Government Opens Doors to Global Electric Car Makers with Portal Launch

The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) launched the portal for the ‘Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI),’ inviting global and domestic manufacturers to establish electric vehicle (EV) production facilities in the country, with a minimum investment of ₹41.5 billion, Mercom Reported.

The outlet said the application portal will remain active until October 21, 2025, adding that the program aims to attract major global EV manufacturers by offering a reduced customs duty structure and a policy framework that encourages long-term investments in India’s automotive sector.

MHI had recently issued guidelines for SPMEPCI. that also allow applicants to import completely built units of electric four-wheelers with a minimum cost, insurance, and freight value of $35,000 (~₹2.99 million) at a reduced customs duty rate of 15% for five years from the date of application approval, the outlet said.

Tamil Nadu Closer to Achieve Storage of Excess Green Power as Three Firms Bag Tender for 1,000MWh system

Three companies, including NLC India Renewable Limited, wholly owned subsidiary of NLC India Limited, were awarded a tender floated by TN Green Energy Corporation Limited to set up a 1,000MWh battery storage facility in the state. NLC India Renewable Limited was awarded a 500 MWh battery energy storage system, Bondada Engineering Limited won the bid to set up a 400MWh battery storage facility, and Oriana Power Limited will set up a 100MWh storage facility, reported ET Energyworld. 

This move makes Tamil Nadu closer to achieving the storage of excess green power. These companies will release 1 lakh million units of electricity to release it in two cycles during the peak power demand time period. 

Battery Storage Investment to Cross $1Billion in India This Year Amid High Financing Costs: IEA

Battery storage system investments are expected to cross the $1billion mark as high financing costs remain a barrier, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), reported ET Energyworld. The report cited that the battery storage investments continue to rise globally, but financing costs still remain a challenge for emerging economies like India.

The investments in the battery storage system rose globally by 45% in 2024 compared to the previous year. The largest contributor for over 90% investments remained the US, Europe, and China. 

Uber, Waymo Launches Self-Driving Taxis in Atlanta 

Uber Technologies, in collaboration with Alphabet unit Waymo, will be starting self-driving taxis in Atlanta after offering its services in Austin, Texas since March. The company will first offer its service for travel across 168 square km of Atlanta, reported Reuters.

Waymo has more than 1,500 vehicles running over 250,000 rides a week across San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin. It is also planning to launch fully autonomous ride-hailing in the US Capital City of Washington next year. 

US Safety Agencies Probe Tesla Over Robotaxis’ Alleged Traffic Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration contacted Tesla after a video surfaced showing the robotaxis using the wrong highway lane and speeding past another driverless vehicle, reported Reuters. Tesla launched a limited and paid test service in Austin, Texas. The service is not available to anyone under the age of 18, and Tesla plans to avoid adverse weather conditions and challenging intersections.

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