Toyota, Maharashtra Govt Sign $2.7 Bn Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Manufacturing Deal

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has partnered with the Maharashtra government to establish a greenfield electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

This ₹20,000 crore (approximately $2.7 billion) initiative is set to revolutionize Maharashtra's automotive industry, focusing on electric and hybrid vehicles.

The project is expected to generate approximately 16,000 direct and indirect jobs and produce around 400,000 cars annually. The government has allocated 850 acres of land specifically for vehicle production.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde hailed the project as a “revolutionary step” for the state’s motor manufacturing sector.

Notably, India’s electric vehicle (EV) market is poised for significant growth. EVs could account for over 40% of India’s automotive market by 2030, generating more than $100 billion in revenue. The market is projected to grow from $23.38 billion in 2024 to $117.78 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 22.4%2.

The EV industry is projected to create around 50 million direct and indirect jobs by 2030.

Honda Developing Global Platform 'PF2' for Made In India Vehicles

Honda is said to be working on a global platform for its small- and medium-car portfolio, and India is set to become the global production base for this endeavor, reported AutocarIndia.com, a reputed auto publication. The new modular platform, codenamed "PF2," will serve as the foundation for a variety of upcoming products, including sedans, SUVs, electric vehicles (EVs), and hybrids.

The PF2 platform is designed to be versatile, accommodating both internal combustion engine (ICE) and EV powertrains. Honda aims to follow a multi-powertrain strategy, similar to Toyota.

Unlike a dedicated EV platform, the PF2 provides flexibility, especially considering the evolving demand for electric vehicles.

Honda's commitment to selling only EVs or fuel cell cars by 2040 remains intact, but the PF2 allows them to adapt to market dynamics. The PF2 platform will underpin a range of future models, including sedans, SUVs, and hybrids.

Honda hopes that the PF2 will rejuvenate its sales in India, where volumes for the City sedan and the Elevate (sold as the WR-V in Japan) have faced challenges. The Elevate has performed well in exports to Japan, making India an essential low-cost export hub for Honda.

With growing demand for strong-hybrid SUVs, Honda plans to localize its hybrid powertrain. The PF2 platform is designed to be hybrid-ready from the outset. In early 2029, Honda intends to launch a compact SUV based on the PF2 platform, which could arrive in Indian showrooms around the same time.

Overall, Honda's PF2 platform represents a strategic move to enhance its product lineup, address market shifts, and strengthen its position in India and beyond.

Besides Honda, several other automakers are actively developing innovative platforms. Ford is developing a Low-Cost EV Platform, which the American auto major compares it with Rivian and Tesla's offerings. The platform aims to support smaller electric cars and will be used for Ford's next-gen EVs.

Ford's Skunkworks team, led by Alan Clarke (known for his work with Tesla's Model Y), is engineering this platform. The goal is to create a more affordable EV platform with a smaller battery and different chemistry.

Automakers also collaborate, most of the times, to save costs and share technology. For instance, BMW and Toyota worked together, with BMW needing a roadster and Toyota requiring a halo sports car. Volkswagen and Citroën shared platforms for models like the original Beetle and VW Bus.

In summary, automakers are increasingly exploring partnerships and efficient platforms to enhance their product offerings and address market demands.

Maruti to Launch Its 1st Hybrid Car in Partnership With Toyota

Representational Image Via - Adrian Balasoiu on Unsplash

While almost all automobile manufacturers are switching from fossil fuels to Lithium-ion based electric vehicles, India's largest auto manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki India is instead betting on hybrid cars vehicles powered by hybrid technology, natural gas and biofuels.

Quoting Maruti Suzuki Chairman R.C. Bhargava, an Economic Times (ET) report says that the company is planning to launch its first hybrid car under a partnership between its parent Suzuki Motor Corp. and Toyota within 12 months.

To recall, in August of 2009, Maruti partnered with Toyota to develop all kinds of green technologies and electric cars as well as CNG and hybrid cars, in order to cut oil imports and reduce air pollution. 

Hybrid cars are also a better alternative than EVs given India lacks adequate charging infrastructure, according to the Maruti Chairman.

Mentioning that India generates about 75% of its electricity from dirty coal, Bhargava said that the company reckons that vehicles powered by hybrid technology, natural gas and biofuels present a better path toward a cleaner future than electric cars. A recently released whitepaper do highlight that India would continue to rely on coal power, at least in the near future. 

The report further said that Maruti will additionally move “aggressively” into cars that run on compressed natural gas (CNG) because they’re cleaner than petrol or diesel models and cheaper than EVs, making them a viable option for low-income consumers who want to upgrade from a two-wheeler, he said. Although compressed natural gas is a fossil fuel, it’s one of the cleanest burning in terms of emissions. 

The ET report further quote the Maruti Chairman, saying — "Talking about electric cars without looking at the greenness of the electricity generated in the country is an inadequate approach to this problem.

However, according to a previous report of October last year, Maruti Suzuki is expected to launch its first all-Electric Vehicle (EV) by fiscal 2025.

Notably, India’s shift to electric vehicles is also much slower than other major markets like China and the US. According to an estimates, by 2030, electric passenger cars will make up only about 5% of total EV sales. More progress on the two- and three-wheeler front will bring the automobile battery-powered total to about one-third. 

Charging electric vehicles with clean energy and reducing dependence on coal is difficult in India. The country was forced to import millions of tons of coal after electricity demand soared amid scorching summer temperatures and rising industrial activity after the pandemic.

Last month, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan (SMC), Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), and IIT Hyderabad (IITH) have teamed up to research India-specific vehicle usage scenarios based on futuristic V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication technology.

India's 1st Fully Automatic Hybrid Tractor Launched with No Battery Packs - HAV Tractors Series S1

HAV Tractors for life - Price Revealed

New Delhi, Delhi, India: Proxecto launches India’s First Fully Automatic Hybrid Tractor with no battery packs. With over 2 dozen industry-first features to call itself the most innovative tractor of India. HAV tractors which were first showcased in the world's largest Agritechnica event in Germany in November 2019, is already making noise in the Indian market for being the first made-in India Hybrid Tractor with no battery packs. After receiving accolades from across the globe for its advanced eco-friendly technology, HAV S1 Series is finally ready to greet the Indian farmers.

Ankit Tyagi, MD Proxecto Engineering Services LLP & founder of HAV Tractors, said --

We have received an overwhelming response from the people across India and abroad. Despite the various challenges which industries faced due to Covid19 like production, logistics support, supply chain, manpower, lockdown restrictions, and more, our support team consisting of channel partners, dealers and suppliers fulfilled our vision of next-generation farm tractor at the most pocket-friendly price. We are extremely thankful for their trust, confidence, love, and belief which helped in transforming our dream for the Indian farming sector into reality.

This dynamic tractor boasts of over two dozen industry-first features, introduced for the first time in the Indian market.

Top Features

• Future Ready Electric Tractor- The only Hybrid tractor technology in India without battery packs, which has the capability to run on multiple fuel options. The same tractors can be upgraded to a completely electric vehicle, once the infrastructure is in place.
• Fully Automatic - AWED Technology (All Wheel Electric Drive)- The only tractor in India with all-wheel electric drive with No Clutch, No Gear, and simple three-mode operations, Forward – Neutral – Reverse to ease out the human effort of the farmers.
• Eco Friendly- HAV Tractors promises to save up to 28% with S1 and up to 50% with S2 fuel in comparison to traditional tractors. It's a Self-energising technology since the role of the engine here is to only provide current to electric motors and other components.
• All Wheel Independent Suspension along with height adjustment.
• First in India - MCS (Max Cover Steering) with almost zero effort steering system with the lowest turning radius of 2.7m (Front-Steer, All-Steer, Crab-Steer).
• Dynamic, innovative, and modern design with interactive steering mounted HMI display- An interactive steering mounted HMI display to control the equipment and further reduce human labour.
• Electric PTO along with Electric output to run field equipment like water pumps and even run house electricity up to 40KVA - 3Phase.
• Several Safety and Comfort features for farmers to have hassle-free fieldwork.
• Best in class 10 Years* Limited product warranty.​

Ankit Tyagi, MD Proxecto Engineering Services LLP & founder of HAV Tractors, said --

It has the power of an elephant and the characteristics of a dolphin which makes this a highly efficient need in today’s times. It was a conscious decision to launch this tractor first in India as it is specially made for the Indian farmers. Farming in India needs a revolution and this tractor, we believe, is an answer to most of the problems faced by any farmer in India. Our vision is to improve the lives of our farmers, not just in the short-term, but to aid them in the long term, which is why we provide a ten-year warranty where we secure you for a decade.

He adds, "Also, after receiving suggestions from various farmers, we have decided to offer a low-cost AC cabin solution. Our base model HAV S1 50HP starts at Rs.9,49,000* with a Safety structure cabin, while the top variant HAV S1+ 50HP with AC Cabin is priced at 11,99,000*. Both can be booked on the Official website https://www.hybridagrivehicle.com/ with a booking amount of Rs.10,000* (Refundable).

We have also introduced an HAV S1 45HP tractor for a price of Rs.8,49,000* and HAV S1 55HP tractor, whose details can be seen on our website under specifications: https://hybridagrivehicle.com/specifications

To our fans and supporters who have been waiting to try their hands on our leading farm technology, we are pleased to announce that booking links will open on our Official Website on 30th May 2021, and the delivery of our pre-booked HAV tractor starts on 15th August 2021 onwards."

For any queries or feedback, do reach out to the official WhatsApp Care Number- +91 72788 86667. https://wa.link/5ruduv and connect with us on Social Media Channels @HAVTractors.