Chennai EV Capital of India, Says Hans Raj Verma

Bridgestone Goes Digital with Paperless Inspections

The Tamil Nadu Technology Development & Promotion Centre of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organised the EV Summit 2022 with the theme “Indigenization of EV Supply Chain in India”.

Hans Raj Verma, IAS, Chairman & Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Industrial Investment Corporation Ltd, Government of Tamil Nadu, said, “The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has a vision to make Tamil Nadu a $1 trillion economy by 2030 and this can be made possible with the much-needed EV push. Tamil Nadu is a very vibrant economy and Chennai is the EV Capital of India apart from being called the Detroit of Asia. The government welcomes EV companies to set shop and we are willing to assist them in every possible way.”

Tamil Nadu has two auto and electronic industrial clusters complimenting and supporting each other, a press release said. One of the clusters – the Sriperumbudur cluster has majors such as
Hyundai and Foxconn while the second being the emerging Hosur-Krishnagiri-Dharmapuri cluster with players like Ola, Ather, and more establishing their presence.

Rajesh Kumar Pathak IP & TAFS, Secretary, Technology Development Board, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, said, “The Technology Development Board is looking to fund and support disruptive technology including the EV Space. We welcome startups including startups in the EV domain to share their proposals as the INR 1000 crore Private-Public Partnership model for funding startups which would be launched shortly.”

He further said that the EV Summit was organised in the backdrop of the Government of India push to enhance national energy security, mitigate adverse environmental impacts from road transport vehicles and boost domestic manufacturing capabilities for electric vehicles.

Additionally, with the Phase-II of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme to stimulate the market of EVs in the country, de-licensed the charging infrastructure business and specified guidelines and standards for charging infrastructure for electric vehicle thereby opening up the market of public charging infrastructure & ensuring a roadmap for development of charging infrastructure, and introduced various financial incentives to reduce upfront cost of EVs and charging infrastructure.

Mahesh Babu, Chairman - EV Summit and Director & Chief Executive Officer, Switch Mobility, said, “The Indian EV Industry has seen a fundamental transformation in the past decade and it is very critical for India to further transform in the coming decades. The current outlook for EVs is optimistic as the sector has seen the evolution of several trends that that are defining the growth of EVs.

EV adoption can be seen across different vehicle segments as well as different business segments. The electrification of vehicles has started gaining momentum and has opened new mobility avenues for India to tap into. India is all set to position itself as one of the leading marketplaces for Electric Vehicles (EVS)”.

Dr V Sumantran, Board of Director, Switch Mobility, said, “India is a very different market when compared to other countries. It has been repeatedly seen in many domains and will be seen in the EV space too. The potential for EV in the two-wheeler market should be tapped further as Indians use more of two wheelers compared to other vehicles. To build a stronger ecosystem, companies should talk to each other, resulting in an exchange of ideas. A consortia should be formed to help the domain grow at a faster pace.”

The Indian automobile industry is the fifth largest in the world and is expected to become the third largest by 2030. As per India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), the Indian EV industry is expected to expand at a CAGR of 36 per cent while NITI Aayog aims to achieve EV sales penetration of 70 per cent for all commercial cars, 30 per cent for private cars, 40 per cent for buses and 80 per cent for two and three-wheelers by 2030.

Prideep Kumar, Assistant Vice President, Caresoft Global, said, “The key influencers for the Indian EV market to grow is the Range, Technology, Design Disruptions and Profit.”

P Ravichandran, Former Chairman, CII Tamil Nadu & President, Danfoss Industries, said, “Tamil Nadu should find its own space in the EV space even as the TN Government is keen to strengthen the EV industry while launching major schemes to promote indigenization of supply chain.” (MT)

Bajaj Auto Launches Chetak 3001 E-Scooter At INR 99,990

Chetak 3001

Bajaj Auto, the world's leading two and three-wheeler manufacturer, today announced the launch of the Chetak 3001, an advanced iteration of its popular Chetak 2903 electric scooter at INR 99,990. Built on the same cutting-edge EV platform as the highly successful Chetak 35 Series, the new Chetak 3001 boasts floorboard-mounted 3.0 kWh batteries, promising an enhanced riding experience with improved stability, increased storage and extended range.

Designed for Real Life: Key Innovations

The Chetak 3001 introduces several significant upgrades aimed at the everyday Indian rider:

  • New Floorboard Battery Architecture: This design offers superior stability, more foot room and a lower centre of gravity for a more comfortable and mature ride.
  • Class-Leading 127 KM Range: Certified for extensive distances, making it ideal for daily commutes and weekend excursions.
  • Massive 35L Boot Space: Ample storage for essentials, from helmets to shopping bags.
  • Rapid Charging: A 750W charger enables zero to 80 percent charge in just 3 hours 50 minutes, positioning it among the fastest in its category.

The Chetak 3001 integrates optional TecPac Features for a smarter ride, including call accept/reject, music control, Guide Me Home lights, Hill Hold Assist, reverse light and auto-flashing stop lamp.

True to Bajaj's legacy, the Chetak 3001 is engineered for durability and the diverse Indian conditions:

  • Solid Steel Metal Body: The only metal-bodied EV in its class, ensuring robustness.
  • IP67 Rated Water Resistance: Providing protection against monsoon rains and splashes.
  • Trusted Heritage: Manufactured by Bajaj Auto, backed by a legacy of quality and a vast network of over 3,800 service centres across India.

Eric Vas, President, Urbanite Business Unit, Bajaj Auto, said, "Chetak 3001 sets the benchmark for mass adoption of electric scooters. Built on the next-generation platform, it delivers the range and performance that Indian scooter riders demand – distraction-free riding with the peace of mind of assured reliability and service. The Chetak 3001 is the everyday electric scooter to make petrol scooters redundant; its bigger, stronger and fully Lifeproof at an ex-showroom price of INR 99,990."

Riding on a wave of innovation, Bajaj's Chetak series concluded Q4 FY2025 Q4 as India's top-selling electric scooter. The 35 Series, spearheaded by models like the 3501 and 3502, has already redefined the EV landscape. The Chetak 3001 is set to continue this momentum, embodying a blend of advanced technology and the brand's enduring heritage.

Ultraviolette Expands European Presence With Launch of F77 Motorcycles In Paris

Ultraviolette F77 Paris

Bengaluru-based electric vehicle manufacturer Ultraviolette Automotive has made a striking statement today with the European launch of its flagship performance motorcycles, the F77 Mach 2 and F77 SuperStreet, at a special event held in front of the Eiffel Tower. This move into the French market, following a successful debut in Germany, underscores Ultraviolette's ambitious drive to become a significant global player in the electric vehicle segment. With this the EV maker has established its presence in 10 European countries such as Germany, France, UK, Ireland, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg.

The F77 Mach 2 boasts a race-bred design, promising a dynamic and aggressive ride, while the F77 SuperStreet offers a more upright posture and refined ergonomics, prioritizing rider comfort without sacrificing performance.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette, said, “The launch of the F77 in Germany, France, the UK and other European countries is a defining moment for Ultraviolette and a landmark achievement for India’s automobile landscape. This launch signifies Ultraviolette’s entry into Europe’s most influential two-wheeler markets and underlines our intent to be a global force in the electric mobility revolution. As an Indian company, we are proud to bring futuristic design and cutting-edge technology to the world. This is a moment of global recognition for the talent and capability within India’s engineering and manufacturing ecosystem. Through our strategic distributor partnerships, we are not only expanding into Europe but also delivering a world-class ownership experience that reflects the best of what India has to offer.”

Both F77 models are capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 kmph in a mere 2.8 seconds. Powered by a 10.3 kWh battery pack, they deliver a peak power output of 30 kW and a staggering 100 Nm of torque, enabling swift acceleration and agile handling with a top speed of 155 km/h. These advanced motorcycles are equipped with Ultraviolette’s proprietary artificial intelligence system, Violette A.I., and industry-leading switchable Dual-Channel ABS developed by Bosch. Further enhancing the riding experience are features like 10 levels of Regenerative Braking, 4 levels of Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control.

Niraj Rajmohan, CTO & Co-founder of Ultraviolette, added “This isn’t just the introduction of motorcycles into new markets, it’s the global unveiling of years of relentless research, engineering, and innovation, born in India. We set out with a bold ambition to build the most advanced electric motorcycle in the world. Today, we are delivering that vision to international customers. The F77 is the result of deep in-house R&D, rigorous testing, and an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, innovation, safety, and design. For India, this milestone represents not just our ability to participate in the global EV transition, but to lead it with technology that competes at the highest level."

To celebrate the European launch, Ultraviolette is offering a special introductory price for all pre-bookings made up to 31 July 31 2025. The F77 Mach 2 will be available starting at EUR 8,990 (regular price: EUR 9,990), and the F77 SuperStreet will be priced from EUR 9,290 (regular price: EUR 10,390).

Jupiter Electric Mobility Launches First Showroom in Bengaluru, Unveils JEM Tez e-LCV

Jupiter Electric Mobility

Jupiter Electric Mobility (JEM), the electric commercial vehicle arm of Jupiter Wagons, has opened its first showroom in Jayanagar, Bengaluru, marking the regional debut of its flagship electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV), the JEM Tez.

Strategically positioned in one of India’s leading urban logistics hubs, the new facility is designed as a comprehensive experience centre offering sales consultations, test drives, service support and financing options. JEM also operates a dedicated service hub in Devanahalli to support its growing customer base in the region.

The JEM Tez is built to meet the demands of last-mile delivery and intra-city freight movement. It features a certified range of over 190 km, an 80 kW peak motor, 23 percent gradeability and a 1.05-ton payload capacity.

The showroom was inaugurated by Shivanand Kalakeri, IRS, Commissioner of Income Tax (DR), with key members of JEM's leadership present, including Gaurav Jalota, CEO, and Kartik Hajela, CEO of the Battery Division.

Vivek Lohia, Managing Director, Jupiter Group, said, “The inauguration of our first showroom in Bengaluru is a key step in our national rollout strategy. Bengaluru’s thriving logistics ecosystem and growing EV adoption make it the ideal launchpad for the JEM Tez.”

JEM is also actively investing in a full-scale EV ecosystem, partnering with firms such as Porter, Pulse Energy and Automovill to build infrastructure for charging, financing and aftersales support. Through its JEM Udaan programme, the company offers business support to JEM Tez owners.

The launch follows the recent commissioning of JEM’s 2.5-acre manufacturing plant in Pithampur, Indore, which has a capacity of 8,000–10,000 e-LCVs annually, with plans for expansion.

As part of its nationwide growth plan, JEM aims to expand into key EV markets, including Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai, further expanding its share in India’s last-mile electric mobility sector.

Jassper Shipping Leads India's $15 Billion Last-Mile Delivery Sector With EV-Led Logistics

Jassper Shipping Leads India's $15 Billion Last-Mile Delivery Sector With EV-Led Logistics

India's USD 15 billion last-mile delivery sector, under pressure from e-commerce growth and urbanisation, is witnessing a green transformation. Jassper Shipping is emerging as a key player in this shift by making electric vehicles the cornerstone of its logistics operations. With 58 EVs already deployed and plans to expand to 150 within six months, the company is building a sustainable delivery network while creating better opportunities for its workforce.

The move comes as India accelerates its EV adoption, with 1.67 million electric vehicles sold in 2023-24, including 3,700 electric buses. Government initiatives like FAME-II's INR 11,500 crore subsidy and INR 800 crore for charging infrastructure further underscore this transition. Jassper's EV-first model delivers triple benefits: reduced carbon emissions, lower operational costs and maintained service excellence.

Unlike traditional logistics firms retrofitting existing fleets, Jassper has built its operations ground-up around electric mobility. The company collaborates with charging infrastructure providers and offers comprehensive EV training to delivery agents. Its unique approach addresses critical industry gaps by providing health/life insurance and competitive pay to gig workers – a rarity in India's logistics sector.

While competing with established players like Delhivery and Ecom Express, Jassper differentiates itself through its ESG-aligned strategy. The company plans to onboard 1,500 delivery partners across Tier 1 and 2 cities, combining environmental responsibility with social impact.

Pushpank Kaushik, CEO & Head of Business Development (Subcontinent, Middle East and Southeast Asia), Jassper Shipping, said, “At Jassper, our electric vehicle (EV) strategy is not just about cutting costs – it’s about driving sustainability and empowering our delivery partners. EVs are a core part of our long-term vision to reduce our carbon footprint, manage fuel cost fluctuations and improve partner profitability through lower operating expenses. As a part of our commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable logistics, we are creating job opportunities by aiming to onboard 1,500 new last-mile delivery partners across India over the next five years. This expansion will enhance our logistics network and help create more sustainable livelihoods. By focusing on efficiency, reach and reliability, we are building a delivery ecosystem that benefits both our partners and our customers.”