Jupiter Electric Mobility to debut zero-emission CVs at Auto Expo 2023

Jupiter Electric Mobility (JEM), the EV division of Jupiter Wagons Ltd, a leading manufacturer of wagons, brake systems and brake discs for high-speed passenger coaches and railway and engineering equipment, is to display and launch its commercial electric vehicles (CEVs) at the upcoming Auto Expo – The Motor Show 2023 on January 12.

The two CEVs, which will be showcased, will be in the light CV (LCV) and medium CV (MCV) categories. The company has issued teaser images of the 2.2 electric LCV and the 7-tonne MCV. Jupiter Electric Mobility plans to undertake end-to-end production in India and establish service facilities in key markets to expand into aftersales requirements for a seamless customer experience.

JEM has already inked partnerships with firms in the EV market like advanced battery solutions provider Log 9 Materials, American Axle and others. The company is focusing specifically on the e-LCV and e-MCV segments.

The products’ reveal will come around seven months after Jupiter Wagons entered the India EV market with Jupiter Electric Mobility, a joint venture with EA GreenPower, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GreenPower Motor Company Inc, a leading US-based manufacturer and distributor of zero-emission, electric-powered, medium and heavy-duty vehicles.

It was on May 23, 2022 that GreenPower Motor Company had announced that it had entered into a JV with the Jupiter Wagon Group to bring select GreenPower all-electric vehicles to the Indian market.

“GreenPower has joined forces with Jupiter Wagon Group to bring GreenPower’s EV Star CC to the Indian Market,” stated Brendan Riley, GreenPower President. “We are excited to work with Jupiter to conform (homologate) a right-hand-drive version of the vehicle that is already proven and popular in North America. Both GreenPower and Jupiter believe that this zero-emission, battery electric platform is exactly what is needed for India to both provide a clean air solution and a cost-effective way to move people and goods. This collaboration leverages the proven EV prowess of GreenPower and the manufacturing and distribution strength of JWL.”

The JV also marks GreenPower Motor’s entry into India, focus on ECVs for India and other markets. GreenPower Motor’s overall aim is to launch products in the passenger transit and cargo markets in the next two years and also plans to shift its manufacturing hub to India from China and export from here to global markets. The company has also opened an office in Hyderabad.

“With our JV with GreenPower Motors, we seek to align the technology assets of both organisations by generating safety and sustainability in the EV market. The GreenPower ECVs will allow us to satisfy a wide range of unmet business needs," stated Vivek Lohia, Director, Jupiter Wagons Group.

The EV Star Cab and Chassis Right Hand Drive has a standard battery pack of 62.5 kWh providing a payload of 4,095kg with a 150km range or an optional battery pack of 118 kWh with payload of 3,675kg and a range of 250 kilometres.

Key product highlights
As per GreenPower Motor, the EV Star Cab and Chassis Right Hand Drive (EV Star CC RHD) is a purpose-built multi-utility zero-emissions vehicle with a standard battery pack of 62.5 kWh providing a payload of 4,095 kilograms with a range of 150 kilometres or an optional battery pack of 118 kWh providing a payload of 3,675 kilograms with a range of 250 kilometres.

As per information on the Green Power Motor website, the EV Star Cab and Chassis is 283 inches (7188mm) long, 78 inches (1981mm) wide, 93 inches (2362mm tall) and has a 170-inch (4318mm) wheelbase. This electric CV has a top speed of 68mph / 109kph.

The company states that the EV Star Cab and Chassis accommodates a wide variety of mid and last-mile delivery needs while maintaining the benefits of being a zero-emission vehicle.

Targeting logistics, e-commerce and FMCG companies
With demand picking up for electric commercial vehicles in India, JEM will focus on the B2B business by targeting logistics businesses, e-commerce companies and also FMCG manufacturers. In June, the company had said that it “intends to invest Rs 200 crore” in its operations and that “JEM will work with GreenPower Motor to undertake end-to-end production in India and establish service facilities in key markets to expand to aftersales requirements for a seamless customer experience.”