1. Andhra Pradesh to install 250 EV charging stations in 2023.
Andhra Pradesh state govt’s ‘New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation’ will install 250 public EV charging stations across the state in 2023. The state government has set an aim to phase-out conventional ICE vehicles by 2030 and set up a robust public EV charging network to complement the adoption of EVs. The state’s EV policy is actively promoting electric mobility through programs like distribution of 1 lakh EVs to government employees on EMI and providing incentives like road tax & registration fee exemption.
2. Log9 launches lithium-ion cell manufacturing facility.
Log9 Materials has commissioned the country's 1st commercial lithium-ion cell manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. The state-of-the-art facility is located at the Log9 HQ in Jakkuru, Bangalore. The new facility will be used to produce LFP & LTO cells.
Log9 has also launched an indigenously-developed Battery Management System (BMS) named ‘Charvik’. The company claims Charvik is an ‘intelligent & intuitive’ BMS incorporated with advanced power control mechanisms which yields better safety & reliability during high-power applications.
Log9 Materials has also shared its tech stack plan for enabling rapid charging of LFP batteries on public EV charging networks. The company also announced an academic engagement program named ‘Log9 Rise’. The program is aimed at supporting young talent in the field of battery tech.
3. BYD unveils an electric hatchback at Shanghai Auto Show.
BYD has unveiled an electric hatchback named ‘Seagull’ at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show.
The Seagull will be available in the Chinese market first and will go global later. At the moment, the technical specifications of the car are under wraps. There are reports that BYD may consider bringing the Seagull to India to compete with the likes of Tata Tiago EV, Citroen eC3 & the new MG Comet EV.
4. Uttar Pradesh tops the list in EV sales between January to March 2023.
Uttar Pradesh achieved the top position in EV sales from January to March (Q1 2023), pushing Maharashtra to the 2nd place, according to a report by JMK Research. In Q4 2022, UP & Maharashtra had shared the 1st place for EV sales with 14% share each. But in Q1 2023, UP has surpassed Maharashtra.
At present, there are plans to install 1000 public EV charging stations in 18 cities in the state by 2024 to encourage more people to switch to EVs. A big reason for Uttar Pradesh topping the list of EV sales is due to the widespread use of e-rickshaws in many cities. Electric rickshaws, both passenger & cargo, account for an 85% share of overall EV sales in the state!
5. Delhi-based retrofitting company unveils an electrified Gypsy.
The Indian Army holds an ‘Army Commanders’ Conference (ACC)’ every two years, to discuss national security issues and other related matters. The ACC for this year took place between April 17 to 21 in Delhi. The last day of the conference had Delhi-based startup ‘Tadpole Projects’ showcase a retrofitted electric version of the Maruti Gypsy. The Indian Army, IIT-Delhi and Tadpole Projects had collaborated to convert vintage military Gypsy vehicles into EVs.
Tadpole specializes in EV retrofitting. The startup claims that the retrofitted Gypsy retains its driving feel while being environment-friendly. Indian Army will likely induct soft-top Jimnys in the near future. A part of the existing Gypsy fleet may be electrified instead of all being retired.
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