1. Adani Group to install 7 EV charging stations in Pune.
Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) has awarded a tender to the Adani Group for setting-up 7 EV charging stations in Pune and its neighboring city Pimpri-Chinchwad. As per a PMPML representative, the sites allocated to the Adani Group for installing the EV charging stations are Hinjewadi Phase 2, Nigdi, Bhosari, Katraj, Baner-Sus road, Pulgate and Deccan Gymkhana. PMPML will provide land & power supply while Adani Group will develop the charging infrastructure. As of now, power supply to one of the sites, Hinjewadi, is complete, and Adani will now start setting-up the charging station.
Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) has already announced the tariff for these charging stations and it is considerably lower than the commercial rates. Estimated time of completion of the project is 6 months.
2. Google announces new updates at CES 2024 for electric vehicle users.
At CES 2024, Google made some important announcements for EV users. Future updates to its in-car Android Auto service will enable real-time battery data integration with Google Maps, and a few other features. These are expected to reduce range anxiety and enhance an EV owner’s driving experience.
Google Maps will show expected battery levels upon reaching mid-journey stops, en-route public charging stations & the destination. It will also provide estimated charging time. Electric car owners, equipped with Google’s Android Auto on their infotainment systems, will be able to experience a more enhanced journey planning process. Also, people will be able to transfer routes planned on Google Maps via Android or iOS devices, directly to the infotainment system on the car, overcoming the barrier between planning on the smartphone and in-car navigation. These updates will be available phasewise from country to country and automaker to automaker.
3. Bihar CM impressed by the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visited the Bihar EV Conclave held in state capital Patna on January 11. Hyundai India exhibited the IONIQ 5 electric car at the event, and orders were given by the CM to purchase two of the cars. The CM has already been using an electric car (Hyundai Kona Electric) since 2019. The new electric cars will soon be included in his convoy. Nitish Kumar also talked about the environmental benefits of EVs and highlighted the state government’s efforts to develop public EV charging infrastructure. The event was organised by the Bihar Transport Department, together with World Resources Institute (WRI India) and Bihar State Pollution Control Board.
The event was organized for one day, but owing to the enthusiastic response of visitors, it was extended to two days.
4. Raptee showcases transparent version of its upcoming electric motorcycle.
Chennai-based EV startup Raptee unveiled a transparent version of its electric motorcycle at the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet held on 7 & 8 January.
Raptee’s upcoming electric motorcycle features a high-voltage powertrain, which makes it compatible with India’s CCS2 fast-charging infrastructure. At a CCS2 charging station, the EV can be charged from 0-80% in just 15 minutes. The motorcycle accelerates from 0-60 km/hr in 3.5 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 135 km/hr. The range is 150 km. The electric motorcycle is planned for launch in April 2024.
Raptee is setting-up its first manufacturing facility in Chennai, with a proposed investment of Rs 85 crores.
5. BluSmart partners with ASDC to offer training program to women.
EV cab service startup BluSmart has signed an agreement with Automotive Skill Development Council (ASDC), under Project Sakhi, to train 250 women. The core objective of this partnership is to provide employment opportunities to women. Under the agreement, ASDC will offer a 3 month comprehensive driver skills training program. BluSmart will also conduct sessions to educate the trainees on EVs. BluSmart driver partners will also share their experiences. Post completion of the program, BluSmart, as the placement partner, will provide employment opportunities to the trained women drivers.
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