#vehicle

Good News

Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims to Become A Reality?

A Lifesaving Initiative The Indian government has introduced a pilot scheme to offer cashless medical treatment to victims of road accidents. The initiative, currently being tested in Chandigarh and Assam, aims to provide timely trauma care and support under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPM-JAY). This groundbreaking effort was announced in Parliament, with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari outlining the details. Coverage Details Under this scheme, eligible accident victims can receive health benefit packages for trauma and polytrauma care at empanelled hospitals. The coverage is capped at Rs 1.5 lakh per person for a period of up to seven days from the date of the accident. This initiative falls under the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, established as per Section 164B of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The funding and utilization details are governed by the Central Motor Vehicles (Motor Vehicle Accident Fund) Rules, 2022. Coordinated Implementation The National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare is responsible for implementing the program. The NHA collaborates with local police, state health agencies, empanelled hospitals, the National Informatics Centre, and the General Insurance Council. The integration of the e-Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) application and the Transaction Management System (TMS) ensures efficient processing and management of claims. A National Vision The pilot program aims to gather data and assess the effectiveness of the cashless treatment model. Based on its success, there is potential for the scheme to be expanded nationwide, providing uniform access to emergency medical care for road accident victims across the country. This initiative is part of the broader amendments introduced under the Motor Vehicle Act 2019 (MVA2019), which emphasize the importance of immediate and cost-free medical attention for accident victims. The provision of free and cashless medical treatment is a crucial step in addressing the alarming statistics of road accidents and providing timely assistance to those in need. The launch of this pilot scheme in Chandigarh and Assam marks a significant step towards improving road safety and providing crucial support to accident victims. By alleviating the financial burden of emergency medical care, the government aims to save lives and promote a more compassionate approach to road accident management. The success of this pilot could pave the way for a comprehensive, nationwide rollout, ensuring that all citizens receive the necessary care in the event of an accident.

6 Aug 2024

Good News

New Scheme Announced to Boost Sales of Electric Two-Wheelers & Three-Wheelers in India

The Indian government has unveiled a new scheme aimed at accelerating the sales of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers in the country. With an allocation of Rs 500 crore, the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) is set to be implemented for a period of four months, starting from April 1. This initiative comes as part of the government's ongoing efforts to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector. Boosting Electric Mobility The Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) is a significant step towards encouraging the use of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers in India. By providing financial incentives and subsidies, the government aims to make EVs more affordable and accessible to the masses. This move aligns with the larger goal of reducing the country's dependence on fossil fuels and transitioning to sustainable modes of transportation. Expansion of FAME Scheme The announcement of the EMPS follows the government's decision to increase the allocation under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India (FAME-II) scheme. With a revised budget of Rs 11,500 crore, up from Rs 10,000 crore, the FAME-II scheme provides subsidies for electric vehicles, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers. The subsidies will be applicable until March 31, 2024, or until the funds are exhausted. Driving Affordability and Demand The demand for electric two-wheelers in India has been steadily increasing, driven by factors such as price cuts and the introduction of affordable models by companies like Ola Electric, Ather Energy, and Bajaj Auto-owned Chetak Technology. These efforts have narrowed the price gap between electric and petrol-powered two-wheelers, making EVs more attractive to consumers. Industry insiders predict that rising affordability will lead to a faster adoption of electric two-wheelers in the country. Addressing Charging Infrastructure While the affordability of electric two-wheelers has improved, the lack of adequate charging infrastructure remains a significant challenge in India. Insufficient charging stations hinder the wider adoption of EVs, as consumers are concerned about range anxiety and the availability of convenient charging points. The government's focus on setting up electric vehicle charging stations, as part of the FAME-II scheme, aims to address this issue and provide a more robust charging infrastructure network. Impact on Three-Wheeler Segment Electric three-wheelers have gained traction in India, particularly in the last-mile connectivity segment, fueled by the growing e-commerce industry. The expansion of schemes like FAME and EMPS, along with policies such as Production Linked Incentives (PLI) and Make in India, has facilitated domestic manufacturing and made electric three-wheelers more cost-efficient. These factors have contributed to the increased penetration of electric three-wheelers in the country. While challenges such as charging infrastructure need to be addressed, the concerted efforts of the government and the growing affordability of EVs are expected to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, paving the way for a cleaner and greener future of mobility in India.

15 Mar 2024

Good News

ISRO to Launch Singaporean Satellite TeLEOS-02 into Orbit

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for its third launch of the year, with the launch scheduled for April 22 at 2:19 pm from Sriharikota, India's only spaceport. This time, ISRO will carry the Singaporean Earth Observation satellite TeLEOS-02 on board the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, one of ISRO's most reliable vehicles. This launch comes after two successful launches this year, one using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) in February and another using the heaviest LVM3 in March. The satellite on board, TeLEOS-02, is a 750 kg earth observation satellite that has synthetic aperture radar, which can provide data in 1-meter resolution. The satellite arrived in India in February, and its launch is part of the government's plan to increase India's share in the commercial market from the current 2%. ISRO Chairman S Somanath had earlier announced that a new facility would be used for the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C55 mission, and the launch vehicle was assembled in this new integration facility at the spaceport. This will be the 57th launch of PSLV, and it has proven to be one of ISRO's most reliable vehicles. The TeLEOS-02 launch is a significant milestone for ISRO, as it aims to increase India's share in the commercial space market. This launch reinforces ISRO's commercial arm, the NewSpace India Limited's mission, to make India a leader in the commercial space industry. ISRO has successfully launched numerous satellites in the past, including India's big-ticket missions like Chandrayaan-1, Mangalyaan, and AstroSat. ISRO's consistent success in launching satellites and its increasing presence in the commercial space industry is commendable. It highlights the significant progress that India has made in the space industry and reinforces the country's position as one of the global leaders in space technology.

20 Apr 2023

Good News

India's First Hybrid Sounding Rocket Launched by Students is a Milestone Achievement

India has made a giant leap towards space technology with the successful launch of its first hybrid-sounding rocket by private players. The rocket was launched from Pattipulam village in the Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu. But what makes this launch even more special is that it was designed and constructed by a team of 3,500 students from government schools across the country. The student team, which included 200 students from the fishermen community in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, 100 students from tribal communities across India, and 60 from Tamil Nadu, built a student satellite launch vehicle (rocket) and 150 PICO satellite research experiment cubes that contained different payloads. The project was completed by Martin Foundation in association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation and Space Zone India, and was called Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission 2023. The rocket mission was sponsored by Mumbai and Nagpur municipal corporations, who contributed to the project by sponsoring 20 and 10 students respectively. The students involved in the project not only learnt about satellite technology but also gained knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The launch marks a significant achievement in the Indian space technology industry and opens up opportunities for more such programmes to benefit students in the future. The success of this project shows that India’s young minds have the potential to contribute significantly to space research and development. Martin Foundation has expressed their willingness to continue such programmes in the future, giving more students the opportunity to learn and participate in space sciences. The students’ hard work and dedication, guided by professionals, has paid off and deserves applause for their tremendous efforts.

5 Mar 2023

Good News

India’s First Green Taxi Fleet Launched in Kerala

It is the need of the hour to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce our carbon footprint to combat climate change. The use of electric vehicles is a great step towards achieving this end. So when the country's first green taxi fleet was launched by MGS in Kerala, it did spell good news. Dr Shashi Tharoor inaugurated the green taxi service by taking the first ride. MGS is one of the largest travel operators in Kerala and it launched the country’s green taxi service by adding 10 Tata XPRES-T electric cars to its 400+ fleet. MGS has plans to further increase its fleet of green taxis to 100 in a year. Managing Director of MGS, M S Anilkumar said that it has become imperative now to usher in the green revolution and they are happy to have launched India’s first fleet of green taxis. Currently, the company’s operations of its fleet are based at four international airports and four information technology parks. The best thing about green taxis is that apart from reducing operating costs, it also contributes to the environment by decreasing the dependence on fossil fuels and reducing pollution levels. Let's hope that this green initiative catches up with the rest of India.

26 Dec 2022

Good News

First Electric Racing Car From IIT Madras Rolled Out by Students’ ‘Raftar Formula Racing’ Team

The first electric formula racing car from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) was unveiled on Monday. Built by Team Raftar students, the formula car “RF23” is the outcome of a year-long process of design, manufacture, and testing. Team Raftar - one of the competition teams of the Centre For Innovation (CFI) at IIT Madras - is made up of 45 students from ten departments representing various disciplines. The institute has been engaged in research about combustion engines for a long time. RF23 is an endeavor in the shift away from combustion engines to electric vehicles. Speaking to newspersons, IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti said that this project will help to develop the next level of electric vehicle technology. Due to the higher power produced by an electric motor, the team anticipates improvements in speed and lap times on RF23 compared to the older Internal Combustion Engine model. Kamakoti revealed that the next project would be on autonomous (driverless) cars and work on that project will start next year. Like RF23, technologies in the autonomous race car will be put to various stress tests, he said. IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti while unveiling the car said that he is hopeful that the car will be number one in various competitions. The team is eager to represent India on an international stage, establishing industry-standard engineering practices and strengthening engineering students' practical technical knowledge.

29 Nov 2022

Good News

Himachal Pradesh to Become a Model State for Electric Vehicle Adoption

Himachal Pradesh aims to become a model state for Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption providing sustainable, safe, eco-friendly, inclusive and integrated mobility. This was conveyed by Chief Secretary, Shrikant Baldi at a meeting on Himachal’s Electric Vehicle Policy- 2019. In the meeting, a target was set for the state to achieve 100 per cent transition to Electric Vehicles by 2030. This is in line with the United Nation’s sustainable development goals and vision of the Government of India. Policy Objective Baldi said that the policy was framed with the objective of environment protection, accelerating demand for EVs, promotion of a sustainable transport system and creation of public-private charging infrastructure for EV’s. It aims to create a conducive atmosphere for a transition to EVs by encouraging the use of hybrid EVs and creation of new employment opportunities. Charging Infrastructure One of the main challenges of adopting electric mobility is to provide proper and adequate charging infrastructure. Baldi said that the policy aims to promote the creation of dedicated infrastructure for charging of EVs. This involves the development of a viable business model to attract private players to set up EV charging stations and infrastructure. He said that the policy has also included provisions to set up charging spots in commercial buildings such as hotels and shopping malls. Plans are being made to manufacture the vehicles locally with the State Government’s decision to provide incentives to EV batteries and related components manufacturing and disposal in the Sate. While most of the countries in the world are speeding up their efforts to adopt electric mobility for sustainable development, Himachal Pradesh will become a model state for electric vehicle adoption in India which other states may emulate and implement.

20 Sep 2019

Good News

Nagpur becomes India’s first city to get fleet of 200 electric vehicles

India gets its first fleet of electric vehicles comprising of taxis, buses, e-rickshaw and autorickshaws all owned by online cab booking aggregator Ola. The electric mass mobility system will bring about a significant change in the automobile and transportation industry in the country. Road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the project at the Nagpur Airport Complex on Friday. Honorable Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis was also present at the event. To give this a wider acceptance, VAT (Value added Tax), road tax and registration for all electric vehicles will be put aside by Maharashtra government. All this is done so that electric cars becomes a future of our nation and other states can follow the same. The project has planed its kick start with about 200 fleet electric vehicles including 100 Mahindra’s e2o Plus and rest of vehicles are from their original manufacturers like from Tata Motors, Kinetic, BYD and TVS. The total expenditure behind this project is more than 50 crores inclusive of the electric vehicles and their charging infrastructure. There are more than 50 charging points for the vehicles across four main locations in Nagpur. Cab aggregator Ola’s Chief Executive Officer Bhavish Agarwal thanked the state government and other industry partners for supporting the initiative.

27 May 2017

Good News

Central Government plans to promote e-vehicles on large scale

By 2030, most of the vehicles in India will be battery powered e- vehicles. The scheme, will start in the coming few months. The central government will provide limited tax breaks to the manufacturers of e- vehicles to boost affordability, according to the Economic Times. India will start first with public transport in the first phase. Later, non-air-conditioned city buses, three wheelers and two wheelers will be sold without batteries as part of the plan, which will decrease prices upto 70%. The batteries for these Indian manufactured vehicles will be leased. These can be easily swapped with recharged batteries at charging stations. Replacement of auto batteries is expected to take only two- and-half minutes, while whole process will take only 10 minutes. E-Rickshaws, E-Two Wheelers, E- Buses as well as E-commercial vehicles followed by E-cars are in the offing. The new policy in this regard will be made public very soon. Professor Ashok Jhunjhunwala of Indian Institute of Technology-Madras will lead this programme. A formal policy will be ready in about six months time. The inter-ministerial committee headed by Niti Aayog is working on the details of the plan to promote e- vehicles and convert most of the vehicles to electric by 2030. Raising infrastructure for the scheme is also being considered.

25 Apr 2017

Good News

Global News

Aptera's Solar-Powered Three-Wheeled Wonder Vehicle Set to Revolutionize Sustainable Transportation

In the realm of automotive innovation, few concepts have generated as much excitement and anticipation as the Aptera solar-powered car. Recently, this revolutionary three-wheeler took a giant leap towards reality as the first-ever production-grade body arrived at the company's headquarters in sunny San Diego. This milestone marks a significant step forward in Aptera's quest to redefine the possibilities of sustainable transportation. A Vision Takes Shape Aptera's vision is as bold as it is ambitious. Advertised as featuring 34 square feet of solar paneling that actively powers the car while in motion or parked, this concept car represents a paradigm shift in automotive design and functionality. However, the road to mass production is not without its challenges. The Aptera team is diligently working on fine-tuning various aspects of the vehicle to ensure it meets rigorous standards before hitting the road. Milestones and Preparations The company mentioned that they celebrated a significant milestone—the arrival of Aptera's first production body in San Diego. This was conveyed in a post on X. Now, Team Aptera is back at the drawing board, meticulously finalizing cable routing, connectors, and component placement to prepare for the initial production builds. Behind the scenes, Aptera has been busy sourcing all the necessary parts for its production-intent battery packs, while non-structural components undergo rigorous validation in Italy by the company's supply partner. Although elements like suspension, safety equipment, and drivetrain are still being fine-tuned for production models, Aptera has already made significant strides towards its goal of mass production. Design for Efficiency What sets the Aptera apart from conventional vehicles is its meticulous attention to aerodynamics and energy efficiency. From its tapered backside to its dolphin-like undercarriage, every design element is carefully crafted to minimize drag and optimize energy use. This obsessive focus on ultra-efficiency is what makes solar power—a traditionally limited form of electricity generation—a practical and viable feature for powering a vehicle. The Future of Sustainable Transportation The implications of Aptera's innovation extend far beyond solar panels and aerodynamic curves. With solar panels capable of delivering 40 miles of range per sunny day and an overall range of 1,000 miles due to its perfect aerodynamic design, low-weight construction, and efficient drivetrain, Aptera is poised to revolutionize the electric vehicle landscape. The fusion of cutting-edge technology, bold design, and unwavering commitment to efficiency positions Aptera at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, paving the way towards a greener and more sustainable future on the open road.

19 Apr 2024

Global News

China's 'Condensed' Battery Breakthrough Paves the Way for Long-Range 1000KM Electric Cars and Planes

China-based battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) has announced a groundbreaking development in battery technology that could potentially power long-range electric cars and planes. With its new 'condensed' battery, CATL claims to store almost double the power of Tesla's top-of-the-range 4680 cell, which was considered a game-changer just a few months ago. Will this innovation bring electric motoring dreams to reality? The new battery's remarkable energy density has the potential to enable electric vehicles (EVs) to travel up to 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) on a single charge, eliminating the need for frequent recharging. This breakthrough could also have a significant impact on the aviation industry by removing technological barriers that have hindered the development of electric-powered passenger flights. CATL achieved this milestone by utilizing semisolid-state battery technology, which employs partially solid electrolytes instead of the traditional liquid or gel electrolytes found in current lithium-ion batteries. This advancement not only increases energy density but also holds the promise of smaller, more affordable EV batteries. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to surge, the range of EVs has quadrupled over the past decade. This battery breakthrough by CATL could further accelerate the transition to sustainable transport and make electric vehicles more accessible to the masses. In a noteworthy competition, Gotion High Tech, a Volkswagen-backed company based in China, has also announced plans to bring a 1,000-kilometer range battery, called 'Astroinno,' to the mass market by 2024. The race to develop high-performance batteries marks a significant stride towards achieving universal electrification in transportation, encompassing sea, land, and air travel.

26 Dec 2023

Global News

Revolutionary EV-Charging Road Unveiled in Sweden: Powering Electric Vehicles on the Move

Sweden has made a significant step towards achieving its goal of being a carbon-neutral country by 2045 with the launch of its first electric vehicle (EV) charging road. The project, which is the first of its kind in the country, will allow EVs to charge their batteries as they drive along a 2-kilometer stretch of road. The innovative technology, known as an “electric road system,” involves embedding a series of conductive rails into the surface of the road. As EVs equipped with a compatible receiver drive over the rails, they will receive a steady supply of electricity to power their batteries. In addition, the system is designed to automatically bill drivers for the amount of electricity used. The EV charging road, which is located near the airport in the city of Visby on the island of Gotland, has been developed in partnership between the Swedish Transport Administration and the energy company, Vattenfall. The project is part of a larger initiative to reduce Sweden’s carbon emissions from the transportation sector. The electric road system is expected to benefit both drivers and the environment. While EV owners will no longer need to worry about charging their cars before or after a long journey, the technology will also help to reduce air pollution by encouraging the use of electric vehicles. Sweden’s EV charging road is just the latest example of the country’s commitment to sustainable transportation. With plans to phase out all fossil fuel vehicles by 2030, the project serves as a blueprint for other countries looking to transition to a more sustainable future.

4 May 2023

Global News

Israeli Startup Makes a Major Breakthrough As It Successfully Tests Drone-Like Personal Flying Vehicle

Being stuck in heavy traffic on congested roads may sometimes seem like an unavoidable situation, but an Israeli startup is hoping to put an end to such frustrating situations. The startup’s electric vehicle which is intended to transport commuters on short journeys above congested streets has completed its first unmanned flight, a milestone that its makers claim will speed up the vehicle's arrival on the market within the next two years. The flying electric vehicle, developed by Israeli startup AIR makes use of drone technology. The airplane with propellers ascends vertically from the ground before accelerating forward in the sky. According to the Israeli firm AIR, the aircraft will be able to go up to 100 kilometers with two people aboard it: a pilot and a passenger. This type of travel will eventually become mainstream, as predicted by AIR and many competitors around the world. CEO and co-founder Rani Plaut said that the success of this test flight has brought them closer to their dream of mass production of the AIR ONE. He further stated that before individuals can expect to fly themselves through cities in little vehicles like these, there are still a number of big barriers to be overcome, including developing rules and commercializing the technology. The next phase of the test will involve test-flying the vehicle with a person on board.

24 Dec 2022

Global News

Positive Reads

This Startup Is Revolutionizing India’s Farming Sector With Its EV Machines

At this time in India, when rising labor costs and poor infrastructure are adding to the farmer’s woes, Bulwark Mobility, a startup is working to alleviate their troubles with their powerful and efficient EV machines. Bullwork Mobility, founded by Mahesh G. Shetty, Hemanth Kumar, Vinay Raghuram, and Dr. Sriharsha S in 2021 is creating intelligent, connected, and autonomous electric vehicles (EVs) for the agricultural industry. Speaking to YourStory, Hemant said that electric vehicles are cheaper to operate. When farmers use a tractor, it consumes about 3-4 liters of diesel for every hour of operation which implies that they need to shell out Rs 300-400 per hour on diesel. EV vehicles can bring down this cost to Rs 50 for every hour, said Hemant. The superior drive-by-wire technology used in the creation of Bullwork's electric vehicles enables them to be completely autonomous. The startup is also using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques to increase crop productivity. The company also gains as it generates carbon credits by lowering its reliance on fossil fuels. Co-founder Vinay claims that they are offsetting the carbon emissions of those machines. More carbon credits will be generated as the number of electric vehicles and their use rise. For that, they have already partnered with Carbon Registry India. When discussing future plans, Dr. Sriharsha states that once they have enough volume created, they will start creating the charging infrastructure using sustainable resources to enable the charging of their equipment.

12 Dec 2022

Positive Reads