Author: Michael Khan

Toyota’s premium brand Lexus will incorporate LiDAR technology from RoboSense Technology into several upcoming all-electric models, primarily utilizing RoboSense’s M-platform products, reported China Star Market today, citing informed sources. The partnership is expected to expand to other Toyota brands in the future, the sources revealed. RoboSense, China’s leading LiDAR manufacturer listed in Hong Kong, announced in its first-quarter earnings report a supply agreement with Toyota, the world’s top-selling automaker from 2021 to 2022, according to the report. The collaboration underscores Toyota’s strategic move to enhance its EV technology offerings. In the first half of 2024, RoboSense reported a substantial year-on-year…

Volkswagen AG has extended Thomas Schäfer’s contract as Brand CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars until 2030, aiming to ensure continuity in leadership amidst the automotive industry’s transition to electric mobility. Confirming the extension to the German Press Agency (DPA), a Volkswagen spokesperson disclosed that Schäfer, who assumed the role in mid-2022 after leading Skoda, will continue to spearhead Volkswagen’s strategies through the next decade. His original three-year contract, set to conclude in mid-2025, has been prolonged by an additional five years. Schäfer’s tenure at Skoda was marked by expanding the brand’s market appeal and implementing cost-control measures, skills that are…

The Indian Army plans to integrate 113 electric buses into its fleet, advancing its commitment to sustainable transport solutions, according to a report from Indian news agency ANI. The initiative aims to enhance troop transportation across plains and semi-hilly terrains, with ongoing trials underway for procurement. ANI reported that the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) final request for proposal (RFP) outlines specifications for the electric buses, accommodating 40 passengers excluding driver and co-driver seats. “Out of the 130 electric buses, 60 will be allocated to the Indian Army, while 46 units are designated for the Indian Air Force and seven for…

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has inaugurated a new development centre for electric motors at its Gaggenau plant, marking a significant step in advancing electrification within commercial vehicles. The facility, known as the ‘Technikum’ technical centre, will focus on the process development and prototype construction of electric motors tailored specifically for trucks. “The opening of our technical centre represents an important milestone in this process,” said Thomas Twork, site manager for the Gaggenau plant. “This is where we will develop innovative technologies and associated production processes for electric motors in the future.” According to a press release, the technical centre is equipped with…

Servotech Power Systems, an Indian provider of EV charging solutions, has inaugurated Delhi’s inaugural grid-connected solar-powered EV charging carport in Hauz Khas Village, marking a milestone in sustainable urban mobility. The installation aims to facilitate a shift towards zero-emission last-mile delivery fleets, offering businesses a new operational paradigm. The facility, as depicted in images accompanying the announcement, features Servotech’s 30 kW DC charger, enabling rapid charging for electric two- and four-wheelers within an hour. Solar panels integrated into the carport roof harness sunlight to power the chargers, with surplus electricity directed to a battery energy storage system (BESS) and subsequently…

Tesla is not expected to invest in India in the near future, according to reports indicating a lack of ongoing communication between Elon Musk’s team and Indian officials regarding the proposed project. Efforts by Tesla to enter the Indian automotive market have been hindered by the country’s protectionist policies, including high import duties on vehicles. The Indian government had urged Tesla to establish a local manufacturing facility, while the automaker sought to initially penetrate the market through imported vehicles. Earlier this year, India proposed a compromise reducing import duties for a limited number of electric vehicles, contingent upon significant investment…

The Indian government is set to reduce approval times for installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, aiming to rapidly expand the nation’s EV charging network. Under new proposals by India’s Ministry of Power (MoP), power distribution companies (DISCOMs) will be required to provide connections for EV charging stations within shorter timeframes: 3 days in metropolitan areas, 7 days in other municipal areas, and 15 days in rural areas. Currently, guidelines stipulate longer timelines of 7 days in metros, 15 days in other municipalities, and 30 days in rural regions. For locations where DISCOMs need to extend distribution mains or commission…

Chevrolet’s 2024 Silverado EV lease prices have raised eyebrows for their steep costs, prompting comparisons with the more affordable Rivian R1T Adventure. According to a bulletin sent to dealers, leasing the Silverado EV RST trim costs $1,449 per month over 39 months, with a substantial $5,679 due at signing based on an MSRP of $96,495 including destination fees and 10,000 annual miles. This results in an effective monthly cost of $1,595 before taxes and fees. In contrast, leasing two 2024 Rivian R1T Adventure trucks, each equipped with the Dual Motor Large Battery Pack and an MSRP of $75,000, totals $581…

Ford’s electric vehicle division, Model e, has reported robust growth in the second quarter, achieving a remarkable 61 percent increase in sales compared to the previous year. Year-to-date figures reveal a substantial 72 percent rise, underscoring Ford’s momentum in the evolving EV landscape. Despite Tesla’s dominance in U.S. EV sales, Ford maintains a leading position among traditional automakers, driven by the popularity of its Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning models. New customers represent a significant portion of sales, with 54 percent of Mustang Mach-E and 64 percent of F-150 Lightning buyers new to the Ford brand. Ford’s electric crossover, the…

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. is gearing up to unveil its maiden electric vehicle (EV) at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in January next year, with plans to export the model to Japan and Europe, according to a report by the Shizuoka Shimbun. “Suzuki, which holds a 58.2% stake in the local joint venture, announced the news at its annual general meeting on 27 June,” the Japanese newspaper reported. The upcoming EV, anticipated to be a mass-production model, was previously previewed as the eVX small SUV concept at Auto Expo 2023. Maruti Suzuki intends to manufacture the electric vehicle on…

Tata Motors, owner of Jaguar Land Rover and a prominent player in India’s automotive sector, is eyeing a global footprint with its lineup of affordable electric vehicles (EVs), capitalizing on the hesitancy towards Chinese EVs in developed markets. In a recent interview with NDTV Profit, Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, expressed confidence in their products’ competitiveness: “Most of the electric vehicles in developed countries are sold above $30,000. Right now what products you see in our portfolio is all less than $30,000, all world-class products.” See also: Tata Motors to Launch Avinya…

TEMICO, the Indian subsidiary of TECO, has announced a significant milestone with an order for electric vehicle (EV) powertrains totaling 55,000 units. This expansive order encompasses various vehicle types, including 5,000 powertrains designated for 9- and 12-meter electric bus models, with the remaining 50,000 powertrains destined for commercial vehicles. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in early 2025, with completion expected within three years. Launched in Bangalore in November 2023 in collaboration with Mitsui, TEMICO is set to commence mass production next month following the receipt of ‘Bureau of Indian Standards’ (BIS) certification. George Lien, Director of TEMICO, highlighted the company’s…