1. Volvo to launch its most affordable electric car in India this year.

Volvo is preparing to launch its most affordable electric car ‘EX30’ in India.

Internationally, the electric SUV is offered in two battery options: 51 kWh & 69 kWh. It is almost the size of a Hyundai Creta.

At present, the company is conducting ‘feasibility studies’ to determine the best way to introduce the car and is considering the CKD route (with local assembly at its Bengaluru facility) to ensure the EX30 is competitively priced. Volvo already locally assembles the EX40 & C40 Recharge electric SUVs in India. Volvo has plans of launching one electric model in India every year in line with its global ambition of achieving 90-100% sales from EVs by 2030.

2. Omaxe to modernize key bus terminals in Uttar Pradesh. Will set-up EV charging stations.

Omaxe will invest around Rs 2700 crore to modernize 6 bus terminals in Uttar Pradesh under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has awarded the contract to BeTogether, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Omaxe Ltd, to redevelop bus terminals in Lucknow (Amausi), Lucknow (Gomti Nagar), Ghaziabad, Prayagraj, Kaushambi and Ayodhya. The revamped bus terminals will feature automated ticketing systems, air-conditioned waiting lounges and parking areas with EV charging stations.

The shares of Omaxe Ltd jumped 13% after this announcement.

3. Toyota’s cheapest electric car is a huge hit in China.

Toyota has launched its cheapest electric car, the bZ3X (also known as Bozhi 3X), in China. Priced at around $15,000 (Rs 12.50 lakh), its bookings crashed Toyota’s servers with over 10,000 orders in an hour. The "bZ" lettering stands for ‘beyond Zero’.

Toyota has not commented on introducing the bZ3X electric SUV in India. But going by the pricing, industry experts find it a compelling product for the Indian market.

4. ASDC and BluSmart celebrate the success of Project Sakhi.

The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) hosted the convocation ceremony for Project Sakhi, an initiative undertaken in partnership with BluSmart, to empower women as skilled EV drivers. Project Sakhi is funded by SIDBI. At the convocation, ASDC awarded certificates to 50 women from underprivileged backgrounds. These women have secured placement at BluSmart.

Another batch of 50 women will begin their three-month training after the first batch.

5. Hala Mobility partners with iGowise for electric trikes.

EV-as-a-Service platform Hala Mobility, has joined hands with iGowise Mobility. The partnership will see iGowise deliver 2000 electric trikes to Hala, which will be deployed in Hyderabad & Bengaluru for last-mile delivery services.

iGowise will deliver its BeiGo electric trike to Hala.

Hala Mobility offers a variety of electric vehicles for rent/ lease through subscription models. The company recently secured funding worth Rs 51 crore and plans to deploy 10,000 EVs across India by the end of this year.

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