Latest news with #Combustion
Time of India
25-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Duty concessions to UK only on large petrol, diesel vehicles, high-priced EVs: Official
India has provided duty concessions to the UK auto exporters only on large petrol and diesel vehicles and high-priced EVs, while protecting sensitive segments of the domestic automotive industry especially mid and small cars and low-priced EVs under the trade pact, an official said. No concessions are given to electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered vehicles in the first five years of the agreement. The pact, officially called Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), was signed in London on Thursday in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer. As per the pact, tariffs on automotive imports will go from about 110 per cent at present to 10 per cent under quotas on both sides. The offered quota and duty reduction is more on the large engine capacity categories (above 3,000 cc petrol / 2,500 cc diesel). "It ensures the domestic sector sufficient time to expand, innovate, and enhance global competitiveness in our area of strength in small (up to 1,500 cc) and mid segment (1,500-3,000 cc petrol / up to 2,500 cc diesel," the official said adding the duty reduction to 10 per cent will be done in over five years with quota. Out of quota duty reduction is 50 per cent in over 10 years. "The concession framework is designed to provide market access to UK exporters mostly on large engine size ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles and high price range EVs while simultaneously protecting sensitive segments of India's automotive industry (mid and small size engine capacity ICE vehicles and mid and low price range EVs)," the official said. As per the details of the agreement, the number of vehicles from ICE engines shall get deducted by the number of EV vehicles getting concessions in sixth year onwards to maintain the total quota volume of 37,000 units at the end of 15 years of duty concession. For vehicles priced below British Pound 40,000 (CIF), no market access is provided, ensuring complete protection for the mass-market EV segment in which India seeks global leadership. Market access in EV is given mostly in high-priced vehicles priced above British Pound 80,000 (CIF). "India has secured market access to the tune of four times of its concession given to UK on EV in UK market," the government official said adding India has extended a structured and balanced market access offer to the UK in the automobile sector under the trade agreement. India's commitment is calibrated, phased, and development-oriented quota based liberalization strategy. This offer pertains exclusively to Completely Built Units (CBUs) of passenger vehicles encompassing Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles as well as electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How electric LCVs are powering India's real economy and driving impact from the ground up
India's economic growth story is, at its core, a sustainable logistics story. As GDP expands and consumption patterns evolve rapidly, the efficient movement of goods has become very crucial in serving as the infrastructure that underpins economic momentum. The logistics sector, which contributes approximately 14 per cent to India's GDP, powers everything from rural–urban trade flows to the e-commerce deliveries driving consumption-led growth. While transportation efficiency is essential, the true impact of logistics lies in its ability to enable economic inclusion. When goods move quickly and affordably, small businesses gain access to wider markets, rural entrepreneurs can reach urban consumers, and economic opportunities begin to flow across regions. India's logistics backbone will ultimately determine whether growth remains confined to urban centres or spreads inclusively across the country's diverse geographies. The Role of Last-Mile Mobility in Logistics Within the logistics value chain, last-mile delivery represents both the most critical and most expensive segment. Last-mile operations handle the crucial final delivery phase across urban and semi-urban India, connecting warehouses and distribution centres directly to consumers and businesses. Critically, the rupee per kilometre cost is highest in last-mile operations, making this segment a priority area for cost optimisation. This high-cost, high-impact segment serves an extraordinarily diverse user base: micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), rural entrepreneurs building their first businesses, individual delivery drivers, and large logistics players managing extensive fleets. The economic health of millions of small-scale operators depends on last-mile efficiency and affordability. Ground Realities: Challenges with Traditional Vehicles Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles have served India's logistics needs for decades, but several challenges are becoming increasingly apparent in today's operating environment. High emissions from commercial vehicles create environmental pressures, particularly in high-density commercial corridors where these vehicles operate intensively. Rising fuel costs add unpredictability to business operations, making financial planning difficult for small operators working on thin margins. Productivity challenges emerge from maintenance requirements, driver fatigue from noise and vibration, and the overall operational complexity of ICE systems. For micro-entrepreneurs and small fleet owners, these factors translate into business risks through cost unpredictability and reduced operational efficiency. Opportunities: Why EVs Are a Game Changer Electric Light Commercial Vehicles (e-LCVs) address these challenges while creating new opportunities for economic growth. Lower total cost of ownership is the most significant benefit. On average, our SWITCH IeV3 and SWITCH IeV4 models operate at just ₹2 per kilometre, compared to ₹7 for diesel alternatives. This substantial cost advantage translates to savings of around ₹15,000 per month for operators covering 3,000 kilometres per month, thereby transforming business economics for small-scale operators. Higher productivity emerges from reduced maintenance requirements, lower driver fatigue, and operational simplicity. Electric vehicles provide connectivity and predictability, enabling better business planning and reinvestment strategies. For micro-entrepreneurs and fleet operators, these improvements can mean the difference between subsistence operations and sustainable business growth. Driving Real-World Impact: Voices from the Ground Real stories from MSME leaders who are transforming their operations with SWITCH's electric mobility solutions. In the poultry industry, a business with over two decades of experience adopted the SWITCH IeV3 to manage daily operations across nearly 190 km. The switch from diesel brought down running costs from ₹3,600 per day to just ₹230, resulting in monthly savings of over ₹38,000 and nearly ₹4.5 lakh annually. Beyond cost, the vibration-free ride significantly reduced egg breakage during transport, directly enhancing revenue. In the healthcare supply sector, a Bengaluru-based enterprise distributing medical-grade plastic products to hospitals and labs saw its logistics costs cut by nearly 50% after integrating the SWITCH IeV3. Annual savings now exceed ₹2.5–3 lakh. With minimal servicing needs and 50% fewer breakdowns than diesel counterparts, delivery reliability has sharply improved. Notably, the vehicle's intuitive dual-mode drive system (Drive/Sport) has empowered more women to join the driving workforce, resulting in an increase in women drivers within the fleet. These stories underscore the true power of electric mobility when it's thoughtfully designed and precisely delivered. From cutting emissions and operational costs to increasing workforce inclusivity and enhancing business resilience, the SWITCH IeV3 is redefining last-mile logistics. The Ecosystem Enablers: What's Powering the EV Shift? Four key enablers are driving EV adoption in the LCV space, creating a comprehensive transformation rather than isolated technological change. Economics (TCO Advantage): The shift to EVs offers significant cost savings, not only in fuel but also in maintenance, leading to improved long-term ROI. This substantial reduction in total cost of ownership (TCO) is transforming the economics of operations, especially for small-scale and fleet-based businesses. OEM Innovations: The market now offers diverse product choices specifically tailored to logistics, last-mile, and cargo use cases. Manufacturers are developing modular architectures, fast-charging capabilities, and payload-optimised designs that address real operational requirements rather than adapting passenger vehicle technology. Government Support: Both state and central governments are playing a catalytic role in accelerating adoption: State-Level Incentives: Demand-based subsidies for three- and four-wheeler commercial EVs are being actively considered. States like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Odisha are moving toward offering dedicated incentives for four-wheeler eLCVs, thereby reducing the initial acquisition barrier for fleet operators. Central Schemes: Programs like the PM-eBus Sewa and e-AMRIT are supporting the expansion of charging infrastructure and EV ecosystem readiness. Market Readiness & User Acceptance: As more drivers, entrepreneurs, and businesses gain real-world experience with EVs, confidence in electric mobility is rising. Practical exposure to improved reliability, lower operational costs, and the growing support network is fostering faster acceptance across use cases. Environmental Impact & Policy Relevance Light Commercial Vehicles make up ~60 per cent of total commercial vehicles, making their electrification critical for emission reduction goals. Our own electric vehicle deployments have already achieved 150 million green kilometres and saved 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Scaling this across India's LCV and Bus fleet could eliminate ~170 billion litres of crude oil consumption by 2030, representing ~12 Bn USD in foreign exchange savings while dramatically improving air quality. The environmental impact amplifies in commercial corridors where vehicles operate longer hours and cover greater distances. Electrifying this segment delivers disproportionate environmental benefits while serving the economy's most productive elements. A Positive Outlook Electric LCVs represent far more than a technological shift, they are a catalyst for economic inclusion, employment generation, and environmental responsibility. The convergence of compelling economics, supportive policies, and market readiness positions electric LCVs as the foundation for India's sustainable logistics transformation. This transformation directly serves India's economic growth aspirations. When logistics costs decrease and efficiency improves, the benefits cascade through entire value chains: rural producers access urban markets more affordably, small businesses expand their service areas, and new entrepreneurship opportunities emerge across diverse geographies. As India's logistics sector evolves, electric LCVs will power not just the movement of goods, but the democratisation of economic opportunity. The vehicles connecting warehouses to doorsteps, farms to markets, and small businesses to consumers are becoming the infrastructure for inclusive economic growth—proving that sustainability and economic development aren't competing priorities, but complementary forces driving India's next phase of expansion.
The Star
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
BIMB Securities remains 'neutral' on EV adoption outlook
PETALING JAYA: The future of the electric vehicles (EV) market in the country looks promising as structural incentives and increasing ESG awareness provide a supportive backdrop for long-term electrification. But underinvestment in distribution infrastructure presents a structural bottleneck, said BIMB Securities Research. The absence of proactive upgrades in substations and feeder lines, particularly in high-density urban and legacy residential areas, continue to constrain home-charging scalability. Until grid resilience improves materially, EV uptake may remain biased towards landed homes or public charging networks, delaying broader adoption. In this context, BIMB said, it sees selective upside for contractors exposed to grid enhancement projects and power distribution assets, while turning cautious on EV original equipment manufacturers and charging infrastructure players with concentrated exposure to the residential segment. It retains its 'neutral' stance on both the automotive sector and Malaysia's EV adoption outlook. Within its coverage, it maintains 'hold' calls for Sime Darby Bhd and MBM Resources Bhd , while reiterating its 'sell' call on Bermaz Auto Bhd . Its target price for the three stocks are RM1.76, RM4.30 and 65 sen a share respectively. Despite offering EV models across the board, it continues to favour Sime Darby for its balanced exposure, anchored by strong EV traction from BYD and BMW, and resilient Internal Combustion Engine volumes via Perodua. This diversified product mix enables Sime Darby to ride both ends of the adoption curve, supporting earnings stability as the market transitions. In contrast, Bermaz Auto's narrower model range and higher premium bias limit its relative defensiveness in a more price-sensitive and infrastructure-constrained EV landscape. To ensure that EV adoption can scale sustainably, Malaysia must undertake several key actions, said BIMB. First, a comprehensive mapping and stress-testing exercise should be conducted to identify weak substations and prioritise them for upgrades. Secondly, it suggested, public-private funding mechanisms should be mobilised, particularly involving government-linked companies and institutional investors, to finance grid modernisation efforts. Thirdly, the development of a domestic battery recycling industry should be incentivised to manage end-of-life battery waste and enable second-life usage. Finally, the adoption of smart load management technologies should be encouraged, particularly for home and commercial EV chargers. These systems can balance power draw across time and location, reducing peak stress on the grid. It adds that Malaysia's current electricity generation capacity stands at 27,288MW, and is projected to rise to 40,000MW by 2029. However, generation is not the primary bottleneck, the real pressure point lies in the distribution segment. Substations and feeder lines, particularly in mature urban areas, are not equipped to support EV charging loads ranging from 11–20kW per household. The issue becomes more acute when multiple households charge their vehicles concurrently, resulting in localised demand spikes that risk overloading transformers and causing power disruptions.
The Independent
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Red Bull could drop to Williams's F1 level in 2026, says former race winner
Former F1 race winner Juan Pablo Montoya believes Red Bull could drop to the midfield next year when new regulations are likely to shake-up the running order in the sport. New engine and chassis rules in 2026 will favour teams with strong power units, with Mercedes rumoured to be the leading manufacturer as teams ready themselves for a new era in Formula One. Power units will have a reduced ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) output and a more powerful electric motor, while cars will also run on fully sustainable fuels. The DRS overtaking function will also be removed, with 'active aerodynamics' and a 'manual override mode' set to aid overtaking. For the first time, Red Bull are developing their own power unit for '26 – in partnership with Ford, forming Red Bull-Ford powertrains – and ex-Williams and McLaren driver Montoya says this could mean Christian Horner's team drop down the pecking order. 'They have an engine power unit for next year that nobody knows how good it is at this point,' Montoya, a seven-time F1 race winner, said. 'Red Bull next year could be running where Williams is running [this year, fifth].' Montoya also gave his thoughts on Max Verstappen 's future, with Red Bull's star driver being heavily linked with a move to Mercedes or Aston Martin. The four-time world champion does have a contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028. 'The hard thing is, McLaren just re-signed Piastri,' Montoya said, in partnership with Instant Casino. 'Would Toto get rid of Antonelli to accommodate Max? Or would you get rid of George? I don't know how clear the option is there. 'Basically, if Max went to Mercedes, whoever left Mercedes would go to Red Bull, in my opinion. 'If you had to make a decision tomorrow, would you get rid of George? George has been a Mercedes guy for a long time. It's not like the only eyes were for Antonelli. 'And Antonelli's done a very good job being a rookie. So the question is, do you want to pair George with Max? Do you want to pair Max with Antonelli? Or you decide to stay where you are and don't take Max? That could happen. 'I know Toto was desperate to have Max last year. Is he still desperate this year to have Max? I'm not so sure.' Mercedes boss Toto Wolff insisted at the last race in Saudi Arabia he is not interested in signing Verstappen, admitting he is happy with his current driver pairing of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. On the same weekend, it was reported in Italian media that Aston – who now have ex-Red Bull designer Adrian Newey working on their 2026 car – have made a £228m offer to sign Verstappen. Verstappen is currently third in the drivers' standings, 12 points off championship leader Oscar Piastri, ahead of the next race in Miami (2-4 May).
