Latest news with #MGWindsorProEV
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Can battery recycling solve EV industry's growing e-waste problem?
This article is authored by Rajesh Gupta, Founder & Director, Recyclekaro. India is on the cusp of an electric vehicle (EV) revolution. The government's ambitious vision to achieve 30% EV penetration by 2030 is steering the country towards a cleaner, greener transport future. Yet, as the number of EVs on Indian roads surges, a new challenge is beginning to take shape—how to responsibly manage the growing volume of end-of-life batteries. Lithium-ion batteries , which power EVs, typically last between five to ten years. This means that the early adopters of electric mobility in India will soon start retiring their first sets of batteries. According to industry estimates, India could face the task of recycling up to 1.2 million EV batteries per year by 2030. By 2040, this figure may climb to over 14 million annually. If not properly handled, these spent batteries risk becoming a serious environmental liability. The urgency lies in the composition of these batteries. They contain valuable yet hazardous materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. If improperly discarded, these elements can contaminate soil and groundwater, posing threats to both human health and biodiversity. At the same time, these materials are finite and largely imported, often under complex and geopolitically sensitive supply chains. Recycling offers a compelling solution. By recovering critical minerals from used batteries, India can reduce its dependency on imports, lower its carbon footprint, and mitigate the environmental damage of improper disposal. Currently, however, the country recycles less than 5% of its lithium-ion batteries through formal channels. Most of the sector remains fragmented and unorganised, lacking the infrastructure and regulatory clarity needed to function at scale. MG Windsor Pro EV Review: More Range, Tech, Safety | TOI Auto To accelerate progress in this area, coordinated action across multiple fronts is essential. Policy support remains a top priority. Stronger enforcement of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines can ensure that battery manufacturers and importers take ownership of the full life cycle of their products. At the same time, the development of a countrywide battery collection network and high-quality recycling facilities will be crucial. Public participation is equally important. Consumers must be made aware of how and where to dispose of batteries responsibly. Without an informed citizenry, even the most sophisticated recycling systems will fall short. Finally, investment in research and development will be key. Emerging technologies can make battery recycling more energy-efficient and cost-effective, increasing both its scalability and accessibility. India is not alone in facing these challenges. The European Union has already laid down ambitious plans for battery recycling and circular economy frameworks. Collaborations under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council are bringing much-needed global perspectives to our domestic efforts. These cross-border partnerships can catalyse innovation, knowledge transfer, and funding in India's nascent battery recycling industry. With the Indian lithium-ion battery market projected to reach 260 GWh by 2030, the urgency of scaling battery recycling cannot be overstated. A robust recycling ecosystem will not only support India's clean energy goals but will also enhance its strategic autonomy in critical minerals. As we embrace the electric future, the challenge of managing battery waste must not be left behind. Recycling is not merely an environmental obligation—it is a national opportunity to lead in clean technology, secure vital resources, and create green jobs. The road to sustainable mobility must be circular, and battery recycling is the wheel that keeps it moving.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
How Continental India's 'Vision Zero' is enhancing vehicle safety: CEO Doreswamy explains
Prashanth Doreswamy, CEO & President, Continental India. Based on an interaction conducted by Arpit Mahendra. Continental India has been working towards road safety through its ' Vision Zero ', which strives for zero fatalities, zero injuries, and zero accidents on the road. We spoke with Prashanth Doreswamy , President and CEO of Continental India, who explained that this target is not just a slogan but a roadmap towards enhanced safety. This initiative is supported by new technologies embedded in the company's safety products, which include both active and passive safety mechanisms. Doreswamy explains the technology as the 'Sense, Plan, Act' framework. For example, the emergency brake assist , a feature that can automatically activate brakes if the driver's reaction time is too slow to prevent an accident. "The vehicle senses the object, plans a response in a fraction of a millisecond, and then acts by applying the brakes," he said. This sequence of sensing, planning, and acting is powered by a network of sensors: cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and radars. These sensors feed real-time data to the car's Electronic Control Unit, thus helping in quickly triggering precise and immediate responses. MG Windsor Pro EV Review: More Range, Tech, Safety | TOI Auto India, according to Doreswamy, is playing a pivotal role in achieving Vision Zero. Continental's Tech Centre in Bangalore, established in 2009, has been working towards this commitment. Spanning nearly a million square feet and employing over 6,500 experts, the campus focuses on developing advanced safety technologies. "We have established over a period of time a huge competency in terms of developing new products under this product line and also supporting globally," he noted. Continental's Bangalore centre is also the global base for radar development, having designed the sixth-generation radar entirely in India for worldwide application. "Similarly, for brakes, we have complete core-based development responsibility for two-wheeler brakes across the Asia Pacific region," he added. The tech centre is not merely a low-cost engineering hub but also a centre of innovation. It operates on three core responsibilities: base core development of new products, application engineering for regional adaptation, and the development of cost-effective market solutions specifically designed for Indian conditions. A prime example is the one-channel ABS for two-wheelers and cost-effective Level 2 ADAS functions developed keeping in mind local requirements. "Globally, cost is not a big problem; they use multiple sensors. In India, you still want assisted functions, but it has to be low-cost," Doreswamy pointed out. Furthermore, he explained that Continental India categorises ADAS into three levels: assisted, automated, and autonomous. India is currently in the initial stages with Level 1 and Level 2 technologies, primarily focused on enhanced safety. However, scaling up to higher levels of autonomy will require more than just technology. It demands robust infrastructure, uniform signboards, and better driving discipline. "For now, even for the next three to four years, it's more about L2 and L2+ max functions," he stated. While global markets have adopted advanced levels of ADAS technologies, Doreswamy noted the challenges of deploying them in India's chaotic traffic conditions. He stressed the importance of local adaptation, sharing how systems need to recognize Indian-specific elements like auto-rickshaws, animals on roads, and even people wearing traditional attire. "You cannot just bring those technologies here because our driving discipline is different," he admitted. To overcome these hurdles, Continental is fine-tuning its technology to better suit Indian scenarios. Besides that, Continental India's roadmap for the future is clear: advancing towards electrification, enhancing connected features, and pushing the boundaries of autonomous driving . As things stand, with strong software capabilities and competitive manufacturing, India is well-positioned to be a global leader in automotive innovation. "More than 40% of the software developed for cars globally is done in India," Doreswamy highlighted, reflecting on the country's growing influence in the sector. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India .
Hindustan Times
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
MG Windsor EV Pro deliveries commenced: 150 units handed over in a single day. Check details
Powering the MG Windsor Pro EV is a bigger 52.9 kWh battery pack. Check Offers MG Motor India has announced to have delivered 150 units of the recently launched Windsor EV Pro on a single day in Bengaluru. The deliveries for the MG Windsor Pro commenced on May 16, 2025. The EV was launched recently and secured 8,000 bookings in just 24 hours. It is the new top-end variant in Windsor's lineup and comes with several new features over the standard Windsor EV. The MG Windsor Pro was launched in India at a price of ₹ 17.49 lakh (ex-showroom), which is available for the first 8,000 consumers. Also, the EV is available with the battery-as-a-service (Baas) option as well, which enables consumers to buy it at a cost of ₹ 12.49 lakh (introductory and ex-showroom). In this case, the buyer has to shell out an amount of ₹ 4.50 for each kilometre driven. With the introductory prices over, the Windsor Pro is priced at ₹ 18.09 lakh, ex-showroom, while with BaaS the prices are up to rs 13.10 lakh. Also Read : MG Windsor Pro launched with more range, advanced tech, priced at ₹ 17.49 lakh MG Windsor Pro: Design and features upgrades The cabin has been treated to fresh dual-tone black and ivory interiors that provide a luxury feel to the new variant. The model also receives new diamond-cut alloy wheels that lend the variant a new appearance, unlike the aero wheels present on the lower variants. The MG Windsor Pro will be offered with three new colour options - Celadon Blue, Glaze Red, and Aurora Silver. Inside the cabin, the Windsor Pro features a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 8.8-inch digital driver display, panoramic glass roof, wireless phone charging, 9-speaker Infinity sound system, 360-degree camera, electronic parking brake, and six airbags. The Pro trim is also fitted with newer additions such as Level 2 Autonomous Driving Assistance System (ADAS) with Traffic Jam Assist, forward collision alert, adaptive cruise control, and much more. The model is already supplied with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) charging that adds greater versatility to the model. Also Read : MG Windsor Pro: Owner of Windsor EV reviews the upgraded model MG Windsor Pro: Specs Powering the MG Windsor Pro EV is a bigger 52.9 kWh battery pack. It helps the electric powertrain to churn out 134 bhp peak power and 200 Nm of maximum torque. The electric vehicle is capable of running up to 449 kilometres on a single charge. Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India. First Published Date: 18 May 2025, 08:21 AM IST
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
April '25 Auto Sales: Passenger vehicles hit record-high, 2-wheelers witness sharp decline
Passenger vehicle sales hit record-high in April. The Indian automobile market reflected a mixed performance for April 2025, with passenger vehicles hitting record-high sales, while two-wheeler sales experienced a sharp decline. The data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) revealed a total production of 23,18,882 units across all vehicle categories, including passenger vehicles, three-wheelers, two-wheelers, and quadricycles. This however, is a slight decline of 1.7 percent as compared to the corresponding month last year. Auto Sales April 2025: Segment-wise data In the passenger vehicle segment, domestic sales reached an all-time high for April, with 3,48,847 units sold: a 3.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This growth came despite the exclusion of luxury brands such as BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), and Volvo from the data. MG Windsor Pro EV Review: More Range, Tech, Safety | TOI Auto by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ótimas notícias para os cidadãos brasileiros! Leia mais Undo Two-wheelers, traditionally a strong pillar of the Indian auto market, reported a sharp 16.7 percent decline, with sales dropping to 14,58,784 units compared to 17,51,393 units in April 2024. This drop included scooters at 5,48,370 units (a 5.7 percent dip), motorcycles at 8,71,666 units (a steep 22.7 percent fall), and mopeds at 38,748 units (a 7.6 percent reduction). SIAM attributed the slump to a high base effect from the previous year. The three-wheeler segment saw a marginal dip in sales, with 49,441 units sold: a 0.7 percent decline from the previous year. The passenger carrier category within the segment, however, saw a 2.0 percent growth, selling 40,167 units, while goods carriers slipped by 7.7 percent to 8,135 units. Meanwhile, the electric sub-segment displayed mixed outcomes. E-Rickshaw sales took a substantial hit, plunging by 36.5 percent, whereas E-Carts saw a healthy rise of 16.6 percent.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Adani flags off India's first Hydrogen-run truck: 40-tonne capacity, 200 km range!
Adani flags off India's first Hydrogen-run truck. Adani Group has flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered truck for mining logistics in Chhattisgarh. The vehicle, capable of carrying up to 40 tonnes of cargo, was flagged off by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in Raipur. It is set to transport coal from the Gare Pelma III Block to the state's power plant. The hydrogen-powered truck boasts a range of 200 km on a single refill. Equipped with three hydrogen tanks, the truck is designed to match diesel-powered heavy-duty vehicles in terms of load capacity and range while dramatically cutting down emissions. Unlike conventional diesel trucks that emit carbon dioxide and other pollutants, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles only produce water vapor and warm air, making them one of the cleanest alternatives in the commercial vehicle sector. How hydrogen fuel cells work Hydrogen fuel cells operate through an electrochemical process that converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, with water and heat as the only by-products. When hydrogen enters the fuel cell, it is split into protons and electrons. The protons pass through a membrane, while the electrons are forced through a circuit, creating electricity. This electricity powers the vehicle's electric motor, while the only emission is pure water. MG Windsor Pro EV Review: More Range, Tech, Safety | TOI Auto by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get Ready for Extreme Weather [Shop Today] Trek Kit India Learn More Undo While Adani's hydrogen-powered truck is a first for Indian mining logistics, the technology is gaining momentum globally. Companies like Toyota, Hyundai, and Honda have already debuted hydrogen-powered passenger cars, such as the Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo, and more. Stay tuned to TOI Auto for latest updates on the automotive sector and do follow us on our social media handles on Facebook, Instagram and X. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India .
