Autocar Professional’s April 1 issue – Green Industry Special – out now

April 1, 2018 marks the third anniversary of the announcement of the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles) India Scheme. A lot has happened in terms of statements that made headlines and boosted the buzz around electric mobility, which has become a key part of every industry player's business strategy in India (and the world). While some some seek clarity even now, most are going ahead nonetheless, just in case the electric mobility wave is big and encompasses the entire mobility industry in India.

Thus, as it happens, Autocar Professional’s annual Green Industry Special Issue has evolved into an electric mobility special bristling with exclusive interviews, in-depth features and industry analysis that should keep you busy for the next fortnight and more. 

With the radical shift underway in the automotive industry worldwide, component suppliers, traditionally reliant on supplying to the internal combustion engine world, have to necessarily rethink their future growth strategy if they are to stay relevant in the new automotive world which is actively plugging into vehicle electrification.

Last month, apex bodies ACMA and SIAM held an industry stakeholders meet in Pune where they called upon component suppliers to introspect their future readiness and prepare for electric mobility. 

The cover story, which details the Roland Berger ‘Study on xEV Market and opportunities for xEV component Manufacturers’ and also the proceedings of the seminar, reveals how Indian suppliers can get future-ready.

In similar vein is the report on the FICCI seminar in New Delhi on ‘Responsible Mobility for Safe, Sustainable and Green Society’ where industry experts proposed a judicious mix of propulsion technologies for greener motoring in India.

The Indian automotive industry currently contributes 7 percent to the country's GDP. Chetan Maini, a pioneer and a strong proponent of electric mobility in India, says, if the industry continues to grow at the same pace, the electric mobility trend could translate into a humungous $150 billion (Rs 947,550 crore) opportunity by 2030. And some more if the energy part of the picture is also counted.

Sun Mobility, the Bangalore-based start-up, founded by Chetan Maini, aims to be the agent of change with its smart mobility ecosystem — swappable batteries, fast interchanging stations and a digitally enabled pay-as-you-go model. 

One of the tech paths proposed for India is partial electrification of the vehicle powertrain through GDI engines along with 48V hybrid-electric technology and use of e-compressors and e-turbochargers. German technology and component major Continental is confident that mild hybrids are the way to go for India.

Meanwhile, not many know that Chinese major BYD, which has introduced its buses in India in partnership with Goldstone Infratech, is exploring setting up an R&D centre to develop technologies for India. And, it could be eyeing the passenger vehicle space too. 

As the buzz around electric vehicles grows louder in a new age of motoring, top-notch reliability will be critical to their acceptance by consumers. As EV industry expert Umesh Krishnappa says, not only do EVs have to meet the active and passive safety norms of a conventional vehicle but they also have to meet additional requirements due to the flow of massive currents within.

At present, a minuscule number of EVs are sold in India and if electric mobility is to pick up traction, a widespread network of reliable and efficient charging stations is imperative. Sensing a new business opportunity, Tata Power, Exicom Power Solutions and Delta Electronics India have entered the EV charging solutions market. We speak to their CEOs to know their game-plan and future growth outlook. 

In what is a clear indication of the seriousness with which the Indian automotive component market is addressing megatrends, the Rs 9,000 crore, 19-company Anand Group is scripting new strategies to grow sustainably in the automotive world which is witnessing changes like never before. In the 'Interview of the Fortnight' Anand Group CEO Deepak Chopra reveals how the large organisation is preparing for new industry megatrends, particularly vehicle electrification which is leading the pace.

There's still plenty more reading material in this first issue of April and the first month of FY2019. Japanese semiconductor manufacturer Rohm, which supplies its silicon carbide chipsets to Tesla, Mahindra Electric and Sun Mobility, is now training its guns on two-wheeler OEMs. We reveal the company's India market strategy. 

That interest in electric two-wheelers is growing, there's little doubt. So when Praveen Kharb, CEO and co-founder, Twenty-Two Motors, says that the recently launched tech-laden Flow electric scooter has received a good initial market response, there's little reason to doubt him.

That isn't to say that conventionally fueled are feeling the pressure. TVS Motor Co recently launched the new, race-derived Apache RTR 160 4V, the most powerful 160cc motorcycle in India. The company is bullish on the latest Apache taking on the Honda Unicorn, CB Hornet 160R, X-Blade, Bajaj Pulsar 160NS, the Suzuki Gixxers and Yamaha's FZ series bikes. 

The 64-page issue has plenty of exciting industry news too, starting with Hero MotoCorp breaking ground on its new plant in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. There's more but that'll be letting the cat out of the bag. . .   

Where to buy?
Autocar Professional  magazine is available through select newsagents and for digital download from Magzster. 

You can also buy one-off copies of Autocar Professional magazine – contact Ganesh at ganesh@haymarket.co.in or write to us at autocarpro@haymarketsac.com. Alternatively, never miss an issue – subscribe to Autocar Professional magazine today.  

Also read: Ashok Leyland lays foundation stone for new EV and bus plant in Andhra Pradesh

Ampere EV's Hemalatha urges Centre to consult industry in policy drafting

EVs and the impact on the automotive value chain

Tata Motors preparing battery pack for long-range electric cars  

Electric two-wheelers to be movers & shakers