Advancements in Battery Technology Drive Affordable Electric Vehicles in India’s Sub-₹20 Lakh Segment
India’s electric vehicle (EV) market is set for a major transformation, driven by breakthroughs in battery technology that promise to make EVs more affordable in the sub-₹20 lakh price range. Innovations such as solid-state batteries, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology, and sodium-ion batteries are enhancing energy density, charging efficiency, and cost reduction. Solid-state batteries, offering higher energy storage and a compact size, improve vehicle range while reducing weight. LFP batteries, known for their low production costs and longer lifespan, are making EVs more budget-friendly, while sodium-ion batteries, utilizing cheaper and abundant materials, offer an affordable alternative without compromising performance. These advancements are expected to make EVs more accessible, especially in cost-sensitive markets like India.
As automakers respond to growing demand, models like the Tata Nexon EV and MG Comet EV are gaining traction thanks to their competitive pricing and practical range. Battery costs, typically accounting for 30-40% of an EV’s price, are expected to drop significantly with these technological strides, making electric vehicles more competitive with traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Government initiatives like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) plan are also contributing to cost reductions by supporting manufacturers and expanding charging infrastructure. With these advancements, affordable EVs are becoming a realistic and sustainable choice for middle-class consumers, marking a major milestone in India’s transition to electric mobility.
Editor’s Note: Advancements in battery technology, including solid-state, LFP, and sodium-ion batteries, are driving down costs and making electric vehicles more affordable in India’s sub-₹20 lakh segment. These innovations, combined with government support and increasing demand for budget-friendly models like the Tata Nexon EV, are positioning EVs as a competitive and sustainable option for India’s middle-class consumers.
India Aims to Boost Indigenous Electronics Manufacturing and Employment: MeitY Secretary
India is set to deepen its indigenous electronics manufacturing value addition, aiming to increase it from the current 15-20% to 35-40% in the coming years, according to S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). In a recent interview, Krishnan highlighted that the value addition so far mainly consists of labour-intensive components, which have significantly contributed to job creation. He emphasized that the growing employment opportunities are a key benefit of the country’s focus on electronics manufacturing.
Looking ahead, Krishnan outlined the Ministry’s strategy to expand the value addition in electronics production, with a particular emphasis on fostering advanced research and development in artificial intelligence (AI). The goal is not only to enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities but also to position the country as a leader in cutting-edge technologies, driving both economic growth and employment. These steps are in line with the government’s broader vision of strengthening the electronics sector and advancing India’s technological capabilities.
Editor’s Note: This is a good read to understand India’s electronics sector from the Secretary of MeitY, S. Krishnan, as mentioned in the report. He outlines the government’s goal to increase indigenous electronics manufacturing value addition from 15-20% to 35-40%, with a focus on advanced R&D in AI, aiming to boost both economic growth and employment in the sector.
Rajnath Singh Highlights AI’s Role in Enhancing Healthcare for Defense Personnel and Public Health
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technology in addressing health challenges like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes among defense personnel. Speaking at the Cardiological Society of India (CSI) fellowship convocation ceremony 2024 in Lucknow, Singh stressed the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for healthcare improvements in the armed forces. With defense personnel often exposed to extreme conditions, AI tools could enhance risk prediction, personalize treatments, and optimize decision-making in preventive cardiology, ultimately ensuring better health outcomes and operational readiness. Singh also highlighted the government’s allocation of INR 6.2 lakh crore in the 2024–25 Union Budget for the advancement of military healthcare services and technological integration.
Beyond the armed forces, Singh also addressed the government’s broader efforts to combat non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, which he referred to as “twin threats” to public health. He discussed key government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), aiming to prevent and control these diseases nationwide. Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes by integrating AI and other technologies, with the ultimate goal of creating a healthier nation and safeguarding the well-being of both defense personnel and the general population.
Editor’s Note: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the role of AI and modern technology in improving healthcare for defense personnel, particularly in addressing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. He also highlighted the government’s broader efforts to tackle non-communicable diseases through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the NPCDCS, aiming to enhance health outcomes for both the military and the general public.
Flipkart Plans IPO by 2025-2026, Shifting Base to India
India’s largest e-commerce platform, Flipkart, valued at $36 billion, is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) within the next 12 to 15 months, according to The Economic Times. This move, expected to result in one of the largest listings by a new-age company in India, reflects the country’s growing prominence as a major startup hub. Flipkart has received internal approval to relocate its domicile from Singapore to India, a crucial step ahead of the IPO, which is slated for late 2025 or early 2026. This follows the successful public listings of firms like Zomato, Nykaa, and Swiggy, fueling investor interest in India’s consumer internet sector.
Walmart, which owns 81% of Flipkart after acquiring it in 2018 for $16 billion, remains highly confident in its Indian operations. The retail giant has invested over $2 billion in Flipkart and views the IPO as key to unlocking its growth potential. Flipkart’s growth has been remarkable, evolving from a 2007 online bookstore to a dominant force in India’s e-commerce sector. The company has diversified into payments, advertising, and fast deliveries, and its UPI payments app, Super.money, showcases its broader ambitions. As the Indian e-commerce landscape continues to expand, Flipkart’s IPO is expected to be a significant milestone in the industry’s development.
Editor’s Note: Flipkart, India’s largest e-commerce platform, is planning an IPO by late 2025 or early 2026, following its decision to shift its domicile from Singapore to India. With Walmart’s backing and its expansion into payments, advertising, and fast deliveries, the IPO is set to be a major milestone in India’s growing e-commerce sector.
IndiaAI Invites Bids for AI Compute and Cloud Services to Support AI Mission
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), through IndiaAI Independent Business Division (IBD), launched a Request for Empanelment (RFE) on August 16, 2024, inviting applications for agencies to provide AI Compute and Cloud Services. This initiative aims to make 10,000 GPUs available to support India’s AI mission, benefiting startups, researchers, students, and academicians. Over 50 service providers, including Cloud Service Providers (CSPs), Managed Service Providers (MSPs), and Data Center Service Providers, participated in the pre-bid meeting. After resolving queries, the bid submission deadline was extended to November 28, 2024, and the process concluded on that date.
On December 2, 2024, 19 bidders submitted proposals, reflecting significant interest in the initiative. The technical evaluation committee will now assess the bids based on eligibility and technical criteria outlined in the RFE document. Only technically qualified bidders will proceed to the commercial bid stage. The empanelment will be valid for 36 months, with the possibility of a 12-month extension. IndiaAI, tasked with implementing the IndiaAI Mission, aims to make AI benefits more accessible, strengthen India’s AI leadership, and promote ethical, responsible AI use.
Editor’s Note: IndiaAI, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has launched a Request for Empanelment (RFE) to invite bids for AI Compute and Cloud Services, aiming to provide 10,000 GPUs to support India’s AI mission. With 19 bidders submitting proposals, the initiative seeks to strengthen India’s AI leadership and promote accessible, ethical AI use for startups, researchers, and students.
NueGo Becomes India’s Largest Electric Intercity Travel Network, Expands with New Routes
NueGo, the electric intercity mobility brand by GreenCell Mobility, has reached a major milestone by becoming the largest intercity travel network in India. Operating in over 100 cities, the brand has announced the launch of four new routes connecting Indore-Ratlam, Gurugram-Chandigarh, Hyderabad-Kurnool, and Bangalore-Mysore. With its fleet of fully electric coaches, NueGo ensures zero-emission travel, offering a safe, timely, and comfortable journey with coaches capable of covering more than 250 km on a single charge. This expansion strengthens its mission of providing sustainable mobility options and connecting more cities across India.
Devendra Chawla, CEO & MD of GreenCell Mobility, expressed pride in the company’s role in India’s transition to sustainable transport. “NueGo is setting new standards in intercity travel, combining environmental responsibility with exceptional guest experiences,” he said. In addition to daily operations of over 450 departures, NueGo recently completed the record-breaking Kashmir to Kanyakumari (E-K2K) journey, showcasing the durability of its electric buses across diverse terrains. With over 1,100 buses in its fleet, GreenCell Mobility continues to lead the charge in eco-friendly and affordable transportation solutions.
Editor’s Note: NueGo, India’s largest electric intercity travel network, has expanded its services with new routes connecting key cities like Indore, Gurugram, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. With a fleet of over 1,100 fully electric coaches, NueGo is driving sustainable mobility, offering zero-emission travel while ensuring safety and comfort across its growing network.