Tag Archives: achieving

FAME Subsidy For EVs Should Be Extended For Another 5 Years: FICCI

The commerce affiliation states that the scheme will assist in attaining the goal of 30 % EV penetration in India

  • The FAME-II scheme was launched in April 2019 and is efficient as much as March 2024.

  • FICCI suggests together with non-public EV patrons within the new FAME-III scheme.

  • Penetration of EVs within the Indian market stands at 5 % at present.

  • Also suggests contemplating hybrid automobiles as a part of the scheme.

The reputation of electric vehicles (EVs) has been on a pointy rise in our market over the previous couple of years, which can also be right down to many manufacturers having launched totally different fashions. Before this surge, the central authorities had rolled out a pan-India incentive scheme known as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric automobiles (FAME). An up to date model, FAME-II, was rolled out in 2019 with a goal to maintain the momentum of mass adoption of EVs. However, with the FAME-II scheme ending in March 2024, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has put forth a proposal suggesting that the Indian authorities carry ahead the FAME scheme for one more 5 years.

What Has FICCI Suggested?

FICCI says sudden withdrawal or discontinuation of the incentives will result in as much as 25 % value enhance of EVs, dissuading potential patrons and even affecting funding within the discipline. As per the organisation, EV penetration within the Indian market at present stands at solely 5 %.

Electric cars

If the inducement schemes proceed for the subsequent 5 years, roughly 30.5 million electrical automobiles could possibly be adopted throughout segments, serving to electrify 30 % of India’s transportation as focused. FICCI said that the subsidies could possibly be lowered and finally discontinued as soon as the value hole between EVs and combustion engines develop into negligible. This shall be achieved because the battery prices proceed happening and costs of EV elements lower over the subsequent 3-5 years.

Other Recommendations By FICCI

Besides the above solutions, FICCI has additionally shared a couple of different inputs:

  1. It has talked about that every one sorts of hybrid automobiles (together with strong- and plug-in hybrids) and hydrogen-powered automobiles have to be included below the FAME-III scheme.
  2. FAME-III ought to deal with extending the advantages to non-public patrons selecting an electrical automotive as nicely.
  3. It additionally highlighted that the calculation of the subsidy ought to proceed to be primarily based on the battery dimension (per kWh) as at present talked about within the FAME-II scheme.

Sulajja Firodia Motwani, chairperson, FICCI EV committee, mentioned, “Favourable insurance policies and particularly the FAME-II scheme of the Government of India has performed a key position in spurring demand by serving to to scale back the upfront costs of EVs. This has helped create a optimistic momentum and encourage EV adoption within the nation. However, whereas we have now nicely begun, we’re nowhere near being half performed. Let us not overlook that the present value premium of EV vis-à-vis ICE with none subsidy continues to be substantial, starting from 40 % to as excessive as 130 % for numerous segments. Given this actuality, the continuation of demand incentive or subsidy is crucial and important to assist scale back this value hole. Fame-III is required to spur continued curiosity from prospects in EVs and enhance penetration over the subsequent few years.

Also Read: All The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Buying A New Car At The End Of A Calendar Year

A Recap Of FAME-II Scheme

The FAME-II scheme was launched in April 2019 and was initially supposed to finish by March 2022 however the Indian authorities pushed again the deadline by two years (on account of COVID-19) to March 31, 2024. It covers hybrids and electrical automobiles, however largely tilted to favour the latter.

Tata Tiago EV

It had a funds of Rs 10,000 crore to subsidise the price of shopping for an electrical automobile. This would cowl subsidising 55,000 electrical 4-wheelers having Li-ion batteries, 10 lakh electrical 2-wheelers, 5 lakh 3-wheelers and seven,000 buses had been additionally eligible for the inducement over a interval of three years. In the case of 4-wheelers, incentives have majorly been supplied to business automobiles and people used for public transportation.

While these are solely a number of the solutions made by FICCI, it stays to be seen which of those shall be considered by the Indian authorities whereas formulating the FAME-III scheme. Which of those do you suppose must be included within the last incentive scheme? Drop your solutions within the feedback.

Toyota To Recycle Batteries From Old Hybrids For Use In New Cars

In a new move towards achieving circularity in the battery ecosystem, Toyota has joined forces with Redwood Materials to bolster its existing recycling agreement. The collaboration aims to establish sustainable pathways for the disposal of automotive batteries from Toyota’s electrified vehicles that have reached the end of their operational life.

Simply put, the battery of your old Prius could be used in your new electrified Crown Signia. Or, at least, parts of it. Extending the existing partnership, Toyota will now procure cathode and anode copper foil from Redwood’s recycling activities, contributing to its own upcoming automotive battery production. The partnership was originally announced last year.

The Japanese manufacturer anticipates a growth in its automotive battery recycling needs, particularly as more of its electrified vehicles, including the first-generation Prius models introduced over two decades ago, approach the end of their life cycle. With a significant portion of Toyota’s retiring fleet located in California, many of those cars could end up at Redwood’s Nevada recycling facility. The new ecosystem the two companies are forming is expected to recycle, remanufacture, and repurpose around 5 million operating units in the coming years.

The collaboration is part of Toyota’s ambitious sustainability goals. The automotive giant aims to achieve carbon neutrality for its global operations by 2035 and extend the same status to its vehicles by 2050. An integral part of this plan – at least in North America – is the use of recycled materials in future battery production at Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina (TBMNC), set to be operational in 2025. 

Redwood Materials, in turn, is expanding its Northern Nevada facility and breaking ground on its second Battery Materials Campus outside Charleston, South Carolina. It aims to recycle, refine, and manufacture battery materials, targeting an annual production scale of 100 GWh. As outlined in the agreement, Redwood will provide materials with a minimum of 20 percent recycled nickel, 20 percent recycled lithium, and 50 percent recycled cobalt for cathode production, along with a focus on recycled copper for anode copper foil. 

Toyota’s Unique Approach to Hydrogen-Powered Land Cruiser with Combustion Engine

Toyota is dedicated to achieving zero emissions without completely phasing out the internal combustion engine. While some car manufacturers like Porsche are focusing on the development and production of synthetic fuels, Toyota has a different strategy. It aims to adapt traditional internal combustion engines to run on hydrogen. The turbocharged 1.6-liter engine of the GR Yaris and GR Corolla has already been tested in motorsport events as part of this initiative.

Besides the hot hatches, the HiAce van has also undergone modifications to run on hydrogen instead of gasoline or diesel. The utilitarian van is part of a pilot program in Australia, where various local companies will test the vehicles in real-world conditions. The van is powered by a turbocharged V6 engine borrowed from the Land Cruiser (LC300), with output sent to the rear axle through a ten-speed automatic transmission.

BMW iX5 Hydrogen: Everything You Need To Know

BMW unveiled the hydrogen-powered iX5 in 2022, as part of its commitment to sustainable mobility. BMW joins other companies like Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai in exploring the potential of hydrogen-cell-powered vehicles. The BMW iX5 is an SUV that offers fast and efficient performance without the need for lengthy battery charging. Refueling is done at hydrogen stations, similar to traditional gasoline vehicles. BMW is preparing for a future where hydrogen-cell-powered vehicles may become dominant, and they are currently hand-building 100 test versions of the iX5 at their Munich factory.

Related: Automakers Deeply Invested In Hydrogen-powered Cars

The BMW iX5 Makes Nearly 400 Horses

White BMW iX5 Hydrogen
BMW
Rear shot of BMW iX5 Hydrogen on a test drive in the freezing temperatures of northern Sweden

The BMW iX5 combines fifth-generation fuel cell technology with an electric motor, making 395 horsepower and 524 pound-feet of torque. This SUV can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in six seconds. It offers an impressive 313-mile range according to the European cycle, or about 250 miles as per the stricter EPA ratings. The iX5 can be refueled in just three to four minutes, similar to a traditional gasoline vehicle. These features make fuel cell technology a promising option that offers both power and range. The iX5 is currently undergoing testing in harsh winter conditions in northern Sweden, demonstrating its safety and performance in low temperatures.

Related: Hydrogen Electric Vehicles: The Next Big Thing In The Automotive Industry?

It Is An X5 With A Different Heart

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen's interior
BMW
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen’s interior

The BMW iX5 is based on the X5 model. It features the iconic kidney grill with a blue accent and a closed-off design for improved aerodynamics. The SUV is equipped with sleek headlights, big intakes, and aerodynamic 22-inch wheels with blue accents. The flared arches give it a sporty look, and it has ‘BMW I Hydrogen Fuel Cells’ stickers to distinguish it from the regular X5. The iX5 also has frameless doors, flush door handles, and an aggressive rear design. The interior follows a blue accent theme on the dashboard, gear lever, and door panels, creating a luxurious and well-designed cabin. It features two screens for the driver and infotainment, and it is expected to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Related: 10 Reasons To Get Excited About Hydrogen Electric Vehicles

The Promise Of Hydrogen Fuel Cells

BMW iX5 Hydrogen in white
BMW
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen getting refueled

Hydrogen fuel cell technology offers several advantages over electric and gasoline-powered vehicles. It provides a long-range, quick refueling times, and emits only water vapor as a byproduct. However, there are challenges related to hydrogen fueling infrastructure and the cost of obtaining hydrogen. Despite these challenges, the ongoing investment in hydrogen fuel cell technology suggests that it has the potential to become a viable and accessible option in the future. Just like electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell technology may overcome its limitations with further advancements and become a promising solution for carbon-neutral transportation. BMW’s rigorous winter testing and research efforts demonstrate their commitment to being a market leader in fuel cell technology when it becomes more widely available.