EV-Expo, the only expo dedicated to the domestic electric vehicle industry, was recently held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The three-day international exposition held during December 23-25, 2016, which showcased the latest technological advancements in environment-friendly, safe, pollution-free 2/3/4-wheeler e-vehicles, components, services and products for the transportation of passengers and goods, witnessed the presence of over 500 high-level business delegations from China, Germany, Sweden, Japan and other countries. More than 200 Indian and international E-Vehicle companies participated in the expo, with some of the prominent ones being Altius Technologies, Soni Electric, Victory Electric, Nanya, Goenka, Mini Metro, Thukral electric bikes, Hitek, Indo Wagon, Jezza Motors, DMW, Eastman, Bajoria Motors, etc.
While inaugurating EV-Expo 2016, Mr. Anurag Thakur, Lok Sabha Member, said: “The level of air pollution level in the country has reduced in the last three years due to the introduction of e-rickshaws. I urge e-vehicle manufacturers to increase their production and make India sustainable in transportation and environment. These vehicles should be used extensively in tourist attractions like Himachal Pradesh.”
Mr. Chaudhary Birender Singh, Union Minister of Steel, visited the EV-Expo and said: “More eco-friendly vehicles should be introduced for public transport and there is a definitive need to convert to E-Vehicles to combat vehicular pollution. All the taxis/cabs should be replaced by e-cars. Newer innovations in batteries for E-Vehicles should be brought in to reduce pollution in every possible way.”
“Rapid increase in the number of e-vehicles in India has propelled the Government and various stakeholders to formulate a robust framework to regulate this industry in the country. Such environment friendly transport solutions would be an interesting element for smart city development in India,” stated Mr. Rajiv Arora, Founder Member Electric Rickshaw Manufacturers Association & Organizer of the EV-Expo.
“We thank the Government, specially Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport, for bringing in place a progressive policy regime which has encouraged the E-Vehicle industry while promoting intelligent green transport solutions,” said Mr Anuj Sharma, Chairman, E-Rickshaw Committee, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.
“This exposition is a great initiative that will go a long way in pushing electric vehicles as a reliable, efficient and most importantly, non-polluting mode for transportation among the masses. It is important that people are made aware about the advantages of e-vehicles over traditional means of transport and encouraged to make a switch so that we make our planet healthy once again for future generations. This unique platform also gives us an excellent opportunity to showcase our wide range of E-Vehicles, which are the future mode of transport,” he added.
It is to be mentioned that EV-Expo 2016 is in line with the Government’s objective to make India a 100 per cent Electric Vehicle Nation by 2030. The Government has announced various overarching scheme to uplift urban and rural poor through enhancement of livelihood opportunities through skill development and other means. Furthermore, in the next 2-3 years the Skill Development Ministry will provide training to 2 crore drivers for E-Rickshaws which will provide livelihood to 2 crore families as well.
Next generation e-vehicles
Lohia Auto Industries showcased its solar-powered e-rickshaw ‘Humrahi’ & Hydraulic Tipper E- Rickshaw ‘Narain’ for delivery van & garbage collection etc. Apart from these two, Lohia Auto also showcased India’s first Electric Three Wheeler Auto designed and developed as a futuristic mode of local travelling. The new modified versions of “Humrahi” and “Narain” are improved and customized vehicles designed especially for saving Electricity and for overall transport safety, efficiency and reliability. Additionally, it showcased India’s first electric three-wheeler auto as well as its lithium ion battery-powered electric two-wheeler “OMA STAR LI.
Commenting on the unveiling of new range of e-rickshaws, Mr. Ayush Lohia, CEO, Lohia Auto Industries, said: “We are committed to our vision to provide green mobility to the country and look forward to consistent innovation towards developing products for the Indian electric vehicles market.. The solar powered e-rickshaw increases the efficiency of the vehicle and solar panel increases its mileage by 10-15% with a life cycle of 10 years.”
Jangid Motors of the Shree Ram Autotech Pvt. Ltd. Group, was floated in 2015 as an electric rickshaw manufacturer. It has sold 6,000-7,000 vehicles till date. The company has unveiled its ‘Advance’ (three-wheeled rickshaw), ‘LDR 2’ a good carrier, SGX a super-deluxe e-rickshaw, Jangir Mini (mini-rickshaw) and a lithium-ion-powered e-auto ‘EA1’ at the Expo. Already running a manufacturing facility in Gurgaon, the company is present in 12 states.
“We are not just e-rickshaw company but an electric motor company where we are developing two, three and four-wheelers and a big range of electric automotive. We have developed a customized mini-rickshaw called mini-wagon which is suitable for single or double commuters along with some luggage space. Not only will the product be 30-40% cheaper than traditional e-ricks carrying four people, its operational costs will be quite lower and will ultimately be very affordable for end users,” shared Mr. Ashish Babbar, GM – Sales, Jangid Motors.
DD Auto Pvt. Ltd., which is part of DD Corp, ventured into manufacturing of electric rickshaw, battery operated rickshaw & e-rickshaw loader in the year 2014. The company has a wide range of offerings including the e-Rick 1 Eco, which was displayed at its stall. The company has also unveiled E-Rick 1 LD+ tipper (loader variant), which is equipped with a straight chassis without any welding and has a payload capacity equivalent to a 750KG. It also has a hydraulic braking system.
“We believe in continued investment in research and development of electric vehicles, charger and battery system technologies which are critical to the innovative products and technologies. The e-Rick 1 is a balance between quality & economy for Indian roads as it is equipped with important features like braking performance, self-developed axle/differential, strong & robust body, improved mileage and unbeatable performance compared to any other e-Rickshaw in its category. The e-Rick 1 has been engineered and designed to deliver best performance, durability and cost effectiveness. We will have our entire three-wheeler range for the Indian market. Subsequently, we will introduce a four-wheeler van followed by other variants. We are already running a dedicated chain of showrooms of iCAT and ARAI approved vehicles. Until now, we have sold 1,000 units till date and going forward, we intend to do 500 units a month,” Karan Gambhir, Director, DD Auto Pvt. Ltd.
Indo Wagen, the manufacturer of a wide range of products which include Battery Operated Garbage Collector and Battery Operated Electric Rickshaw, had also showcased its product lines at the event. Indo Wagen is the brand ownership of Zeniak Innovation India Ltd., which is the public limited company that emerged in Kolkata in 2013. At the exhibition, the company displayed Q8, Z1 and R8 e-rickshaws along with a two-wheeler.
Mr. Biplab Kumar Ganguly, Business Head, Zeniak, stated: “We are the manufacturer and supplier of Indo Wagen vehicles countrywide. These products, which are iCAT-approved, are produced by using advance technology, high grade components and innovative ideas by our professionals. We are doing around 5,000 units per month on an average and intend to double the volumes once we expand into other cities.”