Latest news with #ARAI
NDTV
2 days ago
- Automotive
- NDTV
BGauss Announces Ajay Devgn As The Brand Ambassador For Its E-Scooter Lineup
BGauss announced renowned Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn as its brand ambassador. This partnership marks a key milestone for BGauss as the company expands its presence in India's rapidly growing electric 2-wheeler segment. The brand stated that Devgn's has a compelling screen presence, credibility, and mass appeal, and it will amplify BGauss's message of smart, reliable, and future-ready mobility. On this occasion, Ajay Devgn stated, "BGauss, an Indian brand, is focused on building world-class electric vehicles, and I've associated with them for this meaningful reason. The RUV350 reflects their commitment to quality and innovation and marks a step forward in the journey toward smarter, cleaner mobility." Hemant Kabra, Founder and Managing Director of BGauss, added, "At BGauss, we focus on creating practical and reliable electric mobility designed specifically for Indian roads. Our vehicles embody this commitment. Ajay Devgn's integrity and mass appeal perfectly resonate with our brand ethos, and we believe his partnership will significantly strengthen our reach as we promote sustainable urban mobility." With plans to launch electric cycles and two additional models within the next year, BGauss is set to offer the most diverse range in the EV two-wheeler category. The company is also targeting robust dealership expansion over the next two years to strengthen its retail and service presence pan-India. The BGauss RUV 350 is a strong, smart, sturdy, and comfortable electric scooter built for city and long-distance riding, offering a top speed of 75 km/h and a range of up to 145 km ARAI certified. Powered by a 3500W in-wheel motor and a 3 kWh LFP battery. RUV comes with a metal body and has 16-inch alloy wheels along with boot space. Features like a 5-inch TFT display, turn-by-turn navigation, cruise control, Fall-sense, hill-hold, and regenerative braking make it a stylish, tech-friendly, and comfortable ride. The latest model of the BGauss C12 family comes with a dual tone colour and a TFT screen, which combines features of old C12i models like a 2500W hub motor, 60 km/h top speed, up to 123 km range, and better comfort. It also features a 5-inch TFT screen with 2 themes. It has a 2.9 kWh battery with advanced lithium cells ensuring reliable performance. It carries features like Cruise control, Reverse mode, turn-by-turn navigation, Fall-Sense, regenerative braking, and CBS offer safety and convenience. It is built for both city and suburban roads while delivering the best-in-class tech features. BGauss is supported by prominent investors such as Madhu and Mahaveer Lunawat of Bharat Value Fund and Darshan Patel of Vini Cosmetics.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Govt to operationalise Rs 1-trillion innovation fund in next 3 months
The Rs 1-trillion Research Development and Innovation Fund (ANRM), announced in the July Budget for FY25—with Rs 20,000 crore already allocated—will be operationalised in the next two to three months, a top official said. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had, on February 1, allocated Rs 20,000 crore to the Department of Science and Technology (DST) as a corpus to promote private sector–driven innovation. The Rs 1-trillion fund was first announced in the July 2023 Budget. While the ANRM fund primarily supports academic research, universities, and public research labs, the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) fund under it will be dedicated exclusively to private sector R&D. The DST plans to set up a Deep Tech Fund under this scheme, aimed at building strategic autonomy in critical sectors such as clean energy, electric vehicles (EVs), and advanced materials. 'This fund is not just for start-ups—it is also for corporates and industries, provided they undertake cutting-edge R&D projects. Once operational, the industry is expected to deliver innovative products and help India achieve strategic autonomy in the mobility transition,' said Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST, at the Battery Summit organised by World Resources Institute (WRI) India on Wednesday. DST's budget has grown from ₹2,777 crore in 2014 to ₹28,509 crore in FY26, and gross expenditure on R&D has risen from ₹60,196 crore to ₹1,27,380 crore over the same period. Investment in battery R&D is crucial, as it drives innovation in energy storage, improving battery performance, safety, and cost-efficiency. Research is essential for meeting rising energy demands, transitioning to sustainable transportation, and achieving energy independence. India currently lacks significant reserves of key battery materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, making the country reliant on imports and exposing it to price volatility and geopolitical risks. Meanwhile, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), a government body, will set up an advanced battery lab in the next few months as part of its expansion plan, an ARAI official said. However, he expressed scepticism about its capacity to meet India's full testing needs. ARAI is reportedly planning to invest Rs 100 crore to develop advanced testing labs and infrastructure across the country in 2025. Several of its facilities at the new Mobility Research Centre in Takwe are in the final stages of completion and are expected to be operational this year. ARAI established its first Centre of Excellence for Green Mobility in Chakan, Pune, in 2020. At the Battery Summit, WRI India released a report titled Development of Data Frameworks for Battery Circularity in India, which stressed the urgent need for a unified data framework to improve transparency and collaboration across the battery ecosystem. A battery data framework facilitates the collection and assessment of key data across the battery life cycle using its digital record. This enables seamless, secure, and transparent data exchange among multiple stakeholders in the EV ecosystem. Such a framework benefits supply-chain stakeholders by providing access to data on due diligence, carbon footprint, and material composition. This enables battery manufacturers and automotive OEMs to compare suppliers, enhance sourcing decisions, and mitigate risks associated with raw material sourcing, processing, and trading. Similarly, access to reliable and comparable data on a battery's carbon footprint can help consumers make informed purchase decisions. Further, information on battery composition and state of health (SoH) is particularly valuable in ensuring efficient battery recycling and reuse.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Just bought a new car? Unlock these 8 smart car insurance tricks
With the festive season leading to a spike in new car sales, buyers today are dealing with not just showroom and specifications but also the car insurance landscape that often gets little or no focus. The showroom extravaganza may seem like the star of the show, but it is the insurance policy that can really make or break your savings and ensure you have stress-free years ahead of you. Car insurance is not only a smart move, but it becomes the one thing that matters most as premiums rise and roads get filled with more traffic. So here are some handy car insurance hacks that you must not miss if you want to save your hard-earned money and avoid some common mistakes. Compare Before You Commit One of the most common mistakes buyers make is blindly choosing the insurance policy offered by the car dealer. While convenient, this bundled policy often comes at a higher cost and with limited customisation. Experts recommend using online insurance aggregator platforms to compare premiums, inclusions, and claim settlement ratios before making a decision. Insurers often provide discounts or enhanced features on direct purchases made through their websites or verified brokers. A quick online comparison can result in savings of up to 20% on premiums for the same coverage. Choose the Right Add-Ons A basic comprehensive policy might not be enough, whether you are buying a car or bike insurance, especially in today's unpredictable road conditions. However, overloading your policy with unnecessary add-ons can inflate your premium. The trick is to choose smart. Add-ons like Zero Depreciation Cover, Engine Protection, and Return to Invoice are particularly valuable for new vehicles. Zero Depreciation ensures you get the full value of replaced parts without depreciation deductions, while Engine Protection is vital during monsoons or for cars in flood-prone areas. Return to Invoice bridges the gap between your car's insured value and its invoice price in the event of total loss or theft—ideal for high-value purchases. Opt for a Higher Voluntary Deductible Insurance professionals advise confident drivers to consider choosing a higher voluntary deductible, the portion of a claim the insured agrees to pay themselves. Choosing a higher deductible helps you save on car insurance premiums. Install Anti-Theft Devices Insurance companies favour security. Fitting your car with anti-theft devices approved by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) not only protects your vehicle but also earns you a premium discount of up to 5%. Devices such as GPS trackers, steering locks, gear locks, and electronic immobilisers not only deter theft but also improve your chances during claim settlements in the unfortunate event of a loss. Some policies even offer preferential claim processing for insured vehicles with such fittings. Take Advantage of the No Claim Bonus (NCB) Transferring your No Claim Bonus (NCB) from an old policy to your new one remains one of the simplest ways to save, yet it continues to be widely ignored. 'I've met dozens of customers who didn't know they could retain their NCB,' said Ravi Mehta, who manages a multi-brand car showroom. 'It's heart-breaking when someone with five years of no-claim history ends up paying a full premium simply due to ignorance.' Avoid Small Claims Though it may seem logical to claim insurance for every scratch and dent, experts advise against it. 'One dent, one claim—and you lose the bonus you've built over years,' explained Mehta. 'Paying for minor damages out of pocket keeps your record clean and helps you save more over time.' Review the Insured Declared Value The Insured Declared Value, or IDV, is the maximum amount your insurer will pay if your car is stolen or completely damaged beyond repair. While some policies offer the option to reduce IDV to lower the premium, doing so means compromising your payout in case of a total loss. Go Paperless and Pay Smart Several insurers now offer instant policy issuance through paperless KYC and digital payment methods. Opting for annual payments instead of EMIs or short-term coverage often comes with additional discounts. Also, using credit cards with reward schemes or cashback offers can further enhance your savings on the purchase of car insurance. Final Thoughts With increasing digitisation, buying car insurance has never been easier or more customisable. Yet, it remains one of the most under-optimised areas of vehicle ownership. By understanding your policy, comparing options, and applying a few smart strategies, you can enjoy robust protection without burning a hole in your wallet.
Mint
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Mint
E-buses under PM E-drive to be used now for intercity, tourist travel
Inter-city routes and tourist trails may open up for electric buses which are now confined to cities under a central scheme, two people familiar with the plans said. The ₹10,900-crore PM E-Drive scheme rolled out in September 2024 to expand city transport may soon be expanded for this purpose, the people said on the condition of anonymity. On Friday, the government allotted 10,900 buses under the scheme, which aims at a total of 14,028 buses. 'The allotment announced on 22 May will first be tendered, followed by demand generation and tendering of more electric buses to remaining cities," one of the two people cited above said. 'Then more buses will be deployed for intercity purposes, and for some tourist destinations, for instance, hilly areas." The plan to permit electric buses for intercity travel and tourism purposes will be implemented after the competitive bidding for all cities is completed, the officials mentioned above said. Also read | Govt rushes to find demand for electric trucks under PM E-Drive after bare FY25 Under the scheme, nine cities with over 40 million people are eligible to receive subsidized e-buses, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Surat and Pune. On 22 May, heavy industries minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said Bengaluru will get 4500 electric buses, Hyderabad 2,000, Delhi 2,800, Ahmedabad 1,000, and Surat 600, in the first phase. Tendering of the first phase of buses allotted on 22 May will begin in 4-6 weeks, the second official said. Competitive bidding for the supply of the first phase of buses allotted on 22 May will begin in 4-6 weeks, the second official said. Incentives for each bus sold Typically, the cost of an electric bus is approximately ₹1 crore. Under the PM E-drive scheme, the Centre is planning to dole out a ₹20-35 lakh incentive for every electric bus sold. The development assumes importance as nearly 40% of the scheme is set aside for the rollout of 14,028 electric buses till FY26. Transport-related emissions in cities and along highways currently account for 10-15% of the pollution in our cities, said Viral Thakker, partner & leader - sustainability & climate, Deloitte South Asia. Also read | ARAI likely to plan division of auto testing agencies allocation 'There are several advantages of using buses for intercity travel - a large and efficient network of buses can replace cars and provide alternative transportation options to passengers. Electric buses are also a good addition to tourism locations as India looks to develop a number of sustainable tourism destinations," said Thakker. Subsuming schemes The PM E-drive scheme, announced in September 2024, subsumed the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS), which ran from April 2024 to September 2024. The EMPS and PM E-drive scheme came after a decade of electric mobility incentivization under two iterations of the FAME scheme. FAME stands for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric (and Hybrid) vehicles. The PM E-drive scheme, set to run for two years till the end of FY26, marked a change in the focus of incentivisation of electric mobility, as it focused on incentivising public transportation to become electric, along with a focus on sunrise sectors such as electric trucks and ambulances. It also incentivised electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. The scheme mandates manufacturers to provide electric vehicles to consumers at a lower price. The government then reimburses manufacturers. Also read | More than 6 lakh electric 2, 3-wheelers sold under PM E-Drive scheme since April While electric two- and three-wheelers under the scheme are given direct incentives on purchase, the procedure to incentivize electric buses is little more complex. First, the government gathered demand for electric buses from state governments. After this, it finalized allocation to each city mentioned in the scheme. The next step is to conduct competitive bidding for such buses, where state transport utilities would bid for such buses and secure them at affordable rates.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
EKA Mobility secures automotive PLI certificate for electric bus platform
EKA Mobility has been awarded the Automotive Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Certificate under the Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) Vehicles category by the Automotive Research Association of India ( ARAI ). The certification confirms the company's adherence to the eligibility criteria outlined in the Ministry of Heavy Industries' PLI scheme, which aims to promote the development and manufacturing of electric vehicle platforms in India. ARAI, the designated testing and certification agency under the ministry, issued the certificate for EKA's electric bus platform, recognising its efforts toward indigenisation and alignment with national clean mobility goals. Sudhir Mehta , Founder and Chairman, EKA Mobility, said, 'Securing the Automotive PLI Certificate for the EKA bus platform reflects the evolving readiness of India's EV manufacturing ecosystem to deliver globally benchmarked, locally engineered mobility solutions. The certification affirms the significance of a vertically integrated approach where product development, supply chain localisation, and advanced technology converge to create commercially viable electric vehicles. As India accelerates its transition to sustainable transport, such recognitions help catalyse deeper industry-government collaboration and reinforce the potential of indigenous innovation to lead the shift.' Modular platform The certified electric bus platform is built with a modular structure, allowing configuration across multiple bus lengths based on operational needs. It incorporates a monocoque chassis and lightweight construction, aimed at optimising operational efficiency and cost. According to the company, the platform supports local value addition and is aligned with the objectives of the 'Make in India' initiative. It is developed to enable a low total cost of ownership (TCO), supporting broader EV adoption across commercial transport segments. EKA Mobility continues to focus on the localisation of EV technology and aims to contribute to India's transition towards cleaner transport systems through in-house development and supply chain integration.
