Vijay C Roy
Notwithstanding subdued demand, automobile manufacturers are betting big on electric vehicles in the country. Major manufacturers announced aggressive plans to diversify into the segment and launched new vehicles at the Auto Expo 2020.
According to Shashank Srivastava, executive director, marketing and sales, Maruti Suzuki India, across the globe only one per cent of the sales come from electric vehicles. Last year, the total electric vehicles sold, including all variants, were 96 million vehicles worldwide. Out of the total electric vehicles sold globally, 50 per cent were sold in China only, which is only 1.5% of the total vehicles sales in China. The Chinese market size is 28-29 million for all vehicles.
In India, too, transition at one go will be difficult. Moreover, there are three stumbling blocks in the sale of electric vehicles. Firstly, the high acquisition cost (high price of the vehicle) as battery technology constitutes 55-60 per cent of the total input cost.
Secondly, there is lack of charging infrastructure. Thirdly, there’s range anxiety of the car regarding how many kilometres will it run on full charge. Charging falls drastically when AC and heaters are on, at times it is anywhere between 35 to 40 per cent.
According to Shashank, customers are not yet ready to drive electric cars as the country’s top carmaker appeared unfazed amid a slew of electric vehicle launches by its competitors.
However, some of the manufacturers pointed out that with government offering incentive, the market will eventually pick up.
Electric Vehicles go big/ Electric mobility/ Betting on EVs
· Mahindra & Mahindra displayed one of the widest ranges of EVs and related technology solutions. The company introduced, ATOM, a new age electric urban mobility solution for last mile connectivity needs, e-XUV300, the electric version of the popular compact SUV, e-KUV100, an affordable EV starting at a competitive price of Rs 8.25 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi, post FAME benefit).
· Tata Motors also unveiled one of the largest portfolio of EVs in India, with the newly launched Nexon EV, the Altroz EV — a modern city car. Tata Motors announced its plan to launch 4 electric cars over the next two years.
· Also, making its debut in India, Great Wall Motors, showcased GWM EV-iQ& R1. It is China’s largest SUV manufacturer. In alignment to the development goals of a clean India and “vehicle electrification” advocated by the Indian government, GWM also plans to launch a new energy brand – Great Wall EV. GWM also plans to invest in battery research and development and manufacturing in India to reinforce and accelerate India’s Electrification Strategy.
· German luxury carmaker Mercedes Benz will kick off its EV journey in India with the launch of electric SUV EQC model in April, as it mulls more such products to be introduced here.
· Auto makers such as Volkswagen, MG Motor India and Skoda Auto India had their EVs on display.
· Maruti Suzuki is currently testing 50 electric WagonR.
Concept Cars/ The Show Stoppers
The cars which were cynosure of all the eyes were concept cars launched by Maruti, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata, Kia and GWM.
The country’s latest carmaker-Maruti Suzuki, on Wednesday unveiled its Futuro-E electric vehicle concept. A coupe-styled SUV, Maruti Suzuki Futuro-e is part of the carmaker’s “Mission Green Million” under which it plans to sell one million green cars (CNG, hybrids and electric) over the next few years. Similarly, Mahindra and Mahindra also launched Funster, a roadster electric concept with a playful convertible mode. Tata motors unveiled, the ‘HBX Show car’, based on the ALFA ARC, and the ‘Sierra EV Concept’ –a legend reborn. Also, new entrant Kia launched Sonet concept, an SUV. Great Wall Motors, China’s largest SUV manufacturer, today globally premiered its Haval Concept. and GWM also launched concept. German automaker Volkswagen has unveiled concept electric vehicle ID. Crozz.
