BASF and AM Green B.V. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaboratively explore and develop commercial prospects in India for low-carbon chemicals manufactured entirely from renewable energy, as well as the accompanying value chains. The agreement was inked at the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business 2024 in New Delhi, India.

As part of the MoU, both the companies intend to conduct feasibility studies on low-carbon chemicals production in India, including a joint evaluation of potential technologies. The collaboration also includes a non-binding letter of intent to purchase 100,000 tonnes of ammonia per year generated entirely using renewable energy, including electricity from pumped storage projects at AM Green's plants in various parts of India. This ammonia will comply with EU criteria for non-biological renewable fuels (RFNBO) outlined in the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III).

Dr Markus Kamieth, Chairman – Board of Executive Directors, BASF SE, said, “We are committed to the sustainable transformation of the industries we serve. We are convinced that India is the right place to explore low-carbon chemical production together with our partner AM Green.”

Mahesh Kolli, Group President, AM Green said, “We are delighted to partner with a global chemical leader like BASF to propel the green transformation in the industry. AM Green’s vision of deepening capabilities in downstream value chains of green molecules is core to this partnership with BASF. AM Green and BASF partnership envisages to cater to multiple chemical downstream and associated consumer industries by providing key green molecule feedstocks to produce chemicals, materials and products in the markets served by BASF.”

SWITCH Mobility Ltd, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland and leading manufacturer of electric buses and light commercial vehicles, has launched the SWITCH EiV12, India’s first low-floor city bus with chassis-mounted batteries and a scaleable battery capacity of over 400+ kWh. The company also virtually flagged off the SWITCH E1, which is engineered for the European Market and built on the same design philosophies and EV architecture.

Powered by SWITCH iON, the company’s proprietary telematics system, the SWITCH EiV12 provides real-time vehicle health monitoring, ITMS and efficient fleet management. The electric bus is developed for urban city commutes and has a seating capacity of up to 39 passengers. The bus features low-floor entry with a kneeling mechanism and automated wheelchair ramp with dedicated spaces, making it accessible even for differently abled passengers. Other features include five CCTV cameras sans any blind spots, five dedicated seats for women, an expansive panoramic glass area and IP677-rated battery with rapid charging.

The SWITCH E1, on the other hand, is developed for the European market and features in-wheel motors and a flat gangway layout throughout the bus. The bus comes with triple-door configuration (front, centre and rear) for quick boarding and alighting. The SWITCH E1 can accommodate up to 93 passengers, including standees.

Ashok P Hinduja, Chairman, Hinduja Group of Companies (India), said, “These buses are a tribute to the PM’s Make in India vision: made in India, for India and the World. Switch Mobility is inspired to launch newer vehicles with cutting-edge technology and zero carbon emissions, only because of the wonderful road infrastructure that is coming up in India, owing to visionaries like Modi Ji and implementers like Gadkari Ji.”

Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, SWITCH Mobility, said, "The launch of the SWITCH EiV12 and the flagging off of the SWITCH E1 for Spain is a proud milestone for the Hinduja Group and Ashok Leyland, underscoring our commitment to sustainable mobility. In addition to the EiV12 and E1, SWITCH is developing a range of new products to expand our global offerings. At SWITCH Mobility, we are driving a greener future and advancing our long-term vision to democratise electric mobility worldwide."

Mahesh Babu, Chief Executive Officer, SWITCH Mobility, said, " At SWITCH Mobility, we're excited to unveil two new products for India and Europe, both built on our Global EV architecture. These innovations harness cutting-edge EV technology to deliver superior efficiency, safety and passenger comfort. Our low-floor electric city bus, designed for optimal energy performance and accessibility, has garnered an overwhelming 1,800 orders – proof of the market's confidence in SWITCH Mobility’s vision for a sustainable urban transport future."

Tivolt Electric Vehicles, the EV venture of Murugappa Group and a subsidiary of TI Clean Mobility, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Power Renewable Energy (TPREL), to enhance EV charging solutions for its commercial vehicles customers across the country. 

As part of the understanding, Tata Power will bring its experience in setting up and managing an expansive EV charging infrastructure across the country to Tivolt dealerships, customer locations, and high-traffic public spaces. In fact, the company has experience of deploying over 200 customised EV charging stations across100 cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Pune and Kochi for its other EV customers.

The MoU was signed by Saju Nair, CEO, Tivolt Electric Vehicles and Virendra Goyal, Head BD EV charging, Tata Power, in the presence of Shivram Bikkina, Chief -Solar Rooftop & EV charging business, Tata Power. 

Saju Nair said, “We are excited to partner with Tata Power. This will be a key enabler in the Electric Adoption journey and the strategic partnership will accelerate the development of EV charging infrastructure. This MoU is a significant step towards empowering the EV ecosystem for e trucks with robust, accessible charging solutions, ensuring that clean and sustainable mobility becomes a reality for our customers.” 

Deepesh Nanda, CEO & MD, Tata Power Renewable Energy, said, "Through our partnership with Tivolt, we are enhancing our EV charging network to empower the small and commercial vehicle segment—key drivers of India’s economy as they ensure seamless last-mile deliveries and efficient transportation. A robust and well-integrated EV ecosystem will accelerate the adoption of commercial EVs thereby propelling India's energy transition and paving the way for a more sustainable future."

GreenLine Logistics, the LNG trucking business of the Essar Group, has announced a new partnership with Merino Industries, a leading manufacturer of laminates and surface solutions, to provide sustainable logistics solutions.

To reduce its Scope 3 emissions, Merio Industries will deploy LNG trucks from GreenLine for its logistics operations. The company currently meets 75 percent of its energy needs through non-fossil fuel sources such as solar, agro residue, and biogas.

Prakash Lohia, MD, Merino Industries, said, “This transition marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward sustainable operations. The adoption of LNG-powered trucks not only aligns with our vision for a greener tomorrow but also sets a benchmark for responsible logistics in the industry. Together with GreenLine, we are creating a cleaner and more sustainable operational network in India."

Anand Mimani, CEO, GreenLine Logistics Solutions, added, “As we expand our fleet across various sectors, this partnership with Merino Industries marks a significant milestone, being the first of its kind in the laminate industry. By introducing LNG-powered trucks into their logistics operations, we are not only reducing emissions but also paving the way for sustainable practices to be adopted more widely across different industries.”

At present, GreenLine provides LNG trucks for logistics purpose to a wide-variety of industries such as FMCG, e-commerce, automotive, cement, steel, metals and mining, express cargo, oil and gas, and chemicals. The company counts the likes of Castrol, TVS, Saint-Gobain, Hindustan Zinc and Ultratech Cement amongst its clients.

The electric vehicle and ancillary industry in India is set to get a new charge with substantial investments of around USD 40 billion in the next five to six years said a report titled ‘EVs in India: Renewed Vigour in Electric Mobility’ by Colliers.

The vast majority of investments, constituting 67 percent (USD 27 billion) of the total investments planned, will be in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries, followed by OE and EV manufacturing at USD 9 billion (23 percent) and others accounting for USD 4 billion (10 percent).

The report observes that the despite slower than anticipated EV adoption, the investment commitments have grown 3X in the last three years.

Share of planned investments for EV over the next 5-6 years

The planned investments will also see a spill over effect on multiple real estate opportunities from manufacturing to showrooms to even EV charging infrastructure. The report estimates that almost 45 million square feet of real estate would be required by 2030 for charging infrastructure alone.

On the other hand, while the penetration of electric vehicles in the country is lower single digit, it is estimated to reach around 8 percent by 2024, which translates to sales of almost 2 million green vehicles.

Growth required in EV sales to achieve 2030 targets

Note: Penetration refers to share of EV registrations in overall vehicle registrations | 2024 data is estimated on basis of data till Oct 2024. Source: Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Niti Aayog, Colliers, Industry

Badal Yagnik, CEO, Colliers India said, “Although the demand for EVs has picked up in recent years, the target of achieving 30 percent penetration by 2030 looks like an uphill task. While demand and supply incentives will continue to play a pivotal role in faster adoption of EVs, a multifold increase in EV sales can be fast-tracked by the reduction in production costs and improving affordability with respect to EV price points. Additionally, high-capacity original equipment manufacturing units and large-scale production of lithium-ion battery variants must be high on the EV priority list.” 

Vimal Nadar, Senior Director and Head of Research, Colliers India, said, “Accelerated growth in the EV industry is bound to positively impact the Indian real estate sector. Supported by supply-side incentives from the government, leading developers are likely to increase their focus on state-of-the-art warehouses. Additionally, over 45 million sqft of real estate will be required for building extensive network of public charging stations over the next 5-6 years. Residential and commercial developers too are likely to increasingly integrate dedicated charging stations and parking spots for EVs within their projects. Such practices will provide a competitive edge, aligning with the requirements of corporate occupiers and homebuyers.”