Rural India May Play Vital Role in EV Adoption

INDIA REPORT
Aditya Kondejkar

Electric vehicles (EVs) witnessed strong growth in the Indian market in 2022, with a three-fold increase in sales as compared to the year before. Official data shows that Indians have bought 2,780,000 EVs since January 2023 at an average of more than 90,000 EVs per month. Significantly, the demand for EVs is not limited to metro cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, but is increasing in Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets as well.

Source: Financial Express    Read The Article

PSR Analysis: While the growth of EVs has been primarily focused on urban areas of India, we are seeing a significantly improved adoption of EVs in rural parts of the country. The statistics from Vahan, the national vehicle registry, reveal that sales of electric cars and 3ws from the contribution of the top 10 districts in India has dropped significantly from 55%-60% in fiscal 2021 to 25%-30% in fiscal 2022. In the 2Ws segment, the percentage has dropped from 40%-45% to 15%-20%. The noticeable gaps here are being filled up by smaller towns and rural India.  

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INDIA REPORT, March 2020

Coronavirus Reduces India Auto Components

This article first appeared in the March 2020 issue of PowerTALK™ News

China is one of the leading suppliers of auto components to India, and this supply chain was significantly interrupted in Q1 2020 by the caronavirus. In 2018-19, components worth an estimated US$4.5 billion (out of a total of approximately $17 billion) were exported from China to India. Most of this trade is in electronic components, EGR modules, fuel injection pumps, turbochargers, meter sets, LEDs, magnets, airbag components, and steering system components.

Since the discovery of the Coronavirus in December 2019, this supply chain has been affected. The covid-19 pandemic has started taking a toll on components supply and automotive production in India. The situation is further amplified, as China has terminated all sea routes to other parts of the world.

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Alternative Power Report, May 2023

The May issue of the Alternative Power Report produced by Power Systems Research contains several articles that discuss plans for production of alternative power sources. These include articles on VW’s plans to build its largest battery factory in Canada, Cummins decision to invest $1 billion in a hydrogen fuel network plus a report Caterpillar and NMG joining forces.

Ford’s Potential Return to India

INDIA REPORT
Aditya Kondejkar

Ford Motor Co’s unexpected decision to retain its factory in Tamil Nadu and its potential plans for the assembly of the latest Endeavour signals a potential shift in strategy towards a stronger focus on electric vehicles (EVs) and leveraging India as an export hub.

This analysis delves into the implications of Ford’s potential emphasis on EVs and its ability to capitalize on India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for exports.

Globally, under its current CEO, Jim Farley, Ford is focused on the electrification and digital transformation of core segments in which it is a leader, namely trucks, SUVs, commercial vehicles, and performance cars.

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Hyundai-Kia and Stellantis Plan Different EV Strategies in India

INDIA REPORT
Aditya Kondejkar

“India is a key market for vehicle electrification, particularly due to the government’s carbon neutrality goals, which makes securing cost competitiveness through localized battery production crucial,” Heui Won Yang, president and head of Hyundai Motor and Kia’s research and development division.

Source: Business Standard.     Read The Article

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PowerTALK May 2019

New Initiatives Announced at Power Systems Research

New initiatives at Power Systems Research (PSR) are spelled out by Joe Zirnhelt, PSR president and CEO, in the May issue of the company’s monthly PowerTALK report.

Here are more TOP STORIES in PowerTALK, May 2019:

  • NA Crane Production Slows
  • No Slowdown in NA Economy
  • Y-O-Y Global Truck Production Is Flat
  • Brazil Agshow Sales Up 6.4%
  • China Expands NS6 Emission Regulation
  • JCB Lands Record Order
  • Honda Readies EV
  • SoCar, Tesla Collaborate
  • Malaysia Backs National Car Brand
  • India Halts e-Bike Sales
  • India Tractor Sales Drop
  • Russia To Support GAZ Group
  • Belaz Tests Driverless Truck
  • Hino Truck Builds Plant in Moscow
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Toyota Launches India’s First Flex Fuel Hybrid

INDIA REPORT 

Aditya Kondejkar

Toyota has launched  the Corolla Altis, India’s first flex-fuel engine. This car will be able to run on petrol or ethanol as well as electric power. It is part of a pilot project developing Flexi-Fuel Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicles in India.

Source: Hindu Times    Read The Article

Because of the great diversity in India’s consumer population, especially its per-capita income disparity, and multiple applications of vehicles, India might not use one technology but might use a combination of technologies involving various fuel types.

The Indian market can’t simply shift from petrol/ diesel engines to EVs over the next few years. Hence, many OEMs are working on CNG/ hydrogen/ hybrid vehicles.  Toyota has launched this new vehicle for the Indian market as part of these efforts.

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Hyundai Agrees To Purchase GM India Talegaon Plant

INDIA REPORT
Aditya Kondejkar

The agreement covers the acquisition of land and buildings and certain machinery and manufacturing equipment at the General Motors India, Talegaon plant. The proposed acquisition is subject to the signing of a definitive asset purchase agreement, other certain conditions and receipt of approvals from government authorities and stakeholders.

Source: Economic Times    Read The Article

PSR Analysis. Hyundai is expected to expand its annual production capacity in India to some 900,000 units–760,000 units in its two existing plants and 130,000 units in the GM plant. Combined with production volume of its smaller Kia’s two plants in India, the total production capacity of Hyundai Motor Group could surpass 1 million units per year.

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LNG May Be Fuel for Long-Haul Trucking

INDIA REPORT
Aditya Kondejkar

With the increasing penetration of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) network across India, many cities may transition from conventional diesel-powered vehicles to CNG for the last mile.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) could be a favorable option for heavy and long hauls due to its higher energy density and hence a lower payload penalty and potential range, a lower carbon footprint/noise levels and its cryogenic temperatures which makes it a theft-proof fuel option.

At the same time, the use of HPDI (High-Pressure Direct Injection), a system that enables heavy–duty trucks to operate on natural gas with diesel- like performance would also aid in the switch to LNG.

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India Amends Bio-Fuel Policy, Hikes Introduction of E20

INDIA REPORT 

Aditya Kondejkar

The government of India has amended its National Policy on Bio-fuels that will accelerate the adoption of E20, allow the use of new bio-fuel feedstocks, and grant permission for bio-fuel exports under certain conditions. 

Source: Ethanol Producer Magazine     Read The Article

PSR Analysis: To tackle soaring fuel oil prices, India plans to introduce 20% ethanol blending with gasoline in several regions of the county beginning in April 2023, and it will be implemented nationwide starting in FY25. The Indian government has expediated the process to increase local oil production and the transition to alternative fuels to reduce the dependencies on other countries. Currently, India is using a 10% mixture of ethanol and gasoline.

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