1. Uber in talks to acquire BluSmart.
As per recent media reports, Uber is in initial discussions to acquire electric cab service company BluSmart Mobility. If this deal materializes, Uber will consolidate its position in India’s fast growing EV ride-hailing segment. BluSmart, headquartered in Gurugram, operates an all-electric fleet of 5000 cabs in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai & Bengaluru, along with an international presence in Dubai.
However, BluSmart has denied these reports and termed them ‘speculative’.
2. Tesla applies for certification for two electric cars in India.
Tesla has reportedly sought homologation of two EVs in India. The company has filed for certification for its Model 3 & Model Y electric cars. The Tesla Model 3 is a compact electric sedan, which is offered in two battery options: 54 kWh & 82 kWh.
The Tesla Model Y is a crossover electric SUV, which is based on the Model 3 sedan, with around 75% of parts being shared between the two cars and similar exterior & interior styling. It is offered in two battery options: 60 kWh & 82 kWh.
Homologation is the certification process that ensures a vehicle complies with the standards for vehicles manufactured in or imported into India. This process includes tests to verify a vehicle’s emissions, safety and overall roadworthiness as per the Central Motor Vehicle Rules.
3. Rumours of Reliance Jio working on an electric cycle.
There are rumours of Reliance Jio preparing to launch a market-disruptive electric cycle (also known as e-bike or e-bicycle).
There are reports that Reliance Jio is developing a budget electric cycle with removable battery, two riding modes, digital display, LED lights and app connectivity. Jio has a history of disrupting sectors (like telecom) and pressure rivals to reduce prices & innovate. If these reports turn out to be true, this move will help accelerate EV adoption in the country.
4. Delhi’s new EV Policy may mandate the 3rd car purchased in every household to be electric.
The 3rd private car purchased in every Delhi household must be an electric car, the Delhi state government is likely to include this as part of its new EV Policy. Reports suggest this decision has been approved in principle and will now be presented to the cabinet. Apart from this, we are likely to see a provision for CNG autos (over 10 years old) to be replaced with electric autos or retrofitted with EV kit. The Delhi EV Policy 2.0 also proposes to transition all garbage collection vehicles to EVs in a phased manner and achieve 100% electric fleet by 2027.
5. BYD introduces 5-minute charging platform.
BYD has introduced a new platform that claims to reduce EV charging times to match the refuelling speed of petrol/diesel vehicles. The company also announced plans to build a new network of fast EV charging stations across China to complement this tech. This ultra fast charging platform, named ‘Super e-Platform’, was unveiled at an event streamed from BYD’s headquarters in Shenzhen (China). Wang Chuanfu, Chairman, BYD, said at the launch event: “The ultimate solution is to make charging as quick as refueling a gasoline car.” The new platform, which will underpin many of BYD’s future electric cars, will initially be available in two upcoming BYD cars: the Han L sedan & the Tang L SUV.
The new EV charging platform features peak charging speeds of 1000 kW (1 MW), allowing EVs to gain 400 km of range in just 5 minutes! This is double the speed of Tesla’s Superchargers, which currently offer a maximum of 500 kW. BYD’s new innovation aims to tackle one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption: charging time. The company plans to develop a new rapid EV charging network of 4000 stations across China. However, BYD has not disclosed a specific timeline for the charging network project.
For complete energy management & EV charging solutions, explore the Kazam website and reach out to us at business@kazam.in
