Government plans new policy to promote electric vehicles
Centre may announce new EV policy at global e-mobility summit on Sep 7. With minimal subsidy the government wants to ensure smoother transition to EVs, by first creating favourable ecosystems in nine polluted cities with a population of over four million, then move to cities with populations of one million-plus.
World’s first thermal battery unveiled in Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh launched world’s first-ever thermal battery facility manufactured by Bharat Energy Storage Technology Private Limited (BEST). Based on alternative sources of energy production, batteries will reduce dependence on fossil fuels. They can power telecommunications, EVs, as well as charging systems.
FAME 2.0’s 3,500 cr subsidy only for govt. run e-buses
Benefits only for electric buses, not other EVs. That’s the FAME 2.0 plan of Rs 3,500 crore subsidy for EVs over next 5 years. The support will be only limited to government-run buses. Private electric cars, cab aggregators, two-wheelers, hybrids are all out of incentive package.
Delhi Metro launches electric vehicles to boost last mile connectivity for metro stations
Delhi Metro with SmartE, India’s largest EV fleet operator, launched EV service to boost the last mile connectivity in Delhi, Dwarka, Gurgaon and Faridabad. SmartE is aiming for over 1 lakh EVs by 2021.
IEA on record EV sales, Cobalt scarcity
The IEA report revealed record sales for electric cars around the world. Electric cars and plug-in hybrids rose 54% in 2017, half of which sold in China. Cobalt supply is “subject to risks” as 60% cobalt is concentrated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while China controls 90% of cobalt refining, the IEA said.
Nissan will sell U.S., UK battery ops to China’s Envision
Japanese firm Nissan will sell its electric car battery unit to Chinese renewable energy firm Envision. Nissan will retain 25% share. The deal, which covers battery plants in Tennessee in the U.S. and in Sunderland, England, is expected to close in March next year.
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