1. Tata Motors launches the Punch EV.

Tata Motors has launched the Punch EV with prices starting from Rs 10.99 lakh. Deliveries will start January 22 onwards.

The Punch EV will be offered in two battery options: Medium Range (25 kWh) & Long Range (35 kWh), and five variants: Smart, Smart+, Adventure, Empowered & Empowered+. The 25 kWh option has a claimed range of 315 km and the 35 kWh Long Range option has a claimed range of 421 km. Tata Motors will also offer customers two charger options: a 7.2 kW fast charger and a 3.3 kW charger.

Features include twin 10.25 inch screens, ventilated front seats, 360 degree camera setup, sunroof, cabin air purifier, 6 airbags, among others. The Punch EV is DC fast-charging compatible and can go from 10% to 80% in 56 minutes using a 50 kW DC fast-charger.

2. Multiple EV charging stations inaugurated in Pune.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) inaugurated 21 public EV charging stations in the city. The charging stations have been set-up under the PPP model. A total of 82 stations will come up within the next 8 years. The newly installed charging stations can be accessed via the Bijlify app.

The PPP agreement is between PMC and Bijlify. The remaining EV charging stations will come up at public parking areas and busy spots in the city. PMC had invited tenders for setting-up the charging stations in 2022.

3. Statiq installs EV charging station at a hotel.

EV charging company Statiq has installed a dual gun 60 kW DC fast-charger at Hotel Hyatt Place in Bharuch (Gujarat). The charging station is compatible with all electric cars available in the country.

Earlier too, Statiq had set-up an EV charging station at another hotel in Bharuch, the Regenta Central by Royal Orchid Hotels.

4. Digit Insurance launches EV-specific add-on cover.

Digit Insurance has launched an ‘EV Shield’ add-on cover for electric two-wheelers, electric cars and hybrid cars. This new cover has been introduced to meet the distinct needs of electric vehicle owners. The add-on will cover damage to the battery & motor caused by accidents, as well as any costs incurred on battery repair or replacement due to water intrusion and short circuit.

The add-on cover offers 3 optional coverages as well:

Charging Point Electrical Panel: Charging point electrical panel of an electric two-wheeler is expensive and accounts for 8%-15% of a vehicle’s cost. Any damage to the same can lead to a significant loss. Under this optional coverage, the insured consumer can cover any loss or damage to the charging point electrical panel, including damages due to animal attack or scratches.

Vehicle Charger & Charging Cable: The charger used to charge the EV and the cable provided for the same are costly. Any damage to either of the two can lead to losses. This optional cover will protect both your charger as well as the charging cable against any damage. The cover is available for both mounted & portable chargers.

EV Roadside Assistance: The probability of an EV running out of charge and needing roadside assistance is always there. Under this optional coverage, arranging for a portable mobile EV charging station is covered. If the EV battery is swappable, roadside battery swapping charges are also covered. Other services like towing or roadside vehicle repairs are also covered.

Digit Insurance stated that the new EV-specific add-on coverage is designed to meet the evolving needs of automobile owners. The specialised add-ons along with additional coverages will provide EV owners much-needed protection.

5. EV leasing company Alt Mobility raises funds.

EV leasing & mobility-as-a-service platform Alt Mobility has raised $6 million (around Rs 50 crore) in a funding round co-led by Shell Ventures, Eurazeo, Ev2 Ventures & Twynam. The round also saw participation from UC Inclusive Credit, Piper Serica, PitchRight Ventures & LetsVenture, in a combination of equity & venture debt.

Alt Mobility intends to use the capital for hiring an engineering team to scale its EV fleet management platform 'FleetOS'. The funds will also be used for setting-up new verticals for fleets including a drive-to-own model, insurance, fleet depots and a battery refurbishment unit. The company has also stated that it aims to expand its operations in over 20 cities within the next 2 years.

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