Haute wheels

Vijay C Roy

Notwithstanding the subdued demand, automobile manufacturers are betting big on electric vehicles in the country. Major manufacturers announced aggressive plans to diversify into the segment and launched new vehicles at the Auto Expo 2020. Here’s looking at headturners at the biggest auto extravaganza of the year: 

Betting on EVs

Mahindra & Mahindra displayed a wide range of EVs and related technology solutions. The company introduced, ATOM, a new-age electric urban mobility solution for last mile connectivity needs, e-XUV300, electric version of the popular compact SUV, e-KUV100, an affordable EV starting at a competitive price of Rs8.25 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). 

Tata Motors also unveiled one of the largest portfolios of EVs in India, with the newly launched Nexon EV and the Altroz EV. Tata Motors also announced its plan to launch four electric cars over the next two years.

Also making its debut in India is Great Wall Motors. China’s largest SUV manufacturer showcased GWM EV-iQ& R1. In alignment with the development goals of a clean India and “vehicle electrification” advocated by the government, GWM also plans to launch a new energy brand — Great Wall EV. GWM also plans to invest in battery research and development and manufacturing in India to reinforce and accelerate India’s electrification strategy. 

German luxury carmaker Mercedes Benz will kick off its EV journey in India with the launch of electric SUV EQC model in April. It is mulling to introduce many more such products here.

Meanwhile, automakers like Volkswagen, MG Motor India and Skoda Auto India had their electric vehicles on display. Maruti Suzuki is currently testing 50 electric WagonR.

According to Shashank Srivastava, executive director, marketing and sales, Maruti Suzuki India, across the globe only one per cent of the sales come from electric vehicles. Last year, a total of 96 million vehicles, including all variants, were sold worldwide. One per cent of these were the EVs. Out of the total electric vehicles sold globally, 50 per cent were sold in China. In the Chinese  vehicle market size of 28-29 million, the share of electric vehicles  is only 1.5 per cent.

In India, too, the transition to EVs in one go will be difficult. Moreover, there are three stumbling blocks in the sale of Electric Vehicles. Firstly, the high acquisition cost (high price of the vehicle) as battery technology constitutes 55-60 per cent of the total input cost. 

Secondly, there is lack of adequate charging infrastructure. Thirdly, there’s range anxiety of the car regarding how many kilometres will it run on full charge. Charging falls drastically when AC and heater is turned on. At times,  it is anywhere between 35 and 40 per cent.

The Showstoppers

Concept cars launched by Maruti, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata, Kia and GWM were the cynosure of all eyes.

• On Wednesday, Maruti Suzuki unveiled its Futuro-E electric vehicle concept. A coupe-styled SUV, Maruti Suzuki Futuro-e is part of the carmaker’s “Mission Green Million” under which it plans to sell one million green cars (CNG, hybrids and electric) over the next few years.
• Mahindra and Mahindra also launched Funster, a roadster electric concept with a playful convertible mode. 
• Tata Motors unveiled the HBX show car, based on the ALFA ARC, and the Sierra EV concept. 
• Kia launched Sonet concept, an SUV. 

Great Wall Motors premiered its Haval concept.  

German automaker Volkswagen too unveiled concept electric vehicle ID Crozz.

New launches

• Maruti Suzuki: Vitara Brezza facelift and urban SUV Ignis
• Hyundai: Creta and Tucson
• Kia: Carnival
• Tata Motors: Hexa Safari edition and Sierra EV concept
• Renault: Triber AMT
• Mercedes: AMG GT 63S4M and AMG A35 4M Limousine.
• MG Motor: Hector Plus and Marvel X electric car
• Great Wall Motors: Haval: H9, F7, F7x, F5.