1. BYD eager to expand operations in India.

Chinese EV major BYD is working on expanding its operations in India. BYD entered India with the e6 MPV in 2021 and last year launched the Atto 3 electric SUV. The Warren Buffett-backed automaker is also preparing to launch BYD Seal, an electric sedan, in the Indian market soon.

As per recent reports, BYD in collaboration with Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL), has submitted a $1 billion (approx Rs 8,205 crore) investment proposal to the Indian government. BYD & MEIL are already in a partnership in the commercial electric vehicle market. The two have been manufacturing electric buses under the Olectra brand.

BYD is a major name in the world of EVs and is eager to set up manufacturing units in India to scale up its operations in the coming years. The company’s long-term goal for India is to have a full line-up of models ranging from electric hatchbacks to sedans to SUVs and also setting-up a battery manufacturing unit. The company is planning a public EV charging network in India as well. The Chinese EV giant has already invested about $200 million in the Indian market and wants to invest more.

2. Yulu delivers the first batch of its new electric scooters.

Bajaj Auto-backed electric two-wheeler company Yulu, delivered the first batch of its Yulu DeX GR electric scooters to delivery executives in Bengaluru. The Yulu DeX GR has been specifically engineered for urban mobility, keeping in mind Indian climate and road conditions. The EV features ‘smart batteries’ which offer longer range and load-carrying capabilities.

These electric scooters will have access to Yuma Energy’s battery swapping & charging network.

3. EV charging station inaugurated in hotel in Trichy (Tamil Nadu).

Courtyard by Marriott Tiruchirappalli recently inaugurated an EV fast-charging station at its premises. The EV charging station for electric cars has been installed by Charge Zone. Courtyard by Marriott in Trichy is the first hotel in the city to set up an EV charging station. The DC fast-charging station can recharge EVs in 45-60 minutes and is compatible with all electric cars available in India. The charging station is not just limited to hotel guests, but is open for general public as well 24/7.

4. Encouraging EV sales figures.

A positive trend was seen in EV sales throughout India across all segments. Electric car sales went up in the first half of 2023. And CNG car sales went down. Sales figures of CNG cars of Hyundai India & Tata Motors went down 11.61% & 17% (Y-o-Y) respectively. CNG cars are facing stiff competition from electric cars, which are experiencing a higher demand with expanding EV charging infrastructure. While the initial cost of an electric car is more than a CNG-run vehicle, the lower cost of EV ownership in the long-run is attracting buyers. Also, the subsidies being offered by central government and state governments are helping automakers and consumers alike. Post these sales results, industry experts are saying that the CNG segment's loss is the EV segment's gain.

In the electric scooter segment, sales figures of Hero MotoCorp’s Vida brand were up 4%. TVS Motors experienced a slight dip in overall scooter sales figures, but sales of its iQube electric scooter were up a whopping 342%! Bajaj Auto also witnessed its highest-ever monthly sales of Chetak electric scooter in the month of May, a 233% increase!

5. What is Sheeva.AI?

In-car payments and connectivity solutions platform Sheeva.AI is about to make an entry into multiple markets around the globe. As an ‘infrastructure-independent’ technology, Sheeva.AI can enable services such as toll payments, EV charging payments, parking space booking, etc seamlessly, all transacted inside the car. The Sheeva platform connects cars, both personal & fleets, to a variety of services. Fleet owners can use Sheeva.AI as a new way to pay & track expenses and optimize the ‘downtime’ of drivers & vehicles.

At present, the tech is in beta-testing stage with about 1000 vehicles of different makes and models that contain ‘infotainment’ consoles. The current pilot program is to identify any shortcomings and bugs in the system.

Sheeva’s patented geolocation tech and cloud-based app interface enables drivers to pay for and receive these services via a wallet directly through their car’s infotainment screen. The cloud-based software is interface-agnostic and works on a proactive location-based system.

The company has offices in the US, India, Germany & Japan, and is working with its partner Hagiwara Electronics to deploy the technology with the world’s big auto companies.

For complete EV charging solutions, explore the Kazam website.