#EV battery market growth

[semcoinfratechworld]

Is India's Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Ecosystem Ready to Scale up Mass Adoption?

India is on the brink of a major shift in its automotive industry.  Driven by the global and domestic push towards electric vehicles (EVs), the country’s EV manufacturing ecosystem is showing promise and ambitious growth projections. It shows a clear commitment to sustainable mobility. However, the road to mass adoption is fraught with challenges that need to be addressed if India is to fully capitalize on this opportunity.

Promising Growth Projections

The potential for growth in India’s EV market is enormous. By 2030, EVs could account for over 40 percent of the automotive market, generating a staggering USD 100 billion in revenue. The penetration rates are particularly impressive for two and three-wheelers, where EVs are expected to make up 80 percent of the market. Even for four-wheelers, the projection is significant, with a 50 percent market share anticipated by 2030. These numbers underscore the growing acceptance of EVs in India and the opportunity for the country to become a global leader in sustainable transportation.

Challenges Hindering Scalability

Despite the promising outlook, several hurdles stand in the way of scaling up EV manufacturing to meet mass adoption. These challenges must be addressed if India’s EV ecosystem is to realize its full potential.

High Ownership Costs: One of the most significant barriers to mass adoption is the high cost of owning an EV in India. This is primarily due to the limited charging infrastructure, which makes it difficult for consumers to rely on EVs for their daily commute. Additionally, there are deficits in battery cell production (20-25 percent) and semiconductor chips (40-50 percent), both of which are critical components for EV manufacturing. These shortages drive up the costs, making EVs less accessible to the average consumer.

Import Dependency: India’s reliance on imports for key EV components is another major challenge. Currently, 60-70 percent of battery cells, e-motor magnets, and electronics are sourced from China. Several lithium-ion battery manufacturing equipment suppliers in India are dependent on the import of cells and assembly equipment. This dependency not only creates supply chain vulnerabilities but also raises concerns about the sustainability of scaling up EV manufacturing. To reduce this reliance, India needs to invest in building local capacities for producing these critical components.

Scalability Issues in Local Manufacturing: While there are efforts to boost local manufacturing, many small enterprises in India are struggling to keep up with the growing demand for EV components. These scalability issues are exacerbated by a fragmented supply chain, where small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face coordination challenges that can lead to delays in production and distribution. This fragmentation hinders the efficiency of the entire EV ecosystem.

Lack of Standardization: Another significant challenge is the lack of standardization in EV manufacturing, particularly in battery specifications. This lack of uniformity complicates component sourcing and integration, making it difficult for manufacturers to scale up production quickly and efficiently. Standardization is crucial for streamlining the manufacturing process and ensuring that components are interchangeable and easily available.

Conclusion

India’s EV manufacturing ecosystem is at a critical juncture. While the growth potential is immense, several challenges must be addressed to scale up production and achieve mass adoption. By focusing on local manufacturing, expanding infrastructure, standardizing components, and supporting SMEs, India can overcome these hurdles and position itself as a global leader in electric mobility. The journey ahead is challenging, but with the right strategies and collaborations, India’s EV revolution is not just possible—it’s inevitable.

[eninrac-consulting]

What is the Cost of EV Charging Stations in India?

The emergence of small-format mobility, which encompasses electric two- and three-wheelers, is one of the most intriguing developments concerning the expansion of electric vehicles in India. Together, e-2W and e-3W account for 95% of all EVs in the nation. Low- to middle-class consumers, as well as fleet aggregators like Zepto, Blink it, Zomato, Ola, Uber, and others that deal with last-mile deliveries and bike taxis, account for a large portion of the demand for e-2Ws. Riders of the e-3Ws are known to have high demand for the e-rickshaws because of their affordability. Additionally, with the expansion of e-commerce choices, home delivery of bulk orders, etc.

[techdriveplay]

Is the Number of Petrol Cars Declining?

The automotive landscape is shifting rapidly, with electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid technologies gaining prominence. This transition raises a crucial question: is the number of petrol cars declining? Statistics and Trends: Global petrol car sales dropped by 8% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Electric vehicle sales surged by 40% in the same period, reaching a total of 10 million units…

[reasonsforhope]

Green energy is in its heyday. 

Renewable energy sources now account for 22% of the nation’s electricity, and solar has skyrocketed eight times over in the last decade. This spring in California, wind, water, and solar power energy sources exceeded expectations, accounting for an average of 61.5 percent of the state's electricity demand across 52 days. 

But green energy has a lithium problem. Lithium batteries control more than 90% of the global grid battery storage market. 

That’s not just cell phones, laptops, electric toothbrushes, and tools. Scooters, e-bikes, hybrids, and electric vehicles all rely on rechargeable lithium batteries to get going. 

Fortunately, this past week, Natron Energy launched its first-ever commercial-scale production of sodium-ion batteries in the U.S. 

“Sodium-ion batteries offer a unique alternative to lithium-ion, with higher power, faster recharge, longer lifecycle and a completely safe and stable chemistry,” said Colin Wessells — Natron Founder and Co-CEO — at the kick-off event in Michigan. 

The new sodium-ion batteries charge and discharge at rates 10 times faster than lithium-ion, with an estimated lifespan of 50,000 cycles.

Wessells said that using sodium as a primary mineral alternative eliminates industry-wide issues of worker negligence, geopolitical disruption, and the “questionable environmental impacts” inextricably linked to lithium mining. 

“The electrification of our economy is dependent on the development and production of new, innovative energy storage solutions,” Wessells said. 

Why are sodium batteries a better alternative to lithium?

The birth and death cycle of lithium is shadowed in environmental destruction. The process of extracting lithium pollutes the water, air, and soil, and when it’s eventually discarded, the flammable batteries are prone to bursting into flames and burning out in landfills. 

There’s also a human cost. Lithium-ion materials like cobalt and nickel are not only harder to source and procure, but their supply chains are also overwhelmingly attributed to hazardous working conditions and child labor law violations. 

Sodium, on the other hand, is estimated to be 1,000 times more abundant in the earth’s crust than lithium. 

“Unlike lithium, sodium can be produced from an abundant material: salt,” engineer Casey Crownhart wrote ​​in the MIT Technology Review. “Because the raw ingredients are cheap and widely available, there’s potential for sodium-ion batteries to be significantly less expensive than their lithium-ion counterparts if more companies start making more of them.”

What will these batteries be used for?

Right now, Natron has its focus set on AI models and data storage centers, which consume hefty amounts of energy. In 2023, the MIT Technology Review reported that one AI model can emit more than 626,00 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent. 

“We expect our battery solutions will be used to power the explosive growth in data centers used for Artificial Intelligence,” said Wendell Brooks, co-CEO of Natron. 

“With the start of commercial-scale production here in Michigan, we are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for efficient, safe, and reliable battery energy storage.”

The fast-charging energy alternative also has limitless potential on a consumer level, and Natron is eying telecommunications and EV fast-charging once it begins servicing AI data storage centers in June. 

On a larger scale, sodium-ion batteries could radically change the manufacturing and production sectors — from housing energy to lower electricity costs in warehouses, to charging backup stations and powering electric vehicles, trucks, forklifts, and so on. 

“I founded Natron because we saw climate change as the defining problem of our time,” Wessells said. “We believe batteries have a role to play.”

-via GoodGoodGood, May 3, 2024

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Note: I wanted to make sure this was legit (scientifically and in general), and I'm happy to report that it really is! x, x, x, x

[medicaldevicesindustrynews]

EV Battery Swapping Adding a New Dimension to the World of EVs

EVs are very much popular in India as there is a consciousness among the people of the country to decrease levels of pollution and switch to more workable transport modes. This consciousness is important for the atmosphere and makes a difference for the next-gen. The government takes consistent measures to guarantee security on the road and for the environment. India has  a significant…

[zvaigzdelasas]

Clean energy contributed a record 11.4tn yuan ($1.6tn [USD]) to China’s economy in 2023, accounting for all of the growth in investment and a larger share of economic growth than any other sector. The new sector-by-sector analysis for Carbon Brief, based on official figures, industry data and analyst reports, illustrates the huge surge in investment in Chinese clean energy last year – in particular, the so-called “new three” industries of solar power, electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries. Solar power, along with manufacturing capacity for solar panels, EVs and batteries, were the main focus of China’s clean-energy investments in 2023, the analysis shows.[...]

Clean-energy investment rose 40% year-on-year to 6.3tn yuan ($890bn), with the growth accounting for all of the investment growth across the Chinese economy in 2023.

China’s $890bn investment in clean-energy sectors is almost as large as total global investments in fossil fuel supply in 2023 – and similar to the GDP of Switzerland or Turkey.

Including the value of production, clean-energy sectors contributed 11.4tn yuan ($1.6tn) to the Chinese economy in 2023, up 30% year-on-year.

Clean-energy sectors, as a result, were the largest driver of China’ economic growth overall, accounting for 40% of the expansion of GDP in 2023.[...]

The surge in clean-energy investment comes as China’s real-estate sector shrank for the second year in a row. This shift positions the clean-energy industry as a key part not only of China’s energy and climate efforts, but also of its broader economic and industrial policy.[...]

The growing importance of these new industries gives China a significant economic stake in the global transition to clean-energy technologies.[...]

In total, clean energy made up 13% of the huge volume of investment in fixed assets in China in 2023, up from 9% a year earlier.[...]

The major role that clean energy played in boosting growth in 2023 means the industry is now a key part of China’s wider economic and industrial development.[...]

Solar was the largest contributor to growth in China’s clean-technology economy in 2023. It recorded growth worth a combined 1tn yuan of new investment, goods and services, as its value grew from 1.5tn yuan in 2022 to 2.5tn yuan in 2023, an increase of 63% year-on-year. While China has dominated the manufacturing and installations of solar panels for years, the growth of the industry in 2023 was unprecedented.[...]

An estimated 200GW was added across the country during 2023 as a whole, more than doubling from the record of 87GW set in 2022[...]

China experienced a significant increase in solar product exports in 2023. It exported 56GW of solar wafers, 32GW of cells and 178GW of modules in the first 10 months of the year, up 90%, 72% and 34% year-on-year respectively [...] However, due to falling costs, the export value of these solar products only increased by 3%.

Within the overall export growth there were notable increases in China’s solar exports to countries along the “belt and road”, to southeast Asian nations and to several African countries.[...]

China installed 41GW of wind power capacity in the first 11 months of 2023, an increase of 84% year-on-year in new additions. Some 60GW of onshore wind alone was due to be added across 2023[...]

In addition, offshore wind capacity increased by 6GW across the whole of 2023.[...]

By the end of 2023, the first batch of “clean-energy bases” were expected to have been connected to the grid, contributing to the growth of onshore wind power, particularly in regions such as Inner Mongolia and other northwestern provinces. The second and third batches of clean-energy bases are set to continue driving the growth in onshore wind installations. The market is also being driven by the “repowering” of older windfarms, supported by central government policies promoting the model of replacing smaller, older turbines with larger ones.[...]

Despite technological advancements reducing costs, increases in raw material prices have resulted in lower profit margins compared to the solar industry[...]

China’s production of electric vehicles grew 36% year-on-year in 2023 to reach 9.6m units, a notable 32% of all vehicles produced in the country. The vast majority of [B]EVs produced in China are sold domestically, with sales growing strongly despite the phase-out of purchase subsidies announced in 2020 and completed at the end of 2022.[...]

Sales of [B]EVs made in China reached 9.5m units in 2023, a 38% year-on-year increase. Of this total, 8.3m were sold domestically, accounting for one-third of Chinese vehicle sales overall, while 1.2m [B]EVs were exported, a 78% year-on-year increase.[...]

China’s EV market is highly competitive, with at least 94 brands offering more than 300 models. Domestic brands account for 81% of the EV market, with BYD, Wuling, Chery, Changan and GAC among the top players.[...]

The analysis assumes that EVs accounted for all of the growth in investment in vehicle manufacturing capacity [...] while investment in conventional vehicles was stable[...]

Meanwhile, EV charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly, enabling the growth of the EV market. In 2022, more than 80% of the downtown areas of “first-tier” cities – megacities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou – had installed charging stations, while 65% of the highway service zones nationwide provided charging points.

More than 3m new charging points were put into service during 2023, including 0.93m public and 2.45m private chargers. The accumulated total by November 2023 reached 8.6m charging points.[...]

China is rapidly scaling up electricity storage capacity. This has the potential to significantly reduce China’s reliance on coal- and gas-fired power plants to meet peaks in electricity demand and to facilitate the integration of larger amounts of variable wind and solar power into the grid. The construction of pumped hydro storage capacity increased dramatically in the last year, with capacity under construction reaching 167GW, up from 120GW a year earlier.[...]

Data from Global Energy Monitor identifies another 250GW in pre-construction stages, indicating that there is potential for the current surge in capacity to continue.

Construction of new battery manufacturing capacity was another major driver of investments, estimated at 0.3tn [yuan].[...]

Investment in electrolysers for “green” hydrogen production almost doubled year-on-year in 2023, reaching approximately 90bn yuan, based on estimates for the first half of the year from SWS Research. [...]

China’s ministry of transportation reported that investment in railway construction increased 7% in January–November 2023, implying investment of 0.8tn for the full year. This includes major investments in both passenger and freight transport. Investment in roads fell slightly, while investment in railways overall grew by 22%. The share of freight volumes transported by rail in China has increased from 7.8% in 2017 to 9.2% in 2021, thanks to the rapid development of the railway network. In 2022, some 155,000km of rail lines were in operation, of which 42,000km were high-speed. This is up from 146,000km of which 38,000km were high-speed in 2020.[...]

In 2023, 10 nuclear power units were approved in China, exceeding the anticipated rate of 6-8 units per year set by the China Nuclear Energy Association in 2020 for the second year in a row. There are 77 nuclear power units that are currently operating or under construction in China, the second-largest total in the world. The total yearly investment in 2023 was estimated for this analysis at 87bn yuan, an increase of 45% year-on-year[...]

State Grid, the government-owned operator that runs the majority of the country’s electricity transmission network, has a target to raise inter-provincial power transmission capacity to 300GW by 2025 and 370GW by 2030, from 230GW in 2021. These plans play a major role in enabling the development of clean energy bases in western China. China Electricity Council reported investments in electricity transmission at 0.5tn yuan in 2023, up 8% on year – just ahead of the level targeted by State Grid.[...]

China’s reliance on the clean-technology sectors to drive growth and achieve key economic targets boosts their economic and political importance. It could also support an accelerated energy transition. The massive investment in clean technology manufacturing capacity and exports last year means that China has a major stake in the success of clean energy in the rest of the world and in building up export markets. For example, China’s lead climate negotiator Su Wei recently highlighted that the goal of tripling renewable energy capacity globally, agreed in the COP28 UN climate summit in December, is a major benefit to China’s new energy industry. This will likely also mean that China’s efforts to finance and develop clean energy projects overseas will intensify.

Globally, China’s unprecedented clean-energy manufacturing boom has pushed down prices, with the cost of solar panels falling 42% year-on-year – a dramatic drop even compared to the historical average of around 17% per year, while battery prices fell by an even steeper 50%. This, in turn, has encouraged much faster take-up of clean-energy technologies.[...]

The clean-technology investment boom has provided a new lease of life to China’s investment-led economic model. There are new clean-energy technologies where there is scope for expansion, such as [Hydrogen] electrolysers.

Mind-blowing is the only word for it rly [25 Jan 24]

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Ilana Berger at MMFA:

In a new analysis of electric vehicle-related content on Facebook, Media Matters found that negative stories made up the vast majority of content, particularly on right-leaning and politically nonaligned U.S. news and political pages, a trend which does not align with the optimistic outlook of EV adoption and technological advancements. Since 2021, the Biden administration has allocated billions of dollars toward meeting the ambitious goal of making half of all new cars sold electric or hybrid over the next few years. Provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the CHIPS Act have provided tax credits and other incentives to jump start electric vehicle sales and infrastructure such as charging stations, domestic battery manufacturing, critical mineral acquisition, in addition to preparing the automotive industry workforce for the transition. 

In March, an Environmental Protection Agency rule setting strict limits on pollution from new gas-powered cars primed automakers for success in meeting these goals.  Biden’s EV push will continue to play an important role in the upcoming presidential election. Former president and current GOP candidate Donald Trump has insisted that Biden’s policies benefit China, which makes up the largest share of the global EV market. In March, while talking about the current state of the auto industry, Trump declared, “If I don’t get elected, it’s going to be a bloodbath for the whole — that’s going to be the least of it. It’s going to be a bloodbath for the country.” Economists disagree. 

The comment tracks with years of outrage and opposition from Republican politicians, right-wing media, and fossil fuel industry surrogates, who have often disparaged the new technology and related policy and misleadingly framed the EV push as a threat to American jobs and national security. Constant attacks on EVs from the right have helped fuel a politically divided market, where people who identify as Democrats are now much more likely to buy them or consider buying them, while nearly 70% of Republican respondents to a recent poll said they “would not buy” an EV. So far in 2024, headline after headline announced EV sales slumps and proclaimed that “EV euphoria is dead,'' despite reports of “robust” growth. In February, CNN changed a headline about EV sales on its website from a success story to a failure. Despite the positive long term outlook for EVs based on indicators like sales and government investments, the discourse around electric vehicles is often pessimistic.

[...] Right-wing media have been driving anti-EV sentiment (with help from fossil fuel industry allies) since the start of Biden’s term. This trend was clearly reflected in Media Matters’ analysis. Out of the top 100 posts related to EVs on right-leaning pages, 95% were negative, earning over a million interactions in 2024 so far.  But on Facebook, politically nonaligned pages fed into this trend as well. Nearly three quarters (74%) of EV related top posts on nonaligned pages had a negative framing. These posts generated 83% of all interactions on EV-related top posts from nonaligned pages. 

On non-aligned and right-wing Facebook pages, anti-electric vehicle content-- likely fueled by a mix of climate crisis denial and culture war resentments-- draws lots of reliable engagement, in contrast to the reality of increased EV adoption in recent years.

[apcseo]

Mahindra & Mahindra’s EV Unit Seeks Investment Opportunities in India to Accelerate Growth

Mahindra & Mahindra, a prominent sports utility vehicle manufacturer, is reportedly in advanced discussions with British International Investment (BII) and other global investors to secure a substantial investment of up to ₹5,000 crore for its electric vehicles (EV) subsidiary. This new funding round is expected to value the EV unit at a higher valuation than the previous round, reflecting the growing interest in the Indian electric vehicle market. The investment aims to support Mahindra’s ambitious plans for expansion and the development of sustainable mobility solutions.

India’s electric vehicle market has been witnessing significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing environmental concerns, government initiatives, and evolving consumer preferences. As a result, established automakers like Mahindra & Mahindra are actively seeking investment opportunities in India to capitalise on this emerging market and accelerate their growth in the EV segment.

India has set an ambitious target to transition to electric mobility, aiming for 30% electric vehicle penetration in the country by 2030. The government has implemented various policies and incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, including subsidies, tax benefits, and the establishment of charging infrastructure. These measures have created a favourable environment for investors and manufacturers to participate in the Indian electric vehicle ecosystem.

To align with India’s electric mobility vision, Mahindra & Mahindra’s EV unit has outlined an aggressive expansion strategy. The company intends to launch five new electric vehicle models between April and October 2025, demonstrating its commitment to providing sustainable transportation solutions to Indian consumers.

By incorporating electric SUVs into its product portfolio, Mahindra aims to capture a significant market share in the fast-growing electric SUV segment. It anticipates that e-SUVs will account for 20-30% of its overall SUV sales, with sales volumes projected to reach around 200,000 units. This focus on electric SUVs aligns with the evolving preferences of Indian consumers, who seek both sustainability and performance in their vehicles.

Investment opportunities in the Indian electric vehicle market hold immense potential for both domestic and international investors. The sector offers an attractive landscape for investment due to the following factors:

Growth Potential: With the Indian government’s strong commitment to electric mobility, the EV market is poised for substantial growth. Increasing consumer demand, supportive policies, and infrastructure development create a favourable investment climate.

Technological Advancements: Investment in electric vehicles drives innovation in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and connected features. These advancements contribute to the overall development of the sector and create opportunities for investors to benefit from emerging technologies.

Environmental Considerations: Electric vehicles play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating air pollution. Investing in electric mobility aligns with global sustainability goals, making it an appealing choice for socially responsible investors.

Job Creation and Economic Growth: The growth of the electric vehicle industry stimulates employment opportunities across the value chain, including manufacturing, R&D, charging infrastructure, and support services. This fosters economic development and contributes to the overall growth of the Indian economy.

Mahindra & Mahindra’s pursuit of significant investment for its EV unit reflects the immense potential and investment opportunities in India’s electric vehicle market. As the demand for sustainable transportation solutions continues to rise, the sector offers a promising landscape for investors seeking long-term growth and environmental impact. With government support, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences, investing in electric mobility can contribute to both economic development and a greener future for India.

This post was originally published on: Apppl Combine

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from EcoWatch:

In its new Global EV Outlook 2024, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said electric vehicle (EV) sales will reach 17 million this year — up from 14 million in 2023.

In 2024, EVs are projected to make up roughly one out of nine cars sold in the United States, one in four in Europe and 45 percent of total car sales in China, an IEA press release said.

“Electric cars continue to make progress towards becoming a mass-market product in a larger number of countries,” the report said. “Tight margins, volatile battery metal prices, high inflation, and the phase-out of purchase incentives in some countries have sparked concerns about the industry’s pace of growth, but global sales data remain strong.”

More than one-fifth of cars sold globally in 2024 are predicted to be electric, with growing demand set to substantially reduce oil consumption used for road transportation over the coming decade, the press release said.

The pace of EV sales means road transportation’s oil demand is expected to peak around 2025, according to the IEA report, as Reuters reported.

The report added that around six million barrels of oil per day would be cut from oil demand by 2030, with an 11 million barrel reduction by 2035 if countries meet their stated climate and energy policies.

By 2030, EVs are projected to make up nearly one in five cars on the roads in the U.S. and European Union and one in three in China.

[warningsine]

https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-lay-off-more-than-10-its-staff-electrek-reports-2024-04-15/

BERLIN, April 15 (Reuters) - Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab is laying off more than 10% of its global workforce, an internal memo seen by Reuters on Monday shows, as it grapples with falling sales and an intensifying price war for electric vehicles (EVs).

"About every five years, we need to reorganize and streamline the company for the next phase of growth," CEO Elon Musk commented in a post on X. Two senior leaders, battery development chief Drew Baglino and vice president for public policy Rohan Patel, also announced their departures, drawing posts of thanks from Musk although some investors were concerned.

Musk last announced a round of job cuts in 2022, after telling executives he had a "super bad feeling" about the economy. Still, Tesla headcount has risen from around 100,000 in late 2021 to over 140,000 in late 2023, according to filings with U.S. regulators.

Baglino was a Tesla veteran and one of four members, along with Musk, of the leadership team listed on the company's investor relations website.

Scott Acheychek, CEO of Rex Shares - which manages ETFs with high exposure to Tesla stock - described the headcount reductions as strategic, but Michael Ashley Schulman, chief investment officer at Running Point Capital Advisors, deemed the departures of the senior executives as "the larger negative signal today" that Tesla's growth was in trouble.

Less than a year ago, Tesla's chief financial officer, Zach Kirkhorn, left the company, fueling concerns about succession planning.

Tesla shares closed 5.6% lower at $161.48 on Monday. Shares of EV makers Rivian Automotive (RIVN.O), opens new tab, Lucid Group (LCID.O), opens new tab and VinFast Auto also dropped between 2.4% and 9.4%.

"As we prepare the company for our next phase of growth, it is extremely important to look at every aspect of the company for cost reductions and increasing productivity," Musk said in the memo sent to all staff.

"As part of this effort, we have done a thorough review of the organization and made the difficult decision to reduce our headcount by more than 10% globally," it said.

Reuters saw an email sent to at least three U.S. employees notifying them their dismissal was effective immediately.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

MASS MARKET

The layoffs follow an exclusive Reuters report on April 5 that Tesla had cancelled a long-promised inexpensive car, expected to cost $25,000, that investors have been counting on to drive mass-market growth. Musk had said the car, known as the Model 2, would start production in late 2025.

Shortly after the story published, Musk posted "Reuters is lying" on his social media site X, without detailing any inaccuracies. He has not commented on the car since, leaving investors and analysts to speculate on its future.

Tech publication Electrek, which first reported, opens new tab the latest job cuts, said on Monday that the inexpensive car project had been defunded and that many people working on it had been laid off.

Reuters also reported on April 5 that Tesla would shift its focus to self-driving robotaxis built on the same small-car platform. Musk posted on X that evening: "Tesla Robotaxi unveil on 8/8," with no further details.

Tesla could be years away from releasing a fully autonomous vehicle with regulatory approval, according to experts in self-driving cars and regulation.

Tesla shares have fallen about 33% so far this year, underperforming legacy automakers such as Toyota Motor (7203.T), opens new tab and General Motors (GM.N), opens new tab, whose shares have rallied 45% and about 20% respectively.

Energy major BP (BP.L), opens new tab has also cut more than a tenth of the workforce in its EV charging business after a bet on rapid growth in commercial EV fleets did not pay off, Reuters reported on Monday, underscoring the broader impact of slowing EV demand.

WORKS COUNCIL

A newly elected works council of labour representatives at Tesla's German plant was not informed or consulted ahead of the announcement to staff, said Dirk Schulze, head of the IG Metall union in the region.

"It is the legal obligation of management not only to inform the works council but to consult with it on how jobs can be secured," Schulze said.

Analysts from Gartner and Hargreaves Lansdown said the cuts were a sign of cost pressures as the carmaker invests in new models and artificial intelligence.

Tesla reported this month that its global vehicle deliveries in the first quarter fell for the first time in nearly four years, as price cuts failed to stir demand.

The EV maker has been slow to refresh its aging models as high interest rates have sapped consumer appetite for big-ticket items, while rivals in China, the world's largest auto market, are rolling out cheaper models.

China's BYD (002594.SZ), opens new tab briefly overtook the U.S. company as the world's largest EV maker in the fourth quarter, and new entrant Xiaomi (1810.HK), opens new tab has garnered substantial positive press.

Tesla is gearing up to start sales in India, the world's third-largest auto market, this year, producing cars in Germany for export to India and scouting locations for showrooms and service hubs in major cities.

Tesla recorded a gross profit margin of 17.6% in the fourth quarter, the lowest in more than four years.

[market-insider]

Electric Vehicle Plastics Market: An In-Depth Exploration and its Contribution to a Circular Automotive Industry

The global electric vehicle plastics market size was estimated at USD 13.33 billion in 2030 and is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.0% from 2024 to 2030. The industry is projected to witness significant growth in terms of consumption, on account of high application scope and increasing demand from the growing population. The Polypropylene (PP) resin demand in the Asia Pacific region is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Strong government support & initiatives regarding emissions and increasing investment by manufacturers are propelling the growth of the region.

Electric Vehicle Plastics Market Report Highlights

The Asia Pacific region is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. Increasing demand from the growing population coupled with environmental concerns among others are anticipated to drive market growth in the region

The battery segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. Batteries are one of the significant components of an EV and, in comparison to combustion engines, battery vehicles do not produce any emissions and are eco-friendly. The growing demand for EVs has promising growth for EV batteries

The exterior application segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2021 and is estimated to continue its dominance over the forecast period due to the high demand in aesthetics

The BEV vehicle type segment led the industry in 2021 and it is anticipated to continue growing over the forecast period as PHEVs have higher maintenance costs than BEVs

For More Details or Sample Copy please visit link @: Electric Vehicle Plastics Market Report

Furthermore, EVs are efficient and require less maintenance as compared with traditional vehicles. These factors are expected to boost the demand for EVs, which is expected to drive the demand for plastics over the forecast period. Increasing utilization of plastics in EVs is anticipated to boost industry growth positively over the forecast period. Plastics have proven to perform well under harsh conditions through their resistance to shock, moisture, oxidation, and further maintaining their chemical and mechanical properties. Plastics will be crucial material for manufacturing lightweight and energy-efficient EVs. Based on resin type, PP is expected to witness major demand during the projected years.

Polypropylene is used in many components of the vehicle including bumpers, carpet fibers, cable insulation, and others. Properties, such as good heat, chemical & fatigue resistance, and others, are anticipated to drive the demand for PP in the industry. Major manufacturers are adopting expansion strategies, such as new product development, production facility expansions, mergers & acquisitions, and joint ventures. For instance, in October 2021, DuPont launched a new extension of its existing Zytel HTN range, named as Zytel 500 series. These products are developed to provide enhanced retention properties in e-mobility oils, electrically friendly characteristics, and a high Comparative Tracking Index (CTI).

EVPlastics #ElectricVehicles #SustainableDriving #EcoFriendlyCars #ElectricVehicleTech #CleanTransportation #GreenMobility #EVInnovation #PlasticsInEVs #FutureOfTransport #SustainableMaterials #EcoAutoDesign #EVManufacturing #PolymerInnovation #ZeroEmissionVehicles #GreenTechAuto #CleantechPlastics #EVDesign #EcoFriendlyPlastics #CircularAutoEconomy

[eninrac-consulting]

Accelerating India's Electric Vehicle Market: Growth, Challenges, and Opportunities

Discover the burgeoning Electric Vehicle Market In India, a hub for innovative EV growth. Delve into the rise of EV cars and battery cars, and explore the infrastructure of EV charging stations. Learn about the costs associated with EV charging stations and the overall landscape of electric automobiles. From the latest advancements in EV vehicles to the specific dynamics of EV cars in India, this guide covers all aspects of the electric revolution.

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How Many Electric Car Brands Are There in 2024?

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution has accelerated rapidly in recent years, transforming the automotive landscape. With growing environmental concerns and advancements in technology, 2024 marks a significant year for the proliferation of electric car brands. Understanding the current landscape of these brands is crucial as they play a pivotal role in shaping the future of…

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Analysing the sales breakdown, BYD sold 261,105 passenger vehicles in July, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 61%. Among these sales, pure electric models accounted for 134,783 units, exhibiting a growth of 66% compared to last year. The cumulative sales of pure electric models in 2023 reached 751,593 units, representing a noteworthy year-on-year increase of 86%(..)

The company also experienced substantial growth in overseas sales of new energy passenger vehicles, reaching 18,169 units in July 2023. This represents a remarkable year-on-year increase of 351%.

P.S. Very good news for global EV market, but very bad news for legacy ICE vehicle manufacturers...Affordable electric cars with lithium iron phosphate batteries are starting to gain popularity in developing countries and Europe as well, but legacy OEMs haven't vehicles to offer in the rapidly growing segment of the car market...

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What Are the Different Types of Hybrid and EV Batteries?

When one says that electric vehicles are the future of travel, he or she is damn right in making this statement. Nobody is unaware of the fact that conventional fuels are exhaustible and plus the emission coming out of the vehicles driven by conventional fuels is literally thrashing the environment big time.  In this blog, we will focus on the different kind of batteries used in electric and…

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Editor's Note: This piece was originally published by The American Prospect.

Thanks to the clean energy revolution, batteries are no longer in the public eye just in the form of that unstoppable bunny in TV ads. Batteries—like computer chips, electric vehicles, solar panels, and other hardware—are having a moment.

Last fall, with funding from 2021’s mammoth bipartisan infrastructure law, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded nearly $3 billion in grants to 20 manufacturers of electric vehicle (EV) battery components in 20 states. That’s just a portion of the taxpayer money appropriated to dramatically expand battery production and enlarge the EV supply chain in the U.S., which is, in turn, a small part of the trillion-dollar surge in federal investment.

In February, the Commerce Department announced the terms of competition for $39 billion in federal subsidies for manufacturers to expand domestic production of semiconductors. Among other conditions, the CHIPS Incentives Program limits stock buybacks and requires applicants to provide the child care that’s so crucial to enabling more women to work in manufacturing.

The question now is how these big bets to expand advanced manufacturing and boost research and development in America—taken together, what the Biden administration calls our country’s “new industrial strategy”—will create broadly shared economic gains, including good jobs, for workers and communities across the country.

This “how” is not without controversy, to put it mildly. Beyond the conservative critics who have lambasted the child care requirement and other conditions, influential liberal voices have aired serious skepticism as well. In a recent column (and clever pop culture mash-up), Ezra Klein of The New York Times decried “everything-bagel liberalism” that pursues “everything everywhere all at once.” But he, too, lumps everything together—from permitting requirements confronting nonprofit housing developers to these new, conditional industrial-policy incentives meant to embed meaningful economic opportunity for workers and communities into the DNA of some of the world’s most important and massively subsidized growth industries. Klein—whom we agree with on many things—gets it wrong when it comes to CHIPS and other promising government efforts to chart a new course.

Advocates have worked for decades in many parts of the country on how to make the economy work for all, on a foundation of good jobs and racial and gender equity. From that work, one essential lesson emerges: Attaching clear, consistently enforced expectations to public investment is indispensable. And with the enactment of last year’s landmark legislation, public officials now have a once-in-a-generation set of tools and resources to do this. The “how,” however, remains an open question, especially for jobs outside of construction.

For much of the past half-century, America’s dominant economic paradigm held that free markets and freewheeling capital alone have created the nation’s critical industries and enabled them to flourish. That paradigm denied the important role that government plays in shaping the nation’s economy. Indeed, innovation has long required and received government-backed R&D, contracts, and other investments in discovery and commercialization. Today, that investment is also focused on the making of a lot of stuff: batteries, electric vehicles, charging stations, computer chips that put the brains in all that hardware, and more. So how did we approach that challenge for the past few decades, given that influential economists and political leaders across the political spectrum often questioned whether America needed manufacturing at all?

Consider the evolution of the DOE and how it impacts our economy and communities. Created with a wartime sense of urgency—to address the energy crisis of the 1970s—the DOE quickly found itself in the crosshairs of American politics, especially as high gas prices receded and renewable energy seemed a pipe dream. For years, the DOE was a favorite target for those keen to attack public investment and many of the other tools of entrepreneurial government. By that we mean, as economist Mariana Mazzucato argues in her book “Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism,” a government that is both equipped and directed to help solve national challenges—not just address market failures and economic calamities.

Despite the lack of broader political support, the DOE quietly became a vital source of the R&D dollars that helped develop new technologies. Thanks to the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2008, the agency also became an important supplier of the financing that, in principle, could have helped turn great ideas into great companies that committed to good jobs in addition to great products.

Famously, the DOE bet $465 million in taxpayer dollars, in the form of a direct loan, on the ambitious domestic production plans of Tesla, now the world’s most valuable car company. That was well before the private capital markets were ready to make that bet on a largely unproven company and its first major factory in Fremont, Calif.

The DOE’s investment in Tesla paid off in terms of demonstrating the viability of mass-produced electric vehicles. But in terms of generating good jobs and racial and gender equity in this critically important new industry, the investment proved to be a bust. The company leads all carmakers in the U.S. in workplace safety violations—as Forbes put it, “racking up more infractions and fines in the last three years than all other automakers in the U.S. combined.” CEO Elon Musk has fought workers’ attempts to unionize by spying on them, firing organizers, and refusing to stop anti-union social media attacks. The company is also being sued by the state of California for alleged widespread anti-Black racism, and by several women for alleged sexual harassment.

There’s a moral to this story: Tesla may be the world’s biggest example of how much harder it is for government to push for high-road labor standards after a company has grown with the help of taxpayer financing. If something important is not part of the deal up front, it tends not to happen.

Tesla is not alone. Particularly in the South and many rural areas around the country, even in ostensibly pro-labor states such as California, innovative manufacturers are mass-producing low-quality jobs. The good manufacturing job is mostly gone, outside of the less than 10% that are unionized. There is, therefore, no guarantee that a significant chunk of the publicly supported clean and high-tech production jobs will pay much more than minimum wage or that they will provide opportunity for training and advancement.

That is, unless certain choices are made to incentivize and embed good jobs and equity into the deals.