Autocar Professional’s February 1 issue is all about electric mobility

If there is one word that gets the automotive fraternity, policy makers and innovation practitioners talking, it’s ‘EVs’ for sure. Be it the topic of new growth drivers for the industry or eco-friendly transportation or just an understanding of the natural progression in the evolution of the automotive industry, the word ‘electric’ is what charges up the chat. That is exactly why Autocar Professional’s first edition of February is an ‘E-mobility Special’.

This 80-page issue is a crisp, comprehensive and creatively curated compilation of the latest development, top trends, analysis, perspective and exclusive interviews.

The making of the Nexon EV
In an exclusive, we visit the Nexon EV plant and bring you the first ever images of the making of the electric vehicle in the Tata’s Pune factory. In a step-by-step progression, find out how the sum of many parts takes shape in the form of India’s bestselling electric four-wheeler.

Shailesh Chandra, President – PVBU, Tata Motors says that Safari and HBX are all in line to be electrified. But that’s not all. Get a copy of our February 1 issue for more details on Tata Motors’ electrification plans.


Bajaj Auto charged up!
Not just for cars, electrification is the buzzword across the industry including the more-in-demand and the low-hanging target – the two-wheelers!
 

Given the encouraging response for its e-scooter, Chetak, Bajaj Auto is now keen to expand its e-mobility presence country-wide. In a special conversation with Autocar Professional, Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director, Bajaj Auto says there are signs of recovery in exports as well as domestic market but at best, the market will be at FY2015 levels. Find out how one of the world’s largest two-wheeler maker is striving to make itself future-ready, not just with an e-scooter but also the thriving bike space.

Cloud connectivity: Sun Mobility and Microsoft 

Range anxiety is one of the biggest concerns with respect to electric vehicles but Sun Mobility is working to address exactly this with a partnership with Microsoft and optimise its battery swapping solutions with Azure solutions.

Chetan Maini, co-founder of Sun Mobility, says that the company’s, “vision is to be a leading provider of energy infrastructure, both in India and globally.”

EVolution of new products
There is hectic activity both from new start-ups and established players in the race to offer new products in the EV space and customers are spoilt for choice –

• In an exclusive interview, Henrik and Geeta Fisker of Fisker Inc said they are targeting an India presence this year and looking to create a sustainable business model.
• Indian start-up Pravaig Dynamics is keen about pushing the envelope in the affordable luxury space. It is readying an electric luxury sedan that will be up for offer on the basis of a subscription model. Full details in this issue.
• In the EV battery space, Israeli energy company StoreDot begins production of ultra-fast lithium-ion batteries that claim to get charged in just 5 minutes. Find out more on how it plans to achieve it.

Skilling India to be future-ready in EVs


It is important to not just make our vehicles future-ready but also the workforce in charge of handling these vehicles. Find out how organisations like Skill-Lync and the Layam Group taking up the challenge? Nikunj Sanghi, the Chairman of the Automotive Skills Development Council, shares his perspective on developing an EV industry-ready workforce

Millionaire a 100 times over 

It’s a good time to take stock on what’s happening in rest of the automobile world-

• It’s been a milestone moment in the history of Hero MotoCorp as the two-wheeler major recently rolled out its 100 millionth vehicle but it’s not one to rest on its laurels. We get you details on how it plans to maintain its supremacy as the market leader and role of partnerships in strengthening its market position.
• French carmaker Renault looks at India with a renewed vision. The company’s CEO Luca de Meo highlights the need to optimise operations in India as he shares the company’s new vision to get onto the growth highway.

Sum of all EV parts
Not just vehicle makers but even component suppliers are taking up the EV challenge –

• EMF Innovation, the Coimbatore-based motor maker, is betting big on import substitution for EV components. Co-founder P Bala says “government subsidy on magnets, battery cells can speed up localisation of EV parts in India.”
• SEG Automotive is busy developing new solutions for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. The company sees a big volume surge in this segment.
• Given the estimated reach of sensorised bearing demand scaling close to the $8 billion mark by 2026, NBC Bearings is busy tapping new opportunities to expand business and latch on to new growth opportunities.

Battery power

• Automotive battery maker, Exide has entered into a joint venture with Swiss company Leclanche to lead the EV race from front.
• Meanwhile GreenFuel is looking to optimise the export route to channelise future growth and take advantage of the gradual base and sentiment shift from China.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This issue is filled to the brim with the top news that’s making waves in the EV space and otherwise. Make sure that you get your copy today, to stay on top of all automotive industry development.

How you can plug into this issue 
Autocar Professional magazine is available through all good newsagents and for download from Magzster. You can also buy one-off copies of Autocar Professional magazine – contact Ganesh at ganesh@haymarketsac.com. Alternatively, never miss an issue – subscribe to Autocar Professional magazine today.