Week 36 (Aug 30 - Sep 5)
This week's newsletter features Flipkart's plans to electrify its fleet, Mahindra's collaboration with REE, GoI to setup charging stations at petrol pumps, EESLs 250 vehicle tender and EVage funding.
Flipkart announced its commitment to electrify its delivery fleet by joining the EV100 initiative. As part of this commitment, it will introduce EVs over multiple phases, commence installation of charging infrastructure at its 1,400 supply chain premises, conduct awareness programs and incentivise delivery executives for using EVs.
Mahindra announced its collaboration with Israel’s REE Automotive to develop electric commercial vehicles. This is an important news because it gives M&M access to REE’s modular EV platform (powertrain + BMS) that can be built on top to launch vehicles with seating capacities ranging from 2 - 12.
In a bid to promote electric mobility and reduce range anxiety, the Indian government is exploring installation of EV charging kiosks at around 69,000 petrol pumps in country. This is part of a new directive from the Oil Ministry where pumps must have an option for an alternate fuel and so far EV charging is what most pump owners are going with.
Hyundai Kona and Tata Nexon EV pipped Tata Tigor EV and Mahindra eVerito for the EESL tender of 250 EVs. This is reflective of the poor range and subpar performance of the two sedan cars. Earlier EESL had canceled the 2017 tender of supplying 10000 cars awarded to Mahindra and Tata on account of poor performance and low observed range.
In some funding news, Chandigarh based startup EVage raised an undisclosed round of funding from angels. The startup has been around since 2014 and apparently has done serious R&D to come up with its platform for a 100% “Made in India” Electric delivery van. By the looks of the prototypes available online I think they are going for the LCV segment with a possible range of 160 km. I am definitely excited to see at what price point they launch and their product thinking.
Other news
The long read: A highly promising cobalt-free battery for electric vehicles
Electric vehicle adoption in India: Study reveals 3 tipping points by ET
The great battery race by Axios
Could electric vehicles pose a threat to our power systems? by WEForum
Should govt promote EV battery swapping? by Hindu Business Line