1. Tata launches a new e-bike.
Tata has launched a new electric bike called the Stryder Zeeta Plus. It is available at an introductory price of Rs 26,995. Post the introductory period, the e-bike will cost Rs 32,995. At present, the Zeeta Plus is only available for purchase on Stryder's official website.
The Stryder Zeeta Plus electric bicycle comes with a 36V/6Ah lithium-ion battery, which can give a range of up to 30 km. It can fully charge in 3 hours. The battery is IP67 rated and comes with a 2 year warranty. The claimed top speed is 25 km/hr. The e-bike features disc brakes on both wheels.
2. Kia EV9 electric SUV en route India?
Kia had showcased the EV9 electric SUV at the 2023 Auto Expo. Now, sources claim that the EV9 will be launched in India in 2024.
The EV9 is expected to come with two battery pack options. The long-range model will feature a 99.8 kWh battery. The second variant will feature a 76.1 kWh battery.
The EV9 will have features like over-the-air system updates, navigation-based charging guidance based on 'distance-to-charger' & 'distance-to-empty'. The electric SUV will have an Integrated Charging Control Unit and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) tech, which will allow the EV to transfer battery power to other devices.
3. Vedanta Aluminium inducts EVs.
India’s largest aluminium producer, Vedanta Aluminium, has inducted the country’s largest fleet of electric forklifts in its operations. A total of 44 electric forklifts have been deployed in Chhattisgarh & Odisha. The company joined hands with GEAR (Gemini Equipment and Rentals) and TARON Material Handling Equipment Pvt Ltd for this initiative.
Vedanta Aluminium is taking significant steps towards decarbonizing its industrial vehicle fleet. The company has also committed to decarbonizing 100% of its Light Motor Vehicle fleet by 2030.
4. IIT-Madras & ARAI working on advanced EV charging tech.
IIT-Madras and Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) are working together on advanced EV charging technologies. In terms of high-amperage charging, currently the most is experienced by electric buses (in between 130-200 amps). The partners are working on a tech which is likely to take it up to 600 amps. Once this feat is achieved, electric buses & trucks will be charged in half the time. At present the fastest an electric bus is getting charged is 240 kW with two guns (this is being carried out by Ashok Leyland’s Switch Mobility). With the work-in-progress advanced fast-charging tech, capacities up to 500 kW will be achieved without compromising on safety or battery life.
The Chennai based premier engineering institute’s ‘Centre for Excellence for Zero Emission Trucking’ also has plans for 'wireless EV charging'. Research will take place in two phases, one for static wireless charging (charging when the EV is stationary) and the second for dynamic wireless charging (where chargers are placed in the road/asphalt and EVs get charged as they drive over them).
IIT Madras was part of the government panel that worked on interoperable fast-charging standards for India.
5. India eMobility Show 2.0 to be held in Bengaluru.
The second edition of the ‘India eMobility Show’ is set to be held from 11-13 October at KTPO Trade Centre in Bengaluru. Top players from the entire e-mobility value chain will come together to exhibit their latest tech and innovations. The event will also feature insights from EV industry leaders.
For complete EV charging solutions, explore the Kazam website.
