS & CHAdeMO. Till now the company has deployed 400 EV charging equipment.

Pure EV launches new electric scooter at ₹56,999

An electric vehicle start-up, Pure EV incubated by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad has launched its new electric scooter ‘ETrance+’ which is priced at Rs 56,999 (ex-showroom). It is equipped with a 1.25 kWh portable battery which provides a range of 65 kilometres. Let us see more about Pure EV launches new electric scooter. 

The Pure EV previously had launched four electric scooters EPluto 7G, Epluto, Etrance and Etron+. The company plans to expand its manufacturing base to a larger facility that can produce 2 lakh EVs annually. It is also planning to set up a new 2 lakh sq ft plant in 2021 to increase the growth of EVs and lithium batteries.

He also said that the company is in a process to get the high-speed variants by the end of 2020. It will be launched with an ex-showroom price of Rs 69,999 with an amazing range of 90 km which will have a top speed of 55 kmph.

Delhi CM launched new EV Policy 2020

The Council of Ministers, Government of NCT of Delhi today approved Delhi Electric vehicles policy 2020. The policy recognises that a new approach is needed to kick-start the adoption of electric vehicles in Delhi. The Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched this new EV policy aims to boost the economy, create jobs and reduce air pollution in Delhi. 

The policy is proposed to be implemented

• Financial Incentives-Purchase incentives, scrapping incentives, interest subvention on loans
• Waiver of road tax and registration fees.
• Establishment of a wide network of charging stations and swappable battery stations and development of a publicly owned database of the same.
• Administration of the policy including constitution of State EV Board, the establishment of a dedicated EV cell and developing an intensive public outreach programme focused on creating the awareness about the benefits of EVs and key elements of the policy.
• Setting up of skill centres with provision for training related to jobs in the EV ecosystem and creation of jobs.
• Setting up recycling ecosystem for batteries
• Creation of an umbrella, non-lapsable ‘State EV Fund’ fund, to be funded through the air ambience fund, levy of additional taxes, cess, fee etc, on inefficient or polluting vehicles.

Lucid Air electric sedan sales in 2021 ranges 832 km 

Lucid Motors an electric vehicle startup aims to commence the sales of its first luxury sedan electric car, Lucid Air in early 2021. The Lucid Air has an estimated range of 517 miles which is 832 km.

Lucid Chief Executive Peter Rawlinson said that the Air in starting will be priced at $100,000 and lower price models will come later on. Lucid is Newark, California based and founded in 2007 as Atieva Inc by former Tesla executive Bernard Tse and entrepreneur Sam Weng.

Detel EV-India’s most affordable electric scooter launched

India’s popular Startup Detel India who launches the cheapest phone and cheapest LED television in India. It has now launched India’s cheapest electric scooter named as Detel EV. The company claims that this electric scooter is said to be the world’s most economical electric vehicle. 

Talking about its technical terms, the Detel EV is a low-speed electric scooter which works on a 250-watt BLDC motor and runs with a top speed of 25 km/h. As it is a low-speed electric vehicle it doesn’t require license and registration to ride it.

It is equipped with a battery pack of 48v 12Ah lithium-ion, which can be charged in 7 to 8 hours. It claims to have a range of 60km under the ideal condition which means the real range may vary between 40 to 50 km. Its running cost is 25p/km. It is priced at 19,999 rupees and you will also have to give an additional 2,500 rupees for shipping. The company is also providing 3 years of warranty on its battery pack.

Tesla battery researchers enable electric aircraft

The researchers of Tesla battery are enabling electric aircraft with new next-generation battery cells. The battery researchers mentioned this new battery could even enable “electrified urban aviation.” “Such high energy density can increase the range of electric vehicles by approximately 280 km or even enable electrified urban aviation.”
Current anode-free lithium-metal battery cells tested by Tesla’s battery research team in Canada under Jeff Dahn’s lab are achieving a 360 Wh/kg energy density and volumetric energy density of 1000 Wh/L.

Turkish University to make first electric light cargo vehicle

Izmir University of Economics and Tekno CTP company have a cooperation agreement to produce electric light cargo vehicles which are having an active navigation system to save energy and meet the demands of cargo companies.

The study regarding electric vehicles has been started in 2016 as research and development (R&D) work and the team managed to produce a prototype of the electric car. Their EV will provide a great convenience to cargo companies as they are small in size and it has weighed 350 kilograms (771 pounds) and has a load capacity of 400 kilograms.

Govt of India announced sales & registrations of EVs without batteries

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the government of India has announced the sales and registrations of electric vehicles without batteries to create an ecosystem to accelerate the uptake of the electric mobility in the country. 

As we all know that the cost of the battery itself accounts for 30-40% of the electric vehicle so the government decided to allow the electric vehicles to be registered without their batteries. With this decision the cost of the electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers to be lower than ICE two-wheeler and three-wheeler. The battery could be provided separately by the OEM or the energy service provider.

Government’s notification letter Advisory EV Battery Regis

Telangana EV policy 2020

The Telangana government has approved a new electric vehicle policy for the state to boost the adoption and promotion of electric vehicles in the State and to attract investments in the sectors. It focuses on local job opportunities with 1.2 lakh direct and 2.5 lakh indirect employment opportunities and encouraging electric vehicles production by providing incentives.

Under this policy, there will be 100 per cent exemption on road tax and registration which will be provided to the first two lakh electric two-wheelers and first 5,000 electric commercial four-wheelers. The electric three-seater auto-rickshaws will also get 100 per cent exemptions of road tax and registration fee for the first 20,000 vehicles.

Hyundai launches new EV brand IONIQ, To launch 3 new electric cars

Hyundai Motor Co will sell its electric vehicles under a brand Ioniq as part of its initiative to become the world’s third-largest seller of EVs by 2025.

The Ioniq brand will launch three new electric cars by the next four years i.e, 2025 on its new Hyundai Ioniq EV platform. In early 2021 it will launch the Ioniq 5 midsize electric SUV which is based on the 45 concepts. The Ioniq 6 sedan based on Prophecy concept will be introduced in 2022 and the Ioniq 7 will be launched in 2024.

Yulu plans for long term rentals, add 1 lakh electric vehicles by 2021

Yulu an EV micro-mobility service provider CEO Amit Gupta has announced that it is planning to add one lakh electric vehicles on the road by the end of 2021 and introduce its service in new cities as well. As the sales of the vehicles have gown down during this lockdown, Yulu plans to focus more on long-term rentals.

The company plans to assign around 15-20% of its 8,000 strong EV fleet to the subscription product and users also have the option to get the vehicle delivered at their doorsteps.

Recently, it has raised a fresh round of Rs 30 crore in an equity funding round led by Silicon Valley-based VC firm Rocketship. This is the first investment ever made by Rocketship in an Indian micro-mobility company.

Till now the micro-mobility firm has raised more than $20 million in funding from several investors such as Bajaj Auto Ltd, Blume Ventures, 3one4 Capital, Wavemaker, and US-based Rocketship. At present, the Yulu has more than 18,000 eco-friendly vehicles which run on the roads of Bengaluru, New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Bhubaneswar.

Tamil Nadu to set up EV park to build production ecosystem

The Tamil Nadu government has announced that it is planning to establish an exclusive park to promote electric vehicles production ecosystem in the state. This park will be spread across 300 acres of land and will include incentives like 100 per cent GST reimbursement and 50 per cent capital subsidy.
This plan is the part of its bid to attract Rs 50,000 crore investment in the EV sector. Through this plan, the State aims to make the State as the hub of electric vehicles and component manufacturing units including battery and charging infrastructure.

It is part of the State’s Electric Vehicle Policy and through it Tamil Nadu, at present a major automotive manufacturing powerhouse aims to build a comprehensive EV ecosystem which helps to attract the investment of Rs 50,000 crore and by this around 150,000 new employment opportunities will be created in the new ecosystem.

Enercent to provide EV charging stations to BigBasket

A Bengaluru-based start-up Enercent has made a partnership with BigBasket for providing EV charging solutions for its fleet of electric vehicles at its 12 warehouses. The BigBasket delivery agents use electric vehicles will use Enercent app to determine, charge, chart, and evaluate their two and three-wheelers.

Enercent will also provide a unified dashboard for warehouse-level, regional and HQ operations managers of BigBasket. With this technology it will help the site managers can duly automate their entire EV charging operations, energy usage can be monitored, total delivery distance and new charging points users tied to a warehouse or city company in a statement said. It has also removed the need for manned charging personnel at each BigBasket warehouse by delivering 100% automation.

BMW Targets 7 Million EVs on road by 2030

A Germany based luxury automobile manufacturer, BMW Group has made an announcement that it has set a target of producing seven million electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030.

According to the guidelines of the recognized Science-Based Targets Initiatives (SBTi), the company has set its sustainability goals according to the SBTi, it aims to reduce carbon emissions from each vehicle by at least one third across its entire life cycle from the supply chain. As per the press release the company plans to have 25 electrified models, with 50% of them fully-electric, on the road by 2023.

Tata offers monthly subscription plans on Nexon EV 

Electric vehicles manufacturers don’t want to stay behind, by hook or by crook they want to increase the growth and sales of electric vehicles. Electric vehicles manufacturers these days grabbing the attention of the consumers by offering subscription plans. So, here is a piece of great news for all those people who are planning to buy an electric car. 

This subscription plan is on a monthly basis with all-inclusive fixed rental starting at just Rs.41,900 per month. Tata is offering three options of subscription plans from which customers can select from such as 18 months to 24 and 36 months. Tata Motors has partnered with Orix Auto Infrastructure Services Limited, India’s leading leasing company to offer the subscription plans in five major cities-Delhi/NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

The monthly subscription rate for three different options is Rs. 41,900 for 36 months, Rs. 44,900 for 24 months, and Rs 47,900 for 18 months.

North Africa’s Algeria seeks investors for its first electric car project

The first electric car 100% made in Algeria will be soon launching in the world market of electric vehicles. It is made by Oussama Touaba and wants to popularise his prototype in the national and international markets.

In that regard, the researcher from the Centre for the Development of Renewable Energies (CDER) in Algiers is seeking investors. If they find the investors, the launch of this electric vehicle will be possible in large-scale production. This small electric car for urban traffic with estimated unit production costs 700,000 Algerian dinars (just under 4,800 euros).

The prototype electric car is protected by a patent received from the National Institute of Industrial Property (Inapi). This small electric car is 2.5 metres long and has a seating capacity of two including the driver on board. It has two 1.7 horsepower engines under the bonnet. It offers a maximum speed of 40 km/h.

Ashok Leyland subsidiary delivers 21 Metrodecker EVs to UK based First York

The fourth-largest manufacturer of buses in the world and 10th largest manufacturer of trucks globally and the second-largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in India, Ashok Leyland subsidiary company Optare PLC has delivered the first of 21 battery-electric Metrodecker EVs to UK-based First York.

The UK-based First York has ordered 107 Metrodecker EVs (electric vehicles) since the launch of the electric bus 18 months ago. Out of 107 first 21, Metrodecker electric buses have been delivered Ashok Leyland said in a statement. The First York launched the first of the battery-electric Optare Metrodecker EV double-deckers on July 30, it added. The whole batch of 21 will be delivered to by the end of September.

While we look at this electric buses features, it can carry 98 passenger but due to coronavirus pandemic presently the capacity is restricted to maintain social distancing. It has been developed from the prototype by Optare in a partnership with First York and the York City Council, which began three years ago. It can provide a range of 160 miles. The electric buses are fully built and assembled at an Optare’s factory in Sherburn.

Brazil’s best selling electric car-Chevrolet Bolt EV

The Chevrolet Bolt EV has been launched early this year in South America with a great launch. It has very fast become the best-selling electric car in Brazil. The launch of the Bolt EV in Brazillian markets was announced during the first half of 2020 as the company’s first fully electric model in the country.

The electric vehicles segment in Brazil is still less number and the model is offered in premier trim only and it has reached only to 29 of more than 500 Chevrolet dealerships in the country. The Bolt EV is playing a leading role in the advancement of electric cars in the Brazillian market.

The Bolt EV at present are on sale in 15 cities in Brazil such as São Paulo, Santo André, São Bernardo do Campo, Campinas, São José dos Campos, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Curitiba, São José dos Pinhais, Porto Alegre, Florianópolis, Joinville, Recife and Vitória.

While talking about its technical aspects it provides up to 259 miles on a single charge. This electric car is provided with the trim level and is available in one of five exterior colours Summit White, Switchblade Silver, Glory Red, Graphite Gray and Gold Black. It is coming with a 3-year warranty and its 66-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is covered for eight-years.

Panasonic aims for high energy density & cobalt-free batteries

Panasonic a leading battery cell maker said that it will boost the energy density of the EVs batteries it supplies to Tesla by 20% in the next 5 years. It aims to provide a cobalt-free battery by 2022-2023. In electric vehicles, the achievement of greater battery density is an important part. The more energy can be stored in the battery, lighter the battery pack lighter will be the electric car.

Tesla’s main goal is to remove the cobalt completely from our cells and Chinese battery maker CATL is already supplying cobalt-free batteries to Tesla for its Model 3. The lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries that CATL supplies to Tesla have less energy density than the NCA batteries Panasonic makes for Tesla. Panasonic has already cut down the cobalt in the NCA cathode of its 2170 cells by 5% and in September it will start converting assembly lines at the Nevada factory.

Ampere Vehicles partners OTO Capital & Autovert Tech, offers lease &  subscription plans 

The Ampere Vehicles has recently partnered with India’s first start-up OTO Capital to offer vehicles on leasing plans to the customers. The customers can take its benefits of leasing option from August 1, 2020, exclusively in Bangalore. By the end of this year, the company is also planning to extend the lease services to Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi, Chennai and Cochin.

If the customer is buying an Ampere Zeal electric scooter using other financial means it will cost them Rs 3,020 per month but if they go for OTO Capital leasing they will have to pay Rs 2,220 per month which means the customers have to pay Rs 800 as their monthly instalment. The partnership will help the Ampere scooters to grab more attention of the customers as they are getting scooters by paying less amount every month as their instalment.

Ashok Leyland subsidiary delivers 21 Metrodecker EVs to UK based First York

The fourth-largest manufacturer of buses in the world and 10th largest manufacturer of trucks globally and the second-largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in India, Ashok Leyland subsidiary company Optare PLC has delivered first of 21 battery-electric Metrodecker EVs to UK-based First York.

The UK-based First York has ordered 107 Metrodecker EVs (electric vehicles) since the launch of the electric bus 18 months ago. Out of 107 first 21, Metrodecker electric buses have been delivered Ashok Leyland said in a statement.

The First York launched the first of the battery-electric Optare Metrodecker EV double-deckers on July 30, it added. The whole batch of 21 will be delivered to by the end of September.

While we look at this electric buses features, it can carry 98 passenger but due to coronavirus pandemic presently the capacity is restricted to maintain social distancing. It has been developed from the prototype by Optare in a partnership with First York and the York City Council, which began three years ago. It can provide a range of 160 miles.  The electric buses are fully built and assembled at an Optare’s factory in Sherburn.

Hyundai to provide ‘Wonder warranty’ scheme on its Kona Electric SUV

We have got some exciting news for Hyundai Kona Electric existing customers, the Hyundai Motor India Ltd has announced a variable warranty scheme “Wonder Warranty” for the existing customers of the Kona electric SUV. Hyundai to provide ‘Wonder warranty’ let us now see what is this Wonder warranty. 

The company says that the g customers of the Hyundai Kona can now choose from three warranty options without paying anything extra. It is providing three warranty options which include 3 year/Unlimited km, 4 Year/60,000 Km and 5 Year/50,000 Km. Now you can choose anyone from these options.

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