Niti Aayog also proposes a complete ban on three-wheelers powered by internal combustion engines. But how realistic is it to set a deadline to phase out all three-wheelers with internal combustion engines, and that too, within a short period of just three years?
In a world first, Gurugram-based 22Motors has secured a patent for a Hill Assist Control feature on two-wheelers. The electric mobility solutions start-up applied for the patent on February 7, 2019 and the same was granted to the company on May 9 this year. 22Motors describes the feat as an example of intelligent engineering, which will add to the customer safety. While the feature has been available on cars for a while, this is for the first time that a two-wheeler will get the same. 22Motors is yet to start the sale of its electric scooters though, having showcased it at the Auto Expo last year.
The Ampere Zeal has been launched with Rs. 18,000 subsidy under the Indian government's FAME II policy for electric vehicles. The Ampere Zeal has been priced at Rs. 66,950 (ex-showroom) after subsidy.
Indian electric scooter start-up Ather Energy has raised an investment of $51 million in its latest round of funding. The new investment was led by Sachin Bansal's $32 million, and his second with the electric mobility company after coming on board as an angel investor with $0.5 million in 2014. In addition to Bansal, Hero MotoCorp has converted its convertible debt of $19 million as a part of this round, while InnoVen Capital has extended an $8 million venture debt.
The proposal to make most two-wheelers electric by 2025 will need accelerated product development, across segments by two-wheeler manufacturers, but will also require localisation of the supply chain for the new technology.
Images of what appears to be the upcoming Bajaj Urbanite electric scooter, have recently surfaced online. Expected to be sold under the Pune-based two-wheeler maker's new Electric Vehicle (EV) brand Urbanite, the prototype model was seen undergoing testing somewhere in Pune.
The Indian government's leading think-tank has proposed electrifying most motorbikes and scooters within the next six to eight years to curb pollution and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
