After the success of the ZS EV and COMET, MG Motor India is making waves again with its latest electric offering, the MG Windsor. A seemingly unassuming crossover utility vehicle (CUV), the Windsor marks MG’s third electric vehicle for the Indian market, following its recent partnership with JSW Group. Marked at a deceptively economical price of INR 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom), this model offers good performance, futuristic aesthetics and ample space that is generously punctuated with features that far exceed the category expectations. What you don’t get is – a battery pack! &nbsp;

Instead, MG has introduced the "Battery as a Service" (BaaS) program, positioning the Windsor as a compelling option for those looking to jump on the EV bandwagon.

 
Bold or Boxy?&nbsp;
<img alt="MG Windsor EV " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6f727fde-9a4b-40bf-84bb-971ffcc97b90" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/DSC09777.jpg" />
At first glance, the Windsor is not exactly a head-turner—albeit one that may invite polarising opinions that has Honda Jazz on one extreme, and the poorly received Fiat Multipla on the other. While the exterior design is nothing to write home about, there’s something unique about its minimalistic boxy stance that makes it pleasant on the eye.

Running on 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, the CUV has a ground clearance of 186mm, allowing it to tackle urban roads with ease. The car’s exterior is embellished with sharp, eyeliner-like garnish around the LED headlamps and tail lamps, which stretch across the width of the car, adding a futuristic touch.

From the side profile, you’ll notice an aerodynamic, pod-like shape with flush door handles and large windows, adding to its modern aesthetic. At the rear, the Windsor offers an impressive 604 litres of boot space, complete with a bonus compartment under the floor, making it one of the most practical CUVs in its class. Plus, the split-folding rear seats expand storage further, providing enough space to fit more than just your weekend luggage.

The Windsor may not be the most aggressive-looking car on the road, but its clean, futuristic design language certainly catches the eye.

Comfort of Business Class at the Cost of Economy?
<img alt="MG Windsor EV interior" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8f09a732-f280-45ff-b0ff-2dc3afb96a98" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/DSC09963.jpg" />
Step inside the Windsor, and you’re greeted by an imposing 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, powered by Jio, alongside an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel. This all-encompassing control hub manages everything from Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to over 80 connected car features.&nbsp;

However, some may find the shift to digital controls overwhelming, as even basic functions like adjusting the mirrors or operating the headlamps require navigating multiple menus on the touchscreen. However, the downside of combining so many features into one screen is slower response times and lag, which we experienced during our test ride. The only manual controls one can spot are for air conditioning and a few associated controls on the steering wheel.&nbsp;

Beyond the tech, the Windsor offers ample storage spaces, including a sweet unit underneath the floating centre console equipped with two USB ports; a wireless charging unit, an armrest with more storage and enough cup holders to keep a small party hydrated—seven, to be exact! Apart from that, you also get Infinity-sourced nine speakers, customisable ambient lighting, a telescopic steering wheel, and six airbags.&nbsp;

Coming to the second most raved-about feature of the car - the seats. The front seats are handsomely cushioned and upholstered with a striking argyle pattern almost reminiscent of outdated markers of grandeur. But again it’s hard to deny the fact that nostalgia is fresh capital. Ventilated and power-adjusted (for the driver), they offer fairly decent thigh support and comfort akin to that of sinking into oversized lounge chairs.&nbsp;

In the rear, the Windsor continues to impress with plenty of legroom and reclining seats split in a 60-40 ratio that tilts up to 135 degrees, how about that? You get a USB charging port, rear AC vents and a flat floor along with your standard armrest in the back.&nbsp;

Now, coming to the most talked about feature – the expansive glass roof that makes the interior feels bright and airy, adding to the overall sense of space and comfort. It's perfect for both city drives and long, chauffeur-driven journeys.

How Does the Windsor Drive?
<img alt="MG Windsor EV on road" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="45780dfe-1742-41da-9aa6-fb32a1844469" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/DSC09302.jpg" />
Powering the MG Windsor is a 38kWh battery pack, delivering 136bhp and 200 Nm of torque to the front wheels. Though not as powerful as its competitors—the Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV400—it’s more than sufficient for city driving.&nbsp;

The Windsor comes with four driving modes: Eco+, Eco, Normal, and Sport, as well as three regenerative braking modes. MG claims a driving range of 331 km on a full charge, though real-world numbers are expected to hover around 250 km depending on driving conditions.&nbsp;

The Windsor’s ride quality is a mixed bag. It absorbs city bumps quite well, making it a comfortable choice for urban commutes. However, at higher speeds on highways, the suspension tends to feel relatively unsettled, leading to a slight bobbing effect accompanied by harsh road noises that penetrate the car with unarming ease. Handling is also not the Windsor’s strongest suit. Though it’s far from sluggish, the steering feels uninspiring, making it less engaging than some of its competitors. That said, for city driving and long highway cruises, the Windsor delivers a smooth and relaxed ride, which will likely appeal to its intended target audience.

Rent the Battery or Buy It?&nbsp;
<img alt="MG Windsor Ev charging" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d75ee39-7c36-4a75-94b8-88e4bc62e6ff" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/B2__8007.JPG" />
One of the Windsor’s most disruptive features is MG’s Battery as a Service (BaaS) program, which allows customers to purchase the car without a battery and rent one on a subscription basis (INR 3.5/km). While this approach significantly lowers the upfront cost of the vehicle, it’s not the mandate but only an option provided by MG to boost EV adoption in India.

Additionally, MG offers free public charging for the first year (if booked before December 31), a lifetime battery warranty for initial customers (with the purchase of an INR 29,000 maintenance pack for 3 years), and a buyback offer at 60% of the battery's value after 3 years (with the maintenance pack).

However, if you choose to buy the battery instead of renting, it will cost around INR 3.5 lakh extra upfront. This amount is equal to around 5.5 years of battery rental payments (INR 63,000 per year).

 
How Does the Windsor Stack Up Against Rivals?

<img alt="MG Windsor EV variants" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3483ca3a-5264-4a49-800b-719416bfac54" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/B2__7795_0.JPG" />

The MG Windsor’s starting price of INR 9.99 lakh (without the battery) is one of its strongest selling points. Buyers who opt out of the BaaS program and purchase the battery outright will see the price rise to between INR 13.50 to INR 15.50 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant.

In this price range, the Windsor faces stiff competition from midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and compact electric SUVs such as the Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV400. While it may not match the outright performance of its EV rivals, the Windsor outshines them in terms of comfort, features, and practicality.

The MG Windsor is a bold attempt by MG Motor to cater to the growing electric vehicle market in India. Its futuristic design, feature-packed interior, and innovative BaaS model make it a compelling option for those looking to switch to electric without breaking the bank. While it may not appeal to performance enthusiasts, its comfortable ride and impressive interior space will resonate with families and urban commuters alike. At INR 9.99 lakh, it offers great value for money, provided you’re open to the idea of renting a battery.

After the success of the ZS EV and COMET, MG Motor India is making waves again with its latest electric offering, the MG Windsor. A seemingly unassuming crossover utility vehicle (CUV), the Windsor marks MG’s third electric vehicle for the Indian market, following its recent partnership with JSW Group.

After the success of the ZS EV and COMET, MG Motor India is making waves again with its latest electric offering, the MG Windsor. A seemingly unassuming crossover utility vehicle (CUV), the Windsor marks MG’s third electric vehicle for the Indian market, following its recent partnership with JSW Group. Marked at a deceptively economical price of INR 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom), this model offers good performance, futuristic aesthetics and ample space that is generously punctuated with features that far exceed the category expectations. What you don’t get is – a battery pack! Instead, MG has introduced the "Battery as a Service" (BaaS) program, positioning the Windsor as a compelling option for those looking to jump on the EV bandwagon. Bold or Boxy? At first glance, the Windsor is not exactly a head-turner—albeit one that may invite polarising opinions that has Honda Jazz on one extreme, and the poorly received Fiat Multipla on the other. While the exterior design is nothing to write home about, there’s something unique about its minimalistic boxy stance that makes it pleasant on the eye. Running on 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, the CUV has a ground clearance of 186mm, allowing it to tackle urban roads with ease. The car’s exterior is embellished with sharp, eyeliner-like garnish around the LED headlamps and tail lamps, which stretch across the width of the car, adding a futuristic touch. From the side profile, you’ll notice an aerodynamic, pod-like shape with flush door handles and large windows, adding to its modern aesthetic. At the rear, the Windsor offers an impressive 604 litres of boot space, complete with a bonus compartment under the floor, making it one of the most practical CUVs in its class. Plus, the split-folding rear seats expand storage further, providing enough space to fit more than just your weekend luggage. The Windsor may not be the most aggressive-looking car on the road, but its clean, futuristic design language certainly catches the eye. Comfort of Business Class at the Cost of Economy? Step inside the Windsor, and you’re greeted by an imposing 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, powered by Jio, alongside an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel. This all-encompassing control hub manages everything from Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to over 80 connected car features. However, some may find the shift to digital controls overwhelming, as even basic functions like adjusting the mirrors or operating the headlamps require navigating multiple menus on the touchscreen. However, the downside of combining so many features into one screen is slower response times and lag, which we experienced during our test ride. The only manual controls one can spot are for air conditioning and a few associated controls on the steering wheel. Beyond the tech, the Windsor offers ample storage spaces, including a sweet unit underneath the floating centre console equipped with two USB ports; a wireless charging unit, an armrest with more storage and enough cup holders to keep a small party hydrated—seven, to be exact! Apart from that, you also get Infinity-sourced nine speakers, customisable ambient lighting, a telescopic steering wheel, and six airbags. Coming to the second most raved-about feature of the car - the seats. The front seats are handsomely cushioned and upholstered with a striking argyle pattern almost reminiscent of outdated markers of grandeur. But again it’s hard to deny the fact that nostalgia is fresh capital. Ventilated and power-adjusted (for the driver), they offer fairly decent thigh support and comfort akin to that of sinking into oversized lounge chairs. In the rear, the Windsor continues to impress with plenty of legroom and reclining seats split in a 60-40 ratio that tilts up to 135 degrees, how about that? You get a USB charging port, rear AC vents and a flat floor along with your standard armrest in the back. Now, coming to the most talked about feature – the expansive glass roof that makes the interior feels bright and airy, adding to the overall sense of space and comfort. It's perfect for both city drives and long, chauffeur-driven journeys. How Does the Windsor Drive? Powering the MG Windsor is a 38kWh battery pack, delivering 136bhp and 200 Nm of torque to the front wheels. Though not as powerful as its competitors—the Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV400—it’s more than sufficient for city driving. The Windsor comes with four driving modes: Eco+, Eco, Normal, and Sport, as well as three regenerative braking modes. MG claims a driving range of 331 km on a full charge, though real-world numbers are expected to hover around 250 km depending on driving conditions. The Windsor’s ride quality is a mixed bag. It absorbs city bumps quite well, making it a comfortable choice for urban commutes. However, at higher speeds on highways, the suspension tends to feel relatively unsettled, leading to a slight bobbing effect accompanied by harsh road noises that penetrate the car with unarming ease. Handling is also not the Windsor’s strongest suit. Though it’s far from sluggish, the steering feels uninspiring, making it less engaging than some of its competitors. That said, for city driving and long highway cruises, the Windsor delivers a smooth and relaxed ride, which will likely appeal to its intended target audience. Rent the Battery or Buy It? One of the Windsor’s most disruptive features is MG’s Battery as a Service (BaaS) program, which allows customers to purchase the car without a battery and rent one on a subscription basis (INR 3.5/km). While this approach significantly lowers the upfront cost of the vehicle, it’s not the mandate but only an option provided by MG to boost EV adoption in India. Additionally, MG offers free public charging for the first year (if booked before December 31), a lifetime battery warranty for initial customers (with the purchase of an INR 29,000 maintenance pack for 3 years), and a buyback offer at 60% of the battery's value after 3 years (with the maintenance pack). However, if you choose to buy the battery instead of renting, it will cost around INR 3.5 lakh extra upfront. This amount is equal to around 5.5 years of battery rental payments (INR 63,000 per year). How Does the Windsor Stack Up Against Rivals? The MG Windsor’s starting price of INR 9.99 lakh (without the battery) is one of its strongest selling points. Buyers who opt out of the BaaS program and purchase the battery outright will see the price rise to between INR 13.50 to INR 15.50 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant. In this price range, the Windsor faces stiff competition from midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and compact electric SUVs such as the Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV400. While it may not match the outright performance of its EV rivals, the Windsor outshines them in terms of comfort, features, and practicality. The MG Windsor is a bold attempt by MG Motor to cater to the growing electric vehicle market in India. Its futuristic design, feature-packed interior, and innovative BaaS model make it a compelling option for those looking to switch to electric without breaking the bank. While it may not appeal to performance enthusiasts, its comfortable ride and impressive interior space will resonate with families and urban commuters alike. At INR 9.99 lakh, it offers great value for money, provided you’re open to the idea of renting a battery.

MG Windsor: First Ride Review

The German electric vehicle (EV) market experienced a significant downturn in August, leading a broader decline across Europe. This slump has prompted automakers to appeal to Brussels for a reconsideration of key climate targets. The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association reported that EV deliveries in Germany, Europe's largest car market, plummeted by 69 per cent during August, contributing to a 36 per cent decrease across the region.

In response, the association has called upon the European Commission to implement urgent relief measures ahead of the 2025 fleet-emissions targets, which could potentially result in substantial fines for carmakers failing to meet the requirements.

&nbsp;

The European auto industry has been grappling with a decline in EV demand following the withdrawal of government financial incentives that had previously made these relatively expensive vehicles more accessible to consumers. With the market share of battery-powered cars dwindling to 14 per cent in August, down from just over 15 per cent the previous year, automobile manufacturers are reassessing their strategies and timelines for transitioning away from internal combustion engines.

&nbsp;

The decline has been particularly pronounced in Germany, which is facing a series of challenges in its industrial sector. Volkswagen AG, the continent's largest automaker, has abandoned a long-standing labour agreement and is preparing to close domestic factories in Germany for the first time due to waning demand. BMW AG has reduced its full-year earnings forecast, partly attributing this adjustment to sluggish EV sales. In a related development, chipmaker Intel Corp. has delayed the construction of a planned factory for which the German government had allocated&nbsp; euro 10 billion (USD 11.1 billion) in subsidies.

&nbsp;

The German economy may already be in recession, according to a report by the Bundesbank. After a slight contraction in the second quarter, economic output is expected to stagnate or decline further in the third quarter. Constantin Gall, EY's mobility lead for Western Europe, noted that Germany's economy is struggling to gain momentum, with both consumers and investors showing reluctance. He attributed this to geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts that are negatively impacting sentiment.

&nbsp;

The decline in new car registrations was not limited to Germany, as the trend was observed across Europe. In August, new car registrations fell by 16.5 per cent compared to the previous year, totaling 755,717 units. France and Italy also experienced declines, with the United Kingdom being the only major market to see an increase in EV sales, posting a 10.8 per cent gain.

&nbsp;

The downturn in EV sales is putting carmakers like Volkswagen and Renault SA at risk of incurring significant fines as stricter European Union fleet-emissions rules are set to take effect next year. The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association has urged the European Commission to expedite planned regulation reviews, although they stopped short of requesting a two-year delay of the new fleet-emission standard of approximately 95 grams of CO2 per kilometer per vehicle, an option that was reportedly under consideration according to a draft proposal obtained by Bloomberg News.

&nbsp;

BMW, however, stated that it has been preparing for the new CO2 fleet targets for years and expressed confidence in its ability to meet the stricter thresholds next year. The company asserted that it sees no need to adjust or postpone the 2025 goals.

&nbsp;

These developments are also putting pressure on the EU's deadline to effectively ban sales of new combustion-engine cars from 2035. European automakers are divided on how to proceed in light of the impending new regulations, with some calling for adjustments to the timeline and others maintaining their commitment to the original targets.

The German electric vehicle (EV) market experienced a significant downturn in August, leading a broader decline across Europe. This slump has prompted automakers to appeal to Brussels for a reconsideration of key climate targets.

The German electric vehicle (EV) market experienced a significant downturn in August, leading a broader decline across Europe. This slump has prompted automakers to appeal to Brussels for a reconsideration of key climate targets. The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association reported that EV deliveries in Germany, Europe's largest car market, plummeted by 69 per cent during August, contributing to a 36 per cent decrease across the region. In response, the association has called upon the European Commission to implement urgent relief measures ahead of the 2025 fleet-emissions targets, which could potentially result in substantial fines for carmakers failing to meet the requirements. The European auto industry has been grappling with a decline in EV demand following the withdrawal of government financial incentives that had previously made these relatively expensive vehicles more accessible to consumers. With the market share of battery-powered cars dwindling to 14 per cent in August, down from just over 15 per cent the previous year, automobile manufacturers are reassessing their strategies and timelines for transitioning away from internal combustion engines. The decline has been particularly pronounced in Germany, which is facing a series of challenges in its industrial sector. Volkswagen AG, the continent's largest automaker, has abandoned a long-standing labour agreement and is preparing to close domestic factories in Germany for the first time due to waning demand. BMW AG has reduced its full-year earnings forecast, partly attributing this adjustment to sluggish EV sales. In a related development, chipmaker Intel Corp. has delayed the construction of a planned factory for which the German government had allocated euro 10 billion (USD 11.1 billion) in subsidies. The German economy may already be in recession, according to a report by the Bundesbank. After a slight contraction in the second quarter, economic output is expected to stagnate or decline further in the third quarter. Constantin Gall, EY's mobility lead for Western Europe, noted that Germany's economy is struggling to gain momentum, with both consumers and investors showing reluctance. He attributed this to geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts that are negatively impacting sentiment. The decline in new car registrations was not limited to Germany, as the trend was observed across Europe. In August, new car registrations fell by 16.5 per cent compared to the previous year, totaling 755,717 units. France and Italy also experienced declines, with the United Kingdom being the only major market to see an increase in EV sales, posting a 10.8 per cent gain. The downturn in EV sales is putting carmakers like Volkswagen and Renault SA at risk of incurring significant fines as stricter European Union fleet-emissions rules are set to take effect next year. The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association has urged the European Commission to expedite planned regulation reviews, although they stopped short of requesting a two-year delay of the new fleet-emission standard of approximately 95 grams of CO2 per kilometer per vehicle, an option that was reportedly under consideration according to a draft proposal obtained by Bloomberg News. BMW, however, stated that it has been preparing for the new CO2 fleet targets for years and expressed confidence in its ability to meet the stricter thresholds next year. The company asserted that it sees no need to adjust or postpone the 2025 goals. These developments are also putting pressure on the EU's deadline to effectively ban sales of new combustion-engine cars from 2035. European automakers are divided on how to proceed in light of the impending new regulations, with some calling for adjustments to the timeline and others maintaining their commitment to the original targets.

Downfall in Europe’s EV market, automakers appeal for solution

The Vietnamese government is taking significant steps to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and fulfill its energy transition commitments. A key component of this initiative is a plan to introduce subsidies for electricity prices at EV charging stations. This strategic move aims to make EV charging more affordable and accessible, thereby encouraging more widespread use of electric vehicles throughout the country.

&nbsp;

According to a recent government statement, the proposed subsidy scheme is scheduled to be presented to the central government for approval by mid-September. This initiative is part of Vietnam's broader strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, aligning with commitments made by advanced economies worldwide.

&nbsp;

Vietnam, which is home to the emerging EV manufacturer VinFast, currently has a modest infrastructure of just over 150,000 EV charging ports. The majority of these charging facilities are owned and operated by VinFast itself, highlighting the need for expansion and diversification in the country's EV charging network.

&nbsp;

The government has emphasised the critical importance of the green energy transition in its statement, describing it as "an essential and important task in the process of realizing green development objectives and in fulfilling Vietnam's international commitments." This underscores the nation's dedication to sustainable development and its determination to play a significant role in global efforts to combat climate change.

&nbsp;

In addition to the proposed electricity price subsidies for charging stations, the Vietnamese government is developing a comprehensive package of incentives to support the EV industry. These measures will target various aspects of the EV ecosystem, including production, imports, and consumer adoption. The government aims to create favorable conditions for manufacturers to increase EV production and make it easier for consumers to import EVs. Furthermore, incentives will be designed to encourage car owners to transition from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles to electric alternatives.

&nbsp;

To ensure widespread accessibility of EV charging infrastructure, the government has committed to establishing public EV charging systems in all urban areas across the country. This ambitious goal will be supported by the implementation of a unified set of technical standards for charging stations, which is expected to be issued by the end of the current month. These standards will help ensure consistency, safety, and compatibility across the nation's growing network of EV charging facilities.

&nbsp;

Vietnam has already taken several steps to promote EV adoption. Earlier initiatives include the exemption of registration fees for new electric vehicles and reductions in the special consumption tax applied to EVs. These measures have been implemented to make electric vehicles more financially attractive to potential buyers and to stimulate growth in the EV market.

&nbsp;

The government's multifaceted approach to promoting electric vehicles demonstrates Vietnam's commitment to sustainable transportation and its recognition of the crucial role that EVs play in reducing carbon emissions. By addressing various aspects of EV adoption – from infrastructure development to financial incentives – Vietnam is creating a conducive environment for the growth of its electric vehicle market.

&nbsp;

As these plans progress, Vietnam is positioning itself as a forward-thinking nation in Southeast Asia's transition to cleaner transportation. The success of these initiatives could not only contribute significantly to Vietnam's environmental goals but also potentially establish the country as a model for EV adoption in the region. The coming months will be crucial as the government finalises and implements these ambitious plans, potentially reshaping Vietnam's automotive landscape and contributing to global efforts in combating climate change.

The Vietnamese government is taking significant steps to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and fulfill its energy transition commitments. A key component of this initiative is a plan to introduce subsidies for electricity prices at EV charging stations.

The Vietnamese government is taking significant steps to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and fulfill its energy transition commitments. A key component of this initiative is a plan to introduce subsidies for electricity prices at EV charging stations. This strategic move aims to make EV charging more affordable and accessible, thereby encouraging more widespread use of electric vehicles throughout the country. According to a recent government statement, the proposed subsidy scheme is scheduled to be presented to the central government for approval by mid-September. This initiative is part of Vietnam's broader strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, aligning with commitments made by advanced economies worldwide. Vietnam, which is home to the emerging EV manufacturer VinFast, currently has a modest infrastructure of just over 150,000 EV charging ports. The majority of these charging facilities are owned and operated by VinFast itself, highlighting the need for expansion and diversification in the country's EV charging network. The government has emphasised the critical importance of the green energy transition in its statement, describing it as "an essential and important task in the process of realizing green development objectives and in fulfilling Vietnam's international commitments." This underscores the nation's dedication to sustainable development and its determination to play a significant role in global efforts to combat climate change. In addition to the proposed electricity price subsidies for charging stations, the Vietnamese government is developing a comprehensive package of incentives to support the EV industry. These measures will target various aspects of the EV ecosystem, including production, imports, and consumer adoption. The government aims to create favorable conditions for manufacturers to increase EV production and make it easier for consumers to import EVs. Furthermore, incentives will be designed to encourage car owners to transition from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles to electric alternatives. To ensure widespread accessibility of EV charging infrastructure, the government has committed to establishing public EV charging systems in all urban areas across the country. This ambitious goal will be supported by the implementation of a unified set of technical standards for charging stations, which is expected to be issued by the end of the current month. These standards will help ensure consistency, safety, and compatibility across the nation's growing network of EV charging facilities. Vietnam has already taken several steps to promote EV adoption. Earlier initiatives include the exemption of registration fees for new electric vehicles and reductions in the special consumption tax applied to EVs. These measures have been implemented to make electric vehicles more financially attractive to potential buyers and to stimulate growth in the EV market. The government's multifaceted approach to promoting electric vehicles demonstrates Vietnam's commitment to sustainable transportation and its recognition of the crucial role that EVs play in reducing carbon emissions. By addressing various aspects of EV adoption – from infrastructure development to financial incentives – Vietnam is creating a conducive environment for the growth of its electric vehicle market. As these plans progress, Vietnam is positioning itself as a forward-thinking nation in Southeast Asia's transition to cleaner transportation. The success of these initiatives could not only contribute significantly to Vietnam's environmental goals but also potentially establish the country as a model for EV adoption in the region. The coming months will be crucial as the government finalises and implements these ambitious plans, potentially reshaping Vietnam's automotive landscape and contributing to global efforts in combating climate change.

Vietnam advances on support measures for EV charging stations

China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO), a state-owned Multinational conglomerate located in Shanghai has launched a river-to-sea electric container ship that the company claims to be the “world’s largest”. Established as a subsidiary in 2016 after an approved merger between COSCO and China Shipping, the company specialises in marine transport.

The Green Water 01 is a massive 10,000-ton+ fully electric vessel that is now a benchmark in sustainability in the marine logistics industry, and the services have already begun in China. As for now, regular operations are set to take place between Shanghai and Nanjing. The route covers close to 1,000 kilometres without needing recharge anywhere in the middle, along the Yangtze River.

 
Greenwater 01 is 120 metres long and 24 metres wide, with a battery capacity of 50,000 kWh, which can be expanded up to 80,000 kWh if need be. This is also the reason why the batteries are placed in particular containers that can be charged in the harbour or exchanged by cranes.

 
Given the battery-electric drive, the container ship is expected to save 3,900 kilograms of fuel per 100 nautical miles (185.2 kilometres) and reduce CO2 emissions by 12.4 tonnes. The cargo&nbsp;capacity of the Greenwater 01 is 700 TEU, with one TEU corresponding to a 20-foot standard container.

 
The COSCO Group is the largest liner carrier in China, transporting container vessels on daily basis, while also providing ships to Chinese automakers in order to help them export their electric vehicles to new markets overseas.

 
According to Cosco, the Greenwater 01 not only sets world record for its length, width and load capacity of a battery-electric ship, but also for container capacity.

 
“The 700 TEU electric container ship is the world’s first large all-battery container ship for long-distance transport,” Cosco Shipping stated in March 2023. Adding, “After construction, this series of ships will be put into operation on the Yangtze River. It will realise the green modernisation of the golden waterway and provide the experience and solutions of key state-owned enterprises for China’s inland and coastal shipping industry to reduce emissions.”

 
According to the group, this project will serve as a benchmark model for future environmentally friendly shipping projects. The company has also been working on building a second electric container ship since May 2023. 
&nbsp;

China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO), a state-owned Multinational conglomerate located in Shanghai has launched a river-to-sea electric container ship that the company claims to be the “world’s largest”.

China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO), a state-owned Multinational conglomerate located in Shanghai has launched a river-to-sea electric container ship that the company claims to be the “world’s largest”. Established as a subsidiary in 2016 after an approved merger between COSCO and China Shipping, the company specialises in marine transport. The Green Water 01 is a massive 10,000-ton+ fully electric vessel that is now a benchmark in sustainability in the marine logistics industry, and the services have already begun in China. As for now, regular operations are set to take place between Shanghai and Nanjing. The route covers close to 1,000 kilometres without needing recharge anywhere in the middle, along the Yangtze River. Greenwater 01 is 120 metres long and 24 metres wide, with a battery capacity of 50,000 kWh, which can be expanded up to 80,000 kWh if need be. This is also the reason why the batteries are placed in particular containers that can be charged in the harbour or exchanged by cranes. Given the battery-electric drive, the container ship is expected to save 3,900 kilograms of fuel per 100 nautical miles (185.2 kilometres) and reduce CO2 emissions by 12.4 tonnes. The cargo capacity of the Greenwater 01 is 700 TEU, with one TEU corresponding to a 20-foot standard container. The COSCO Group is the largest liner carrier in China, transporting container vessels on daily basis, while also providing ships to Chinese automakers in order to help them export their electric vehicles to new markets overseas. According to Cosco, the Greenwater 01 not only sets world record for its length, width and load capacity of a battery-electric ship, but also for container capacity. “The 700 TEU electric container ship is the world’s first large all-battery container ship for long-distance transport,” Cosco Shipping stated in March 2023. Adding, “After construction, this series of ships will be put into operation on the Yangtze River. It will realise the green modernisation of the golden waterway and provide the experience and solutions of key state-owned enterprises for China’s inland and coastal shipping industry to reduce emissions.” According to the group, this project will serve as a benchmark model for future environmentally friendly shipping projects. The company has also been working on building a second electric container ship since May 2023.

China launches 'world's largest' electric container ship with 50,000 kWh battery capacity

Sales of cars powered solely by batteries surged in the United States, Europe and China last year, while deliveries of fossil fuel vehicles were stagnant. Demand for electric cars is so strong that manufacturers are requiring buyers to put down deposits months in advance. And some models are effectively sold out for the next two years.

Battery-powered cars are having a breakthrough moment and will enter the mainstream this year as automakers begin selling electric versions of one of Americans’ favourite vehicle types: pickup trucks. Their arrival represents the biggest upheaval in the auto industry since Henry Ford introduced the Model T in 1908 and could have far-reaching consequences for factory workers, businesses and the environment. Tailpipe emissions are among the largest contributors to climate change.

While electric vehicles still account for a small slice of the market — nearly 9 per cent&nbsp;of the new cars sold last year worldwide were electric, up from 2.5% in 2019, according to the International Energy Agency — their rapid growth could make 2022 the year when the march of battery-powered cars became unstoppable, erasing any doubt that the internal combustion engine is lurching toward obsolescence.

The proliferation of electric cars will improve air quality and help slow global warming. The air in Southern California is already a bit cleaner thanks to the popularity of electric vehicles there. And the boom is a rare piece of good news for President Joe Biden, who has struggled to advance his climate agenda in Congress.

The auto industry is on track to invest half a trillion dollars in the next five years to make the transition to electric vehicles, Wedbush Securities, an investment firm, estimates. That money will be spent to refit and build factories, train workers, write software, upgrade dealerships and more. Companies are planning more than a dozen new electric car and battery factories just in the United States.

“It’s one of the biggest industrial transformations probably in the history of capitalism,” said Scott Keogh, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. “The investments are massive, and the mission is massive.”

But not everyone will benefit. Makers of mufflers, fuel injection systems and other parts could go out of business, leaving many workers jobless. Nearly 3 million Americans make, sell and service cars and auto parts, and industry experts say producing electric cars will require fewer workers because the cars have fewer components.

Over time, battery ingredients like lithium, nickel and cobalt could become more sought after than oil. Prices for these materials are already skyrocketing, which could limit sales in the short term by driving up the cost of electric cars.

The transition could also be limited by the lack of places to plug in electric cars, which has made the vehicles less appealing to people who drive long distances or apartment residents who can’t charge at home. There are fewer than 50,000 public charging stations in the United States. The infrastructure bill that Congress passed in November includes $7.5 billion for 500,000 new stations, although experts say even that number is too small.

And it could take time to see the climate benefits of electric cars: Replacing the 250 million existing fossil-fuel cars and light trucks could take decades unless governments provide larger incentives to car buyers. Cleaning up heavy trucks, one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, could be even harder.

Still, the electric car boom is already reshaping the auto industry.

The biggest beneficiary — and the biggest threat to the established order — is Tesla. Led by Elon Musk, the company delivered nearly 1 million cars in 2021, a 90 per cent&nbsp;increase from 2020.

Tesla is still small compared with auto giants, but it commands the segment with the fastest growth. Wall Street values the company at about $1 trillion, more than 10 times as much as General Motors. That means Tesla, which is building factories in Texas and Germany, can easily expand.

“At the rate it’s growing now, it will be bigger than GM in five years,” said John Casesa, a former Ford executive who is now a senior managing director at Guggenheim Securities, at a Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago forum in January.

Most analysts figured that electric vehicles wouldn’t take off until they became as inexpensive to buy as gasoline models — a milestone that is still a few years away for moderately priced cars that most people can afford.

But as extreme weather makes the catastrophic effects of climate change more tangible, and word gets around that electric cars are easy to maintain, cheap to refuel and fun to drive, affluent buyers are increasingly going electric.

Porsche’s Taycan, an electric sedan that starts at about $83,000, outsold the company’s signature 911 last year. Mercedes-Benz sold nearly 100,000 electric cars and vans in 2021, a 90% increase from the previous year.

Ford will soon start selling the Lightning, an electric version of the F-150 pickup truck, which has topped US&nbsp;sales charts for decades. It initially planned to make 75,000 a year. But demand has been so strong that the company is racing to double production of the Lightning, which starts at $40,000 and runs up to more than $90,000. Ford stopped taking reservations after amassing 200,000 orders.

“We’re going to be able to sell every one we can build,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s chief product platform and operations officer.

A growing selection of electric pickups and sport utility vehicles is attracting buyers uninterested in Tesla’s minimalist cars, which are most popular in coastal cities and suburbs.

Take Eddie Berry, the owner of an auto-parts delivery business in Groveport, Ohio, near Columbus. He has long relied on pickup trucks for work and camping trips. He had little interest in electric vehicles until the Lightning. His roughly $75,000 truck will be delivered this spring.

“There’s so much about this truck that’s going to help me,” Berry said. The locking front trunk, where an engine normally sits, will give him a secure space to carry parts. He won’t spend $80 for fuel every few days.

And since the Lightning can be used as a power source, it will revolutionize his tailgate at Ohio State football games. “I’ll be able to set up my big-screen TV,” Berry said. “I can power the electric smoker I use for ribs and pork. I’m super excited. I’m going to be the guy everybody’s talking about.”

Sales of electric cars might have been even higher in 2021 but for production bottlenecks. Volkswagen sold about 17,000 ID.4 SUVs in the United States, but could have sold four times as many, Keogh said.

Mike Sullivan, owner of LAcarGUY, a dealership chain, sold out his ID.4s within weeks of their arrival. “When we have them it’s the bestselling model,” he said. Supply will increase this year when Volkswagen begins producing ID.4s in Chattanooga, Tennessee, rather than importing them from Germany.

At the upper end, electric vehicles are already competitive on price and could save buyers thousands on maintenance and gasoline. (Electric cars do not need oil changes, and electricity is generally cheaper per mile than gasoline.)

The Tesla Model 3 and Jaguar XF P250 sedans retail for around $46,000. But owning the Tesla for five years costs $16,000 less, according to calculations by Kelley Blue Book, a vehicle valuation company.

If Europe and China are any measure, sales of electric vehicles in the United States will continue to explode. In December, battery-powered cars outsold diesel cars in Europe for the first time. In 18 countries, including Britain, more than 20% of new cars were electric, according to Matthias Schmidt, an independent analyst in Berlin.

In 2015, more than half of Europe’s new cars ran on diesel, the result of tax policies that make diesel cheaper than gasoline. But government incentives for electric cars, and penalties for carmakers that don’t meet emissions targets, have changed the equation.

About 4% of new cars were electric last year in the United States, up from about 2 per cent&nbsp;in 2020.

The point of electric cars is to cut tailpipe emissions, a leading source of carbon dioxide and the pollutants that cause smog. In Southern California, electric cars have already had a small effect on air quality, leading to a 4 per cent&nbsp;reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions from passenger cars compared with what they would have been otherwise, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, which includes Los Angeles.

Of course, battery-powered cars also have an environmental cost. But even taking into account the energy and raw materials they require, electric vehicles are much better for the climate than conventional cars, according to a Yale School of the Environment study.

Inevitably, a transition this momentous will cause dislocation. Most new battery and electric car factories planned by automakers are in Southern states like Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina and Tennessee. Their gains could come at the expense of the Midwest, which would lose internal combustion production jobs.

That hasn’t happened yet, because gasoline vehicles still dominate sales. But as battery power takes market share, conventional models will benefit less from the cost savings that come from stamping out the same vehicle hundreds of thousands of times.

The next few years could be perilous for carmakers that have been slow to offer electric vehicles. Toyota, a pioneer in hybrid vehicles, will not offer a car powered solely by batteries until later this year. Ram does not plan to release a competitor to Ford’s Lightning until 2024.

Chinese companies like SAIC, which owns the British MG brand, are using the technological shift to enter Europe and other markets. Young companies like Lucid, Rivian and Nio aim to follow Tesla’s playbook.

Old-line carmakers face a stiff learning curve. GM recalled its Bolt electric hatchback last year because of the risk of battery fires.

The companies most endangered may be small machine shops in Michigan or Ontario that produce piston rings and other parts. At the moment, these businesses are busy because of pent-up demand for all vehicles, said Carla Bailo, CEO of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

“A lot of them kind of have blinders on and are not looking that far down the road,” Bailo said “That’s troubling.”

Sales of cars powered solely by batteries surged in the United States, Europe and China last year, while deliveries of fossil fuel vehicles were stagnant. Demand for electric cars is so strong that manufacturers are requiring buyers to put down deposits months in advance.

Sales of cars powered solely by batteries surged in the United States, Europe and China last year, while deliveries of fossil fuel vehicles were stagnant. Demand for electric cars is so strong that manufacturers are requiring buyers to put down deposits months in advance. And some models are effectively sold out for the next two years. Battery-powered cars are having a breakthrough moment and will enter the mainstream this year as automakers begin selling electric versions of one of Americans’ favourite vehicle types: pickup trucks. Their arrival represents the biggest upheaval in the auto industry since Henry Ford introduced the Model T in 1908 and could have far-reaching consequences for factory workers, businesses and the environment. Tailpipe emissions are among the largest contributors to climate change. While electric vehicles still account for a small slice of the market — nearly 9 per cent of the new cars sold last year worldwide were electric, up from 2.5% in 2019, according to the International Energy Agency — their rapid growth could make 2022 the year when the march of battery-powered cars became unstoppable, erasing any doubt that the internal combustion engine is lurching toward obsolescence. The proliferation of electric cars will improve air quality and help slow global warming. The air in Southern California is already a bit cleaner thanks to the popularity of electric vehicles there. And the boom is a rare piece of good news for President Joe Biden, who has struggled to advance his climate agenda in Congress. The auto industry is on track to invest half a trillion dollars in the next five years to make the transition to electric vehicles, Wedbush Securities, an investment firm, estimates. That money will be spent to refit and build factories, train workers, write software, upgrade dealerships and more. Companies are planning more than a dozen new electric car and battery factories just in the United States. “It’s one of the biggest industrial transformations probably in the history of capitalism,” said Scott Keogh, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. “The investments are massive, and the mission is massive.” But not everyone will benefit. Makers of mufflers, fuel injection systems and other parts could go out of business, leaving many workers jobless. Nearly 3 million Americans make, sell and service cars and auto parts, and industry experts say producing electric cars will require fewer workers because the cars have fewer components. Over time, battery ingredients like lithium, nickel and cobalt could become more sought after than oil. Prices for these materials are already skyrocketing, which could limit sales in the short term by driving up the cost of electric cars. The transition could also be limited by the lack of places to plug in electric cars, which has made the vehicles less appealing to people who drive long distances or apartment residents who can’t charge at home. There are fewer than 50,000 public charging stations in the United States. The infrastructure bill that Congress passed in November includes $7.5 billion for 500,000 new stations, although experts say even that number is too small. And it could take time to see the climate benefits of electric cars: Replacing the 250 million existing fossil-fuel cars and light trucks could take decades unless governments provide larger incentives to car buyers. Cleaning up heavy trucks, one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, could be even harder. Still, the electric car boom is already reshaping the auto industry. The biggest beneficiary — and the biggest threat to the established order — is Tesla. Led by Elon Musk, the company delivered nearly 1 million cars in 2021, a 90 per cent increase from 2020. Tesla is still small compared with auto giants, but it commands the segment with the fastest growth. Wall Street values the company at about $1 trillion, more than 10 times as much as General Motors. That means Tesla, which is building factories in Texas and Germany, can easily expand. “At the rate it’s growing now, it will be bigger than GM in five years,” said John Casesa, a former Ford executive who is now a senior managing director at Guggenheim Securities, at a Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago forum in January. Most analysts figured that electric vehicles wouldn’t take off until they became as inexpensive to buy as gasoline models — a milestone that is still a few years away for moderately priced cars that most people can afford. But as extreme weather makes the catastrophic effects of climate change more tangible, and word gets around that electric cars are easy to maintain, cheap to refuel and fun to drive, affluent buyers are increasingly going electric. Porsche’s Taycan, an electric sedan that starts at about $83,000, outsold the company’s signature 911 last year. Mercedes-Benz sold nearly 100,000 electric cars and vans in 2021, a 90% increase from the previous year. Ford will soon start selling the Lightning, an electric version of the F-150 pickup truck, which has topped US sales charts for decades. It initially planned to make 75,000 a year. But demand has been so strong that the company is racing to double production of the Lightning, which starts at $40,000 and runs up to more than $90,000. Ford stopped taking reservations after amassing 200,000 orders. “We’re going to be able to sell every one we can build,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s chief product platform and operations officer. A growing selection of electric pickups and sport utility vehicles is attracting buyers uninterested in Tesla’s minimalist cars, which are most popular in coastal cities and suburbs. Take Eddie Berry, the owner of an auto-parts delivery business in Groveport, Ohio, near Columbus. He has long relied on pickup trucks for work and camping trips. He had little interest in electric vehicles until the Lightning. His roughly $75,000 truck will be delivered this spring. “There’s so much about this truck that’s going to help me,” Berry said. The locking front trunk, where an engine normally sits, will give him a secure space to carry parts. He won’t spend $80 for fuel every few days. And since the Lightning can be used as a power source, it will revolutionize his tailgate at Ohio State football games. “I’ll be able to set up my big-screen TV,” Berry said. “I can power the electric smoker I use for ribs and pork. I’m super excited. I’m going to be the guy everybody’s talking about.” Sales of electric cars might have been even higher in 2021 but for production bottlenecks. Volkswagen sold about 17,000 ID.4 SUVs in the United States, but could have sold four times as many, Keogh said. Mike Sullivan, owner of LAcarGUY, a dealership chain, sold out his ID.4s within weeks of their arrival. “When we have them it’s the bestselling model,” he said. Supply will increase this year when Volkswagen begins producing ID.4s in Chattanooga, Tennessee, rather than importing them from Germany. At the upper end, electric vehicles are already competitive on price and could save buyers thousands on maintenance and gasoline. (Electric cars do not need oil changes, and electricity is generally cheaper per mile than gasoline.) The Tesla Model 3 and Jaguar XF P250 sedans retail for around $46,000. But owning the Tesla for five years costs $16,000 less, according to calculations by Kelley Blue Book, a vehicle valuation company. If Europe and China are any measure, sales of electric vehicles in the United States will continue to explode. In December, battery-powered cars outsold diesel cars in Europe for the first time. In 18 countries, including Britain, more than 20% of new cars were electric, according to Matthias Schmidt, an independent analyst in Berlin. In 2015, more than half of Europe’s new cars ran on diesel, the result of tax policies that make diesel cheaper than gasoline. But government incentives for electric cars, and penalties for carmakers that don’t meet emissions targets, have changed the equation. About 4% of new cars were electric last year in the United States, up from about 2 per cent in 2020. The point of electric cars is to cut tailpipe emissions, a leading source of carbon dioxide and the pollutants that cause smog. In Southern California, electric cars have already had a small effect on air quality, leading to a 4 per cent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions from passenger cars compared with what they would have been otherwise, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, which includes Los Angeles. Of course, battery-powered cars also have an environmental cost. But even taking into account the energy and raw materials they require, electric vehicles are much better for the climate than conventional cars, according to a Yale School of the Environment study. Inevitably, a transition this momentous will cause dislocation. Most new battery and electric car factories planned by automakers are in Southern states like Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina and Tennessee. Their gains could come at the expense of the Midwest, which would lose internal combustion production jobs. That hasn’t happened yet, because gasoline vehicles still dominate sales. But as battery power takes market share, conventional models will benefit less from the cost savings that come from stamping out the same vehicle hundreds of thousands of times. The next few years could be perilous for carmakers that have been slow to offer electric vehicles. Toyota, a pioneer in hybrid vehicles, will not offer a car powered solely by batteries until later this year. Ram does not plan to release a competitor to Ford’s Lightning until 2024. Chinese companies like SAIC, which owns the British MG brand, are using the technological shift to enter Europe and other markets. Young companies like Lucid, Rivian and Nio aim to follow Tesla’s playbook. Old-line carmakers face a stiff learning curve. GM recalled its Bolt electric hatchback last year because of the risk of battery fires. The companies most endangered may be small machine shops in Michigan or Ontario that produce piston rings and other parts. At the moment, these businesses are busy because of pent-up demand for all vehicles, said Carla Bailo, CEO of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan. “A lot of them kind of have blinders on and are not looking that far down the road,” Bailo said “That’s troubling.”

Why this could be a critical year for electric cars

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-act-and-react-as-one-european-union-on-proposed-us-tariffs-on-french-goods-265977">EU's</a> powerful anti-trust authority on Monday approved billions of euros in subsidies from seven member states as Europe seeks to make up lost ground in the highly strategic sector of electric batteries.

The move is part of a major push led by Germany and France to prepare Europe for the emergence of electric cars, as gas combustible engines are phased out over concerns for the environment.

The European car industry employs over 10 million people and the EU,&nbsp;led by Germany and France,&nbsp;is deeply concerned about Europe's dependence on car batteries from Asia.

The mega subsidy of 3.2 billion euros ($3.5 billion) from Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Belgium, Sweden and Finland will go to a consortium of 17 companies and will help generate an extra 5 billion euros in private investment, a statement said.

The commission, the EU's anti-trust enforcer, usually holds a strict line against state subsidies, but in 2014 gave more leeway for countries to back strategic transnational projects.

The wave of new subsidies are part of something called the European Battery Alliance.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-leaders-to-push-for-climate-neutrality-by-2050-sources-265831">The campaign</a>, launched in 2017, was designed to entice European industry to create an Airbus of batteries, in reference to the aviation giant that was born of a similar ambition a generation ago.

Companies involved include German car giant BMW and chemical multinationals BASF and Solvay.

The EU's powerful anti-trust authority on Monday approved billions of euros in subsidies from seven member states as Europe seeks to make up lost ground in the highly strategic sector of electric batteries.

The EU's powerful anti-trust authority on Monday approved billions of euros in subsidies from seven member states as Europe seeks to make up lost ground in the highly strategic sector of electric batteries. The move is part of a major push led by Germany and France to prepare Europe for the emergence of electric cars, as gas combustible engines are phased out over concerns for the environment. The European car industry employs over 10 million people and the EU, led by Germany and France, is deeply concerned about Europe's dependence on car batteries from Asia. The mega subsidy of 3.2 billion euros ($3.5 billion) from Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Belgium, Sweden and Finland will go to a consortium of 17 companies and will help generate an extra 5 billion euros in private investment, a statement said. The commission, the EU's anti-trust enforcer, usually holds a strict line against state subsidies, but in 2014 gave more leeway for countries to back strategic transnational projects. The wave of new subsidies are part of something called the European Battery Alliance. The campaign, launched in 2017, was designed to entice European industry to create an Airbus of batteries, in reference to the aviation giant that was born of a similar ambition a generation ago. Companies involved include German car giant BMW and chemical multinationals BASF and Solvay.

European Union permits state aid to develop electric battery giants

electric-battery

Electric Battery, News on Electric Battery, stories on Electric Battery, articles on Electric Battery, Electric Battery stories at Wion, Electric Battery news, Electric Battery latest news