Author: Shweta Srivastava

Key Highlights

• Govt. contemplating extending the FAME II scheme for EVs
• It reflects the government’s commitment to fostering electric mobility
• FAME II plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable growth

The Indian government is considering extending the second phase of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme until the next fiscal year, showcasing a dedicated effort to sustain market momentum until the expected approval of FAME’s third edition. This move aligns with the government’s commitment to promoting electric mobility and is expected to be addressed in the interim budget.

Also Read | Kolkata Man’s Post On Tata Tiago EV Goes Viral, Raises Concerns

Interim Budget And Vote On Account

To secure additional resources for FAME II, an interim budget seeking parliamentary approval may be pursued, given the upcoming general elections in April-May. A vote on account allows essential expenditures for a limited period, ensuring continuity until a new government presents the full budget.

Commitment To Electric Mobility

The potential extension underscores the government’s commitment to electric mobility, adapting policy measures to the evolving needs of the Indian EV industry. FAME II plays a crucial role in sustainable growth by incentivizing EV purchases and addressing environmental concerns.

Also Read | Tesla’s India Entry At Risk: No Subsidies On EV Imports, What’s Next For Elon Musk?

Strategic Approach Of FAME II

FAME II, applicable to two-, three, and four-wheelers, began in April 2019 with a total budgetary support of Rs. 10,000 crore over five years, concluding on March 31, 2024. The scheme strategically aims to reduce pollution by promoting renewable energy use in transportation.

Industry Advocacy And Recommendations

FICCI, a leading trade body, proposed extending FAME II for the next five years, with a review provision after three years. The Ministry of Heavy Industries received Rs. 5,127 crore for the current fiscal year, the highest allocation since FAME’s beginning. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry recommended a three-year extension for FAME II to boost electric vehicle adoption.

Addressing Air Pollution Challenges

With three cities among the world’s most polluted, India prioritizes EV adoption to combat air pollution. The government aims for EVs to constitute 30 percent of new vehicle sales by 2030, promoting a sustainable shift in the automotive landscape.

Also Read | Xiaomi’s EV Technology To Take Center Stage At Stride Event On December 28

Key Highlights

• NIO launches the ET9 executive sedan
• ET9 introduces a 5nm self-driving chip and fast-charging cylindrical batteries
• It would be priced at RMB 800,000

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer NIO has introduced its long-wheelbase executive sedan, the ET9, during an unveiling event on December 23. Priced at $112,160, this model represents a significant milestone for NIO, incorporating features and technologies aimed at redefining the upper levels of the premium vehicle market. Also Read | New Hyundai Kona EV N Line Variant Under Development: Feature And Performance Upgrades In Tow?

NIO ET9: Technological Marvels

1. Advancements In Autonomous Driving

At the heart of the ET9 is NIO’s revolutionary self-driving chip, the Shenji NX9031, using five-nanometer process technology—a first in China’s automotive industry. This chip empowers the sedan with enhanced computing power for partially automated driving, positioning NIO as a pioneer in semiconductor innovation.

2. Innovative Battery Technology

NIO’s in-house developed cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells, the 46105 type, make the ET9 stand out. Boasting a cell-level energy density of 292 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg), these batteries enable rapid charging with a 120kWh pack, providing a range of 255 kilometers after just five minutes of charging at a 5C rate. The company’s strategic move in battery development hints at a commitment to efficiency and performance.

3. Intelligent Chassis for a Luxurious Drive

NIO has raised the bar with its SkyRide Intelligent Chassis System, a technological marvel in the mass-produced consumer car segment. Featuring a steer-by-wire system, rear-wheel steering, and an adjustable suspension, the intelligent chassis promises a refined driving experience. Notably, it can be raised or lowered by 50 millimeters in just one second, enhancing passenger comfort during entry and exit.

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NIO ET9: Aesthetics And Interior Sophistication

1. Sleek Design With Cutting-Edge Gadgets

The ET9 sports a sleek and contemporary appearance. Notable features include high ground clearance, large 23-inch wheels, and futuristic laser sensors on the roof and sides for comprehensive environmental awareness.

2. Interior Excellence

Inside the ET9, passengers are treated to a modern design language. The cabin showcases an expansive two-meter console, integrated with luxurious amenities such as a 10-liter fridge and folding tables, delivering a first-class seating experience. The sedan’s spacious dimensions, measuring 5.3 meters in length with a 3.3-meter wheelbase, rival luxury counterparts, offering comfort and opulence.

NIO ET9: Price And Availability

Priced at approximately RMB 800,000 (Rs. 93,13,481.42) with deliveries set for the first quarter of 2025, the ET9 positions itself as NIO’s flagship executive sedan, aiming to carve a niche in the luxury market. The sedan competes with offerings from larger rivals, signaling NIO’s aspirations to upscale and capture a discerning consumer base.

Also Read | Xiaomi’s EV Technology To Take Center Stage At Stride Event On December 28

Key Highlights

• Xiaomi’s EV technology will be the highlight of the upcoming Stride Event on December 28
• The event promises to showcase Xiaomi’s advancements in EV technology
• All eyes will be on Xiaomi as it takes center stage to unveil its strides in the electric vehicle sector

Xiaomi is gearing up to showcase its entry into the EV domain. In a 2021 declaration, the Beijing-based tech giant expressed its intention to venture into the electric vehicle market, with the expected launch of its inaugural EV slated for 2024. Earlier this year, glimpses of a hidden electric vehicle, code-named ‘Modena,’ undergoing testing in harsh, wintry landscapes surfaced, heightening anticipation for Xiaomi’s foray into the automotive sector.

Also Read | New Hyundai Kona EV N Line Variant Under Development: Feature And Performance Upgrades In Tow?

Stride Event Details

Xiaomi has officially confirmed that the grand reveal of its EV technology will unfold at the Stride launch event scheduled for December 28 at 2 PM Beijing time (11:30 am IST). Lei Jun, the founder and CEO of Xiaomi, clarified that the upcoming event is dedicated solely to showcasing the advancements in EV technologies, dismissing any expectations for a product debut. The main vision for Xiaomi’s EV endeavors, as outlined by Jun, encompasses the integration of automotive, consumer electronics, and smart ecosystems, to redefine the technological landscape of the automotive industry.

Regulatory Approval And Investment Commitment

Amidst Xiaomi’s ambitious foray into EVs, the company secured the nod of approval from China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the regulatory authority overseeing investments and production capacity in the country’s auto sector. Xiaomi has committed a large investment of $10 billion (approximately Rs. 82,700 crores) over the next decade to strengthen its position in the electric vehicle space. The company envisions beginning mass production of its initial fleet of cars by the first half of 2024.

Also Read | Zeekr’s Game-Changing Fast-Charging LFP Battery For EVs Unveiled: Details

Testament To Technological Prowess

In January of the current year, a significant milestone in Xiaomi’s EV journey unfolded with the testing of the ‘Modena’ in China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. This testing phase, purportedly assessing the vehicle’s battery performance in extreme cold conditions, underscored Xiaomi’s commitment to technological innovation. Having recruited over 500 experts globally, the company has been actively developing in-house autonomous driving technology.

Sneak Peek Into ‘Modena’ Design And Features

Images captured during the testing of the Xiaomi Modena offer a glimpse of a sleek sedan characterized by an aerodynamic silhouette, featuring a lengthy hood and a gracefully tapering roofline towards the rear. Notable design elements include retractable door handles and LiDAR sensors adorning the vehicle’s roof, highlighting Xiaomi’s meticulous approach to blending aesthetics with cutting-edge technology.

Also Read | Tata EV-Only Showrooms India: Locations, What Makes It Different?

Key Highlights

• Kolkata man’s social media post brings attention to defects in Tata Tiago EV
• Images and videos vividly showcase dents, interior flaws
• Another customer from Bengaluru shares similar grievances about a defective Tata Nexon

Chitrabhanu Pathak’s eagerly anticipated journey into electric vehicle ownership took an unexpected turn as he found himself navigating a series of challenges with his newly purchased Tata Tiago EV XZ Plus Tech LUX. Priced at Rs. 12 lakhs, the dream car quickly transformed into a source of frustration, prompting Pathak to share his ordeal on social media platform X. Also Read | Tesla’s India Entry At Risk: No Subsidies On EV Imports, What’s Next For Elon Musk?

Unveiling Of Issues

Pathak’s post on X served as a visual exposé, showcasing a myriad of problems plaguing his Tata Tiago EV. From dents on the door to structural issues within the vehicle’s interior, the images and videos presented full documentation of the car’s flaws, all recorded during visits to the service center. Notably, the post underscored the unsuccessful attempts at spot welding by the service center to remedy a persistent cranking noise.

Continuous Quality Concerns: A Frustrating Eight-Month Journey

Despite eight months of ownership, Pathak’s dissatisfaction lingered as the videos highlighted strange noises persisting during driving, indicative of unresolved quality concerns. Expressing his dismay, Pathak remarked, “A gift from Tata Motors. An underprepared Tiago EV XZPLUS TECHLUX car from Tata Motors. Paid twelve lakh rupees to get this luxury car, but got a faulty one with major manufacturing defects. Service center spot welded to stop the cranking noise from the car. But all in vain.”

Also Read | Zeekr’s Game-Changing Fast-Charging LFP Battery For EVs Unveiled: Details

Another Customer Shares Defective Tata Nexon Experience

Pathak’s experience is not one incident. Sharath Kumar from Bengaluru echoed similar frustrations after receiving a defective Tata Nexon, priced at Rs. 18.2 lakhs. In an Instagram video, Kumar disclosed unexpected defects that marred the long-awaited delivery of his vehicle, shedding light on the challenges faced by customers dealing with manufacturing discrepancies from Tata Motors.

Also Read | Tata EV-Only Showrooms India: Locations, What Makes It Different?

Key Highlights

• India rejects plans to provide subsidies for Tesla’s imported EVs
• It’s a blow to Elon Musk’s plans in the country
• Tesla remains open to an Indian manufacturing facility

In a setback for Elon Musk’s Tesla, the Indian government has declared that it has no intentions of offering exemptions or subsidies for the import of electric vehicles into the country.

In response to queries about potential exemptions for Tesla or other foreign automakers from local value-addition requirements, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Som Parkash unequivocally stated that the government is not entertaining any such proposals. Also Read | Zeekr’s Game-Changing Fast-Charging LFP Battery For EVs Unveiled: Details

Contradictory Reports Dashed Hopes

Contrary to earlier speculation, recent statements from the government indicate a misalignment between Tesla and Indian authorities on the prospect of tax breaks for electric car manufacturers.

Earlier reports had suggested a consensus between Musk’s Tesla and the Indian government regarding potential tax incentives to encourage EV manufacturing within the country. However, Minister Parkash’s latest reply contradicts these expectations.

Tesla-Indian Government Impasse Unveiled

A year-long impasse between Tesla and the Indian government is now coming to light, with conflicting interests at the forefront.

While Tesla sought reduced taxes to facilitate competitive pricing for its cars manufactured abroad, the Modi government insisted on the company establishing local manufacturing operations. This revelation sheds light on the complexities underlying the negotiations between the two parties.

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Musk’s Commitment Faces Hurdles

Despite Elon Musk’s expressed confidence in bringing Tesla to India after a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the recent government bearing poses challenges.

After meeting with Prime Minister Modi in June, Musk had conveyed his commitment to significant investments in India. However, the government’s refusal to grant subsidies or exemptions on EV imports may hinder Musk’s plans to establish a significant presence in the Indian market.

Tesla’s Conditional Offer For Local Manufacturing

A recent report suggests that Tesla is open to setting up an electric car manufacturing facility in India but with specific conditions.

According to the Economic Times, Tesla is reportedly willing to establish a manufacturing plant in India if the government approves a concessional duty of 15% on imported vehicles during the initial two years of operations. Sources indicate that Tesla has formally approached the Indian government regarding its investment plans and the number of cars it aims to import under the proposed lower duty.

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Key Highlights

• Zeekr launches fast-charging LFP battery
• Zeekr has used NMC batteries from the world’s largest battery maker CATL

Chinese premium EV brand Zeekr, affiliated with Geely Holding Group, has introduced a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery designed to support fast charging. The move reflects a trend among EV manufacturers to reduce dependency on external suppliers for critical components.

Zeekr showcased the battery at Geely’s Zhejiang-based plant, announcing its upcoming 007 sedan as the first model to feature the new batteries. These batteries promise a 15-minute charging time for a 500 km (300 miles) driving range, coupled with an 800-volt electric system. The initiative aligns with industry developments, as competitors like Nio also explore battery spin-offs to manage costs. Also Read | Caught In The Act: Maruti WagonR’s Test Mule, EV Or Facelift?

Strategic Shift: In-House Development Of Fast-Charging Batteries

Zeekr’s decision to develop its LFP battery marks a strategic shift in its approach to EV components. By designing its batteries, the company aims to gain more control over the production process and reduce reliance on external suppliers. This strategic shift aligns with broader trends in the EV market, where manufacturers are seeking ways to enhance vertical integration and secure a competitive edge.

Upcoming Zeekr 007 Sedan To Pioneer LFP Battery Technology

Zeekr’s upcoming 007 sedan is set to lead the pack as the first model equipped with the new LFP batteries. These batteries boast a fast charging capability that allows the vehicle to achieve a 500 km (300 miles) driving range within just 15 minutes. The incorporation of an 800-volt electric system further enhances the vehicle’s performance and aligns with the growing demand for faster charging solutions among EV consumers.

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Nio’s Similar Pursuit Of Battery Technology

Zeekr faces rivals like Nio, which is concurrently developing its battery technologies. Nio’s plans to spin off its battery-making unit underscore the industry’s emphasis on self-sufficiency in critical components. Both Zeekr and Nio are navigating this landscape to secure a competitive advantage, driven by the increasing importance of advanced battery technology in the EV sector.

CATL Collaboration: Past And Present

While Zeekr had previously utilized nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries from CATL for its 001 crossover and 009 multipurpose vehicles, the introduction of in-house-developed LFP batteries signifies a strategic shift. The move away from CATL batteries represents Zeekr’s commitment to innovation and control over key technologies, allowing the company to fit its solutions to specific performance requirements.

Verdict

Zeekr’s unveiling of its fast-charging LFP battery marks a significant milestone in its pursuit of technological leadership in the competitive EV market. The move reflects a broader industry trend of EV manufacturers strategically developing critical components to enhance their competitive positions.

Also Read | 2024 EV Launch Roundup: Top Upcoming Mahindra Electric Cars And SUVs In India