Electric Vehicles

Graphite’s pivotal role in electric-vehicle battery technology is coming under increasing scrutiny. Graphite is almost exclusively produced in China, and while the processing of the mineral poses serious environmental issues, the alternatives appear costly. Ian Morse looks at what’s next for critical graphite supplies.

As of 2020, only 13 cities in India had renewable energy targets and/or policies in place. These cities, however, are home to a significant 67.6 million people.

The Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, and the Swedish Agency for Innovation Systems (Vinnova) have issued a call for joint R&D proposals in renewable energy, electric vehicles and energy storage. The deadline for the submission of proposals is May 6.

The electric rickshaw market would grow at 33.3% annually over five years to touch $1,394.2 million by 2025. 

The Spanish startup will use ION’s advanced battery management and intelligence technologies for its electric scooter, the RAY 7.7.

The project, comprising a fleet of 40 electric buses, is being implemented by NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited.

The hill state in northern India has added the electric bus footprint with the service flagged off in the capital city Dehradun. The state government plans to start 30 such eco-friendly electric buses in this financial year. The buses, supplied by Olectra Greentech, will run in Dehradun, Mussoorie, Rishikesh and Haridwar.

An underdeveloped charging ecosystem is one of the many factors restricting the uptake of electric four-wheelers in India. A limited number of products and higher costs than combustion-engine powered vehicles are the other deterrents.

The engagement covers software development, integration, and maintenance of combined powertrain coordination unit including charging control, and extends over several years.

Contractors will be required to identify sites and develop, operate and maintain interoperable electric chargers in more than 75 cities.