ABB, the leader in automation and power technologies, has formed a business alliance with leading car makers like Nissan and General Motors to initiate electric vehicles projects. The company is foreseeing brighter prospects and opportunities in electric vehicle industry of the Indian market and thus, is intervening with the local car makers.
Bazmi Husain, Managing Director, ABB India, said, "We have a number of interests, mainly in setting up charging infrastructure, creating energy storage (systems) and supplying power electronics. In countries like India where range anxiety is high, such technologies will be helpful."
In the late 1990s, ABB was engaged in manufacturing electric vehicle prototypes and is now setting electric vehicle charge stations that asserts a recharge range of more than 100 km in short span of less than 10 minutes. With these stations, Husain holds a strong belief that it will prove to be much beneficiary for India. Moreover, ABB has also put numerous efforts for the tie up with these companies for re-using lithium-ion battery packed in their electric cars, namely Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt. This process saves energy to a great extent.
On forming an alliance with Indian auto players and government agencies for setting charging stations, Husain commented, "We have had some discussions. I cannot comment on that. Hussain further added, "Right now, I would say electric car industry in India is in early stage. It requires better electrical infrastructure than we have today. We first have to keep our light bulbs on. But I am sure electric vehicle industry will develop."
In the present automobile scenario the demand for electric vehicle is constantly increasing. Manufacturers like Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata have shown interest in initiating electric vehicle operations in the country. Following this, Tata has acquired a Norway based electric vehicle manufacturer, Miljo Grenland, and started developing its Indica, a hatchback, and Ace, a van, in electric versions. Till now, Mahindra Reva holds a reputed in the electric car segment of the Indian industry and has no competitor with sustainable potential. However, the Government also announced that it will initiate a mission to boost the demand for electric and hybrid vehicles in India.
