Mercedes-Benz India has launched EQS 580 4Matic, an electric vehicle (EV) that is “Made in India” and costs INR 1.55 crore. The EQS 580 is the 14th "Made in India" Mercedes-Benz model and the first-ever locally produced EV in India.
The EQS is also India's longest-range EV, with a range of up to 677 km and 857 km, according to the Automotive Research Association of India. The car is equipped with a 400 volt battery made with the most recent lithium-ion technology and has a high power density lithium-ion battery with a usable energy content of 107.8 kWh.
Mercedes-Benz India will establish the greatest “ultra-fast charging network,” which will reach 80 per cent of India by the end of 2022, to further promote the adoption of EVs. It has nine airbags and a five-star Euro NCAP safety certification as part of its safety features. The EQS has a robust passenger cell, unique deformation zones, and cutting-edge restraint systems, much like every other Mercedes.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru-based electric vehicle start-up, Ather Energy, has revealed its sales figures for the month of September 2022. The company managed to sell 7,435 electric scooters in India last month, registering a massive 247 per cent YoY growth. In September 2021, its sales stood at 2,139 units. It’s worth mentioning that Ather Energy recorded its highest-ever monthly sales in September 2022.
Moreover, when compared on an MoM basis, the company’s sales increased by 16 per cent as in August 2022, its EV sales stood at 6,410 units. Ather Energy is currently present in 45 Indian cities with 55 experience centres. The company inaugurated four new experience centres last month (Ranchi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Rajkot), and it plans to add eight new outlets this month.
Commenting on the development, Ravneet S. Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said, “Ather had a great start to this festive season and has been experiencing strong momentum since the past couple of months. As a result of an improved supply chain, we recorded the best monthly sales in September, delivering 7435 units to our customers.”
On the other hand, India has entered into a collaboration with the US state of California for research and innovation in the field of zero-emission vehicles to spur the development of its nascent EV industry and address climate risks.
The California-India ZEV policy programme among other things will showcase best practices in EV adoption from India on international platforms and unlock strategic dialogues on international climate finance for a ZEV transition.
California has the world’s most advanced zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) policies. It has an ambitious 100 per cent ZEV mandate by 2035. As part of the collaboration, the University of California, research institute Davis Institute of Transportation Studies, established a new India ZEV Research Centre.
