1. Another Chinese EV manufacturer set to enter India.
Leapmotor, a Chinese EV manufacturer, is all set to announce its investment plans for the Indian market very soon. The company is known for its budget-friendly electric cars and currently has an electric sedan, an electric SUV & an electric microcar in its portfolio. In 2023, Stellantis had acquired a 20% stake in Leapmotor.
Stellantis is already present in India and sells cars under its Jeep & Citroen brands. Leapmotor electric cars are also likely to be sold from Stellantis India’s existing showroom network.
2. Electric cycle manufacturer EMotorad to set-up a gigafactory.
EMotorad has announced setting-up of a gigafactory on the outskirts of Pune. Upon completion, India will be home to two of the world's largest gigafactories: one by Ola Electric & the other by EMotorad. According to the company, apart from assembling the final product, this facility will also manufacture batteries, motors, displays & chargers.
EMotorad recently concluded a funding round where Indian cricketing legend MS Dhoni also participated. Investment received from this funding round has been instrumental in going ahead with this expansion. The company also announced an impressive 370% growth in the domestic market last year, continuing its splendid run for the 4th consecutive year. EMotorad also plans to exhibit its products globally at multiple auto shows this year, starting with EUROBIKE in Frankfurt (Germany), to be held in July 2024.
3. China’s Shenzhen city now has more EV charging stations than petrol pumps!
Shenzhen, a major city in China with a population of over 1.25 crore, has reached a big milestone. The city now features more fast-charging stations for EVs than fuel pumps!
Shenzhen now has 362 ‘supercharging’ stations, which is more than the number of fuel stations they have. This has helped in supporting the growing number of EVs on the city’s roads which is now around 60% of all vehicles.
Shenzhen also has the world’s largest EV charging hub which is located near the Shenzhen International Airport. The hub has 258 fast-charging points. This charging facility was inaugurated in September 2023 and the turnout has been immense with thousands of EV drivers using it everyday. This charging hub is a joint venture between multinational energy company Shell & BYD. Shenzhen is also home to BYD’s headquarters.
China is the world’s largest market for both conventional fuel-powered vehicles & electric vehicles.
4. Tata Motors launches 'Ace EV 1000' mini truck.
Tata Motors has launched the Ace EV 1000 mini truck. The new EV has a payload capacity of 1 tonne (1000 kg). It sports a 21.3 kWh LFP battery pack which gives a range of 161 km. It features regenerative braking system, clutchless operation, fixed single-speed gearbox and has fast-charging capabilities. The top speed is 60 km/hr.
The regular Tata Ace EV, which has a payload capacity of 600 kg, will continue to be available.
5. Gurugram to offer extra facilities for voters coming via EVs.
In an effort to promote environment-friendly practices, seven 'green booths' at polling stations are being set-up in Gurugram to enable EV owners to vote without waiting in long queues. These green booths will also feature solar panels. The Gurugram Administration has also announced that those arriving to vote in EVs will get special parking lots with EV charging stations free of cost.
Voting will be held in Gurugram on May 25.
For complete EV charging solutions, explore the Kazam website.
