Latest news with #EV-specific
The Sun
7 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Proton e.MAS 7 Continues Reign as Malaysia's Top-Selling EV
PROTON New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET), a subsidiary of Proton, has reaffirmed its dominance in Malaysia's electric vehicle sector with the continued success of the Proton 7. The all-electric SUV maintained its position as the best-selling EV in the country for the sixth month running, having recorded 4,003 cumulative deliveries in the first half of 2025. This performance accounts for a commanding 23.4% share of the national EV market. The consistent domestic uptake of the 7 has been complemented by a growing international footprint. PRO-NET confirmed that 250 units of the model have been exported to emerging markets, including its latest entry into Trinidad and Tobago. These developments point to the 7's broader appeal beyond Malaysia's borders, reinforcing its role as a viable global contender in the EV space. The model's sustained popularity has been attributed to Proton's steadfast pricing strategy across both 7 variants, underlining its long-term value for consumers. Instead of engaging in aggressive discounting tactics, the company has prioritised customer trust and satisfaction. In preparing the 7 for Malaysian roads, Proton undertook extensive development efforts. The car's engineering programme spanned more than 700,000 man-hours and over 100,000 kilometres of real-world testing. These efforts were critical in fine-tuning the EV for local conditions, from road surfaces to climate patterns. Proton's broader commitment to environmental goals was also evident, with the 7 playing a central role in aligning with Malaysia's target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. PRO-NET's groundwork extended far beyond product development. The company launched a nationwide EV dealership network nearly a year before the 7's commercial debut. Each of the 35 dedicated outlets received an investment exceeding RM2 million, resulting in state-of-the-art facilities equipped with EV-specific tools, service bays, and DC charging stations. This expansive network has also generated over 700 jobs, contributing to both the local economy and technical workforce development. To support its retail partners, PRO-NET continues to offer a structured support system that includes dealership launch assistance, investment incentives, and performance-based recognition programmes. These measures are designed to ensure consistent service quality and a superior customer experience across the board. Efforts to bolster the EV ecosystem have also advanced significantly. PRO-NET's collaboration with various charging point operators has expanded the Live Integrated Charging Map to encompass more than 3,300 charging stations nationwide. This includes over 1,100 charging points installed at 390 high-rise residential developments, a move facilitated by an earlier Memorandum of Understanding signed with Gentari in 2022. Today, the network includes 10 major charging operators such as JomCharge, Shell Recharge, DC Handal, and Charge N Go, among others. Internally, PRO-NET has grown from a small startup team in 2022 to a fully-formed organisation with divisions dedicated to sales, marketing, product development, and EV infrastructure. This structural expansion has played a pivotal role in sustaining the momentum behind the 7, positioning PRO-NET at the forefront of Malaysia's transition to cleaner mobility. In a bid to encourage more Malaysians to adopt electric mobility, PRO-NET recently introduced the Power Exchange programme. The initiative allows customers to trade in any vehicle—regardless of brand or age—for an RM5,000 bonus towards the purchase of an 7. Vehicles submitted for trade-in will undergo inspection and require approval before being accepted into the programme. With a strong product, robust infrastructure, and expanding international reach, the Proton 7 has firmly established itself as a symbol of Malaysia's electric future—delivering not only innovation and performance but also a credible step toward achieving a more sustainable automotive landscape.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Kia Carens Clavis EV bookings commence today: Booking amount, variants & more
Kia India has officially opened bookings for its first mass-market electric car in India, the Carens Clavis EV. The model comes at a starting price of Rs Rs 17.99 lakh, ex-showroom, and is now available for bookings with a token amount of Rs 25,000 through authorised dealerships or Kia's official website. Here's a quick look at the details. Kia Carens Clavis EV: Key highlights The Carens Clavis EV is being offered in two trims: HTX and HTX Plus. In terms of design, the model more or less looks similar to its recently-launched ICE sibling but gets EV-specific touches such as a closed-off grille, refreshed dual-tone aero-optimised wheels, LED light bar, and a charging port mounted at its nose. Kia Carens Clavis first drive review: Carens facelift or more | TOI Auto by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo Under the hood, or rather, under the floor are two battery options . The Standard Range trims get a 42 kWh battery, delivering an ARAI-certified range of 404 km. The Long Range (LR) version, on the other hand, draws power from a 51.4kWh unit, and delivers up to 490 km on a single charge. Both variants feature a front-mounted motor, with the LR version producing 170 hp and 255 Nm of torque. In terms of features, this electric MPV gets a panoramic sunroof, dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ventilated front seats, a powered driver's seat, wireless phone charging, and V2L support allowing the EV to power external devices. In terms of safety, the Carens Clavis EV comes equipped with six airbags, electronic stability control, ABS, hill-start assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, and disc brakes on all four wheels as standard. Higher variants also get Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, and a virtual engine sound system to alert pedestrians. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India .
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Battery loans: New age EV financiers charge up
A new wave of startups and financiers is reshaping how electric commercial vehicles (EVs) are funded in India, as early signs of scale emerge in a segment once seen as too niche or risky for institutional capital. From battery subscription models to flexible EMIs and first-loss guarantee partnerships , lenders are adapting financing structures to match the economics of EVs and the credit realities of small commercial operators . Innovative approaches now cater to EV-specific needs. Some lenders offer battery subscriptions, allowing buyers to pay per use-like fuel-instead of bearing the entire upfront battery cost. Others provide flexible EMIs that vary based on vehicle usage, easing repayment stress for driver-owners with variable incomes. Additionally, several startups are partnering with NBFCs through first-loss guarantee (FLDG) structures, where startups cover a portion of defaults, helping de-risk lending to customers without formal credit histories. At the forefront is VidyutTech , which separates EV chassis and battery financing. "In an ICE vehicle, fuel is an operating expense. But in an EV, the battery-30-40% of the vehicle cost-is prepaid fuel. "This shifts the depreciation curve and risk," said co-founder Xitij Kothi. Vidyut offers fixed EMIs for the vehicle and per-kilometre battery charging. Mufin Green Finance , managing an AUM of Rs 1,100 crore, deployed over Rs 800 crore in EV financing , much of it focused on battery-only loans. "Many buyers pay upfront for the vehicle and finance only the battery, which is 30-40% of the cost," said chief business officer Dhiraj Agrawal. Mufin's battery finance portfolio stands at Rs 70-Rs 80 crore and is expected to grow as this model gains traction. Pay-per-use structures address key ownership anxieties for EV buyers, especially individual drivers. "About 35-40% of our customers have no formal credit history. We do physical verification, involve co-applicants, and assess viability before underwriting," said Kothi.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Battery loans: New age EV financiers charge up
Representative image BENGALURU: A new wave of startups and financiers is reshaping how electric commercial vehicles (EVs) are funded in India, as early signs of scale emerge in a segment once seen as too niche or risky for institutional capital. From battery subscription models to flexible EMIs and first-loss guarantee partnerships, lenders are adapting financing structures to match the economics of EVs and the credit realities of small commercial operators. Innovative approaches now cater to EV-specific needs. Some lenders offer battery subscriptions, allowing buyers to pay per use-like fuel-instead of bearing the entire upfront battery cost. Others provide flexible EMIs that vary based on vehicle usage, easing repayment stress for driver-owners with variable incomes. Additionally, several startups are partnering with NBFCs through first-loss guarantee (FLDG) structures, where startups cover a portion of defaults, helping de-risk lending to customers without formal credit histories. At the forefront is VidyutTech, which separates EV chassis and battery financing. "In an ICE vehicle, fuel is an operating expense. But in an EV, the battery-30-40% of the vehicle cost-is prepaid fuel. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo "This shifts the depreciation curve and risk," said co-founder Xitij Kothi. Vidyut offers fixed EMIs for the vehicle and per-kilometre battery charging. Mufin Green Finance, managing an AUM of Rs 1,100 crore, deployed over Rs 800 crore in EV financing, much of it focused on battery-only loans. "Many buyers pay upfront for the vehicle and finance only the battery, which is 30-40% of the cost," said chief business officer Dhiraj Agrawal. Mufin's battery finance portfolio stands at Rs 70-Rs 80 crore and is expected to grow as this model gains traction. Pay-per-use structures address key ownership anxieties for EV buyers, especially individual drivers. "About 35-40% of our customers have no formal credit history. We do physical verification, involve co-applicants, and assess viability before underwriting," said Kothi. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
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Business Standard
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Tesla drives into India with ACKO as its EV insurance partner: What to know
As Tesla gears up to enter the Indian market, it's not just the cars that promise to be sleek, smart, and futuristic—the insurance experience is getting a high-tech upgrade too. ACKO General Insurance has been selected as Tesla's preferred insurance partner in India, setting the stage for a new kind of digital-first auto coverage, built specifically for electric vehicles (EVs) and the people who drive them. With this collaboration, Tesla buyers in India will have access to a fully integrated insurance experience, embedded seamlessly into the car-purchasing process. From getting a quote to filing a claim, everything will be digital, paperless, and streamlined—a far cry from the traditional, form-heavy insurance model most Indian customers are used to. 'Tesla didn't just build a car—they rebuilt the idea of what a car is. At ACKO, we asked ourselves: can we do the same for insurance?' said Animesh Das, MD & CEO, ACKO GI. 'The result is something quiet, responsive, and human—just like how the best tech should feel.' This integrated model may help lower the total cost of EV ownership, encourage faster adoption, and bring clarity to EV-specific insurance needs—such as battery replacement, software-related issues, and charging station support. What you should know about ACKO: Over 78 million unique customers 1+ billion policies issued Embedded partnerships with OYO, Zomato, redBus, Urban Company, and more Zero-paperwork insurance across health, auto, travel, and life India's first Flexi Term Life Plan launched in 2023 Health insurance collaborations with startups like Swiggy, Razorpay, and CRED, insuring 8+ lakh lives ACKO has a stronghold in mobility and gadget insurance, making it well-positioned to understand the digitally connected, tech-forward lifestyle of Tesla buyers. For potential Tesla buyers and EV enthusiasts: Embedded insurance could bring cost transparency and convenience ACKO's app-first model will likely reduce claim settlement time and service delays Buyers may enjoy customized policies designed for electric mobility, a rarity in India For existing EV owners or luxury car buyers, this also signals a shift: Insurers are now investing in specialised, tech-driven offerings, with performance, maintenance, and software updates in mind. " At the heart of this association lies a common goal: to simplify car-ownership through intelligent technology. By embedding insurance directly into the car-buying experience, Tesla and ACKO aim to reduce complexity, enhance customer convenience, and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in India. This association marks a significant milestone in India's mobility landscape, demonstrating how intelligent products and services can converge to make ownership simpler, smarter and more sustainable," Tesla and ACKO said in a joint statement.
