New research reveals that if everyone followed the Dutch way of life and cycled daily, it would help to avoid more than 700 million tonnes of carbon pollution per year. A quarter of all fuel-related greenhouse gas emissions, which warm the planet, are currently majorly attributed to the transportation sector.The research was published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment.

Automobile passengers account for half of the emissions, and that number is expected to triple by the middle of the century. Governments and businesses have shifted to electric vehicles to decarbonise transportation, with nearly 6.75 million units sold by the year 2021.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-suggest-a-rise-in-phytoplankton-in-oceans-could-help-tackle-climate-change-508177">Scientists suggest a rise in phytoplankton in oceans could help tackle climate change</a>

Statistics on auto sales are provided. However, the production and ownership costs of a cycle are expected to be challenging to estimate. Using statistical modelling, an international team has generated the world’s first dataset on bicycle ownership. Bicycle production increased faster than car production between 1962 and 2015, with China accounting for more than two-thirds of the 123 million bikes produced in 2015.

The study demonstrated that bicycle ownership was mostly in upper-income and upper-middle-income nations, but these countries had a fair proportion of car ownership as well. However, bicycles were used as a mode of transportation in only 5 per cent&nbsp;of the 60 countries studied.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/research-suggests-now-extinct-megalodon-shark-could-devour-killer-whale-in-just-five-bites-508143">Research suggests now-extinct megalodon shark could devour killer whale in just five bites</a>

The researchers said, "Going Dutch" and cycling 2.6 kilometres daily like people do in the Netherlands would save 686 million tonnes, and bring with it associated health benefits due to more exercise and improved air quality. A worldwide pro-bicycle policy and infrastructure development enabled modal shift like the Netherlands and Denmark can lead to significant untapped climate and health benefits," AFP reported.

Lead researcher Gang Liu said that bicycles in the future will play a significant role in controlling carbon emissions. In conversation with AFP, the researcher said that to address such issues, more than technological solutions are needed, such as alternative travel patterns are needed, ride-sharing, and using bicycles to cover short distances.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

New research reveals that if everyone followed the Dutch way of life and cycled daily, it would help to avoid more than 700 million tonnes of carbon pollution per year.

New research reveals that if everyone followed the Dutch way of life and cycled daily, it would help to avoid more than 700 million tonnes of carbon pollution per year. A quarter of all fuel-related greenhouse gas emissions, which warm the planet, are currently majorly attributed to the transportation sector.The research was published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment. Automobile passengers account for half of the emissions, and that number is expected to triple by the middle of the century. Governments and businesses have shifted to electric vehicles to decarbonise transportation, with nearly 6.75 million units sold by the year 2021. Also read | Scientists suggest a rise in phytoplankton in oceans could help tackle climate change Statistics on auto sales are provided. However, the production and ownership costs of a cycle are expected to be challenging to estimate. Using statistical modelling, an international team has generated the world’s first dataset on bicycle ownership. Bicycle production increased faster than car production between 1962 and 2015, with China accounting for more than two-thirds of the 123 million bikes produced in 2015. The study demonstrated that bicycle ownership was mostly in upper-income and upper-middle-income nations, but these countries had a fair proportion of car ownership as well. However, bicycles were used as a mode of transportation in only 5 per cent of the 60 countries studied. Also read | Research suggests now-extinct megalodon shark could devour killer whale in just five bites The researchers said, "Going Dutch" and cycling 2.6 kilometres daily like people do in the Netherlands would save 686 million tonnes, and bring with it associated health benefits due to more exercise and improved air quality. A worldwide pro-bicycle policy and infrastructure development enabled modal shift like the Netherlands and Denmark can lead to significant untapped climate and health benefits," AFP reported. Lead researcher Gang Liu said that bicycles in the future will play a significant role in controlling carbon emissions. In conversation with AFP, the researcher said that to address such issues, more than technological solutions are needed, such as alternative travel patterns are needed, ride-sharing, and using bicycles to cover short distances. (With inputs from agencies)

Following Dutch life and cycling daily can help world save nearly 700 million tonnes of CO2 pollution: Study

Market for electric vehicles is growing around the world. More & more companies are moving towards the electric vehicle market. Not only automotive, but aviation companies are also trying out electric-hybrid models. A UK-based start-up is developing a hybrid-electric passenger plane. The startup aims at commercialising the plane at regional level.

Tech in Trend: After hybrid electric car, now hybrid electric plane? A jet without fuel

China has announced a raft of new steps to spur consumer demand for cars, saying it would consider extending a tax break for electric vehicles and plans to remove some restrictions on second-hand car sales.

China unveils plans to spur car demand, may extend EV tax break

The European Union approved a plan to end the sale of vehicles with combustion engines by 2035 in Europe, in a bid to reduce CO2 emissions to zero.

EU to end sales of combustion engine vehicles by 2035

Ford Motor Co on Thursday said that plans to make electric vehicles for export from India were dropped. It is exploring options for its two factories in the country that have stopped production. The production was stopped last year.

The US&nbsp;carmaker said in February it would manufacture EVs in India and also got approval for the Indian government's $3.5-billion production-linked incentive scheme for making clean-fuel vehicles.

"After careful review, we have decided to no longer pursue EV manufacturing for exports from any of the Indian plants," a spokesperson for Ford India said in an email to Reuters.

There were no further details from the company on its U-turn. Reuters said that the company is going ahead with its business restructuring plans.

"We continue to work closely with unions and other stakeholders to deliver an equitable and balanced plan to mitigate the impacts of restructuring," the spokesperson added.

Talks for the sale of the Sanand plant in Gujarat with Tata Motors were progressing well, while Ford was pursuing multiple suitors for its Chennai factory, India's Economic Times newspaper said in a report, citing people familiar with the matter.

Ford had said earlier that it was considering production of electric vehicles for export from India.

The company had less than 2% of the Indian passenger vehicle market when it stopped production in the country last year, having struggled for more than two decades to generate profits.

Several car makers are planning to make EVs in India, with the government offering billions of dollars in incentives to build EVs and their parts locally as it seeks to cut oil imports and pollution.

(With inputs from agencies)

Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

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Ford Motor Co on Thursday said that plans to make electric vehicles for export from India were dropped. It is exploring options for its two factories in the country that have stopped production.

Ford Motor Co on Thursday said that plans to make electric vehicles for export from India were dropped. It is exploring options for its two factories in the country that have stopped production. The production was stopped last year. The US carmaker said in February it would manufacture EVs in India and also got approval for the Indian government's $3.5-billion production-linked incentive scheme for making clean-fuel vehicles. "After careful review, we have decided to no longer pursue EV manufacturing for exports from any of the Indian plants," a spokesperson for Ford India said in an email to Reuters. There were no further details from the company on its U-turn. Reuters said that the company is going ahead with its business restructuring plans. "We continue to work closely with unions and other stakeholders to deliver an equitable and balanced plan to mitigate the impacts of restructuring," the spokesperson added. Talks for the sale of the Sanand plant in Gujarat with Tata Motors were progressing well, while Ford was pursuing multiple suitors for its Chennai factory, India's Economic Times newspaper said in a report, citing people familiar with the matter. Ford had said earlier that it was considering production of electric vehicles for export from India. The company had less than 2% of the Indian passenger vehicle market when it stopped production in the country last year, having struggled for more than two decades to generate profits. Several car makers are planning to make EVs in India, with the government offering billions of dollars in incentives to build EVs and their parts locally as it seeks to cut oil imports and pollution. (With inputs from agencies) Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

U-turn from Ford, will not make electric vehicles in India for exports 

Electric Vehicles (EVs) almost doubled their market share in the European Union during the first quarter, as the rollout of models across the continent picks up pace.

EV nearly doubled European Union market share

Ford motor has announced a new range of lightning electric pickup trucks and automaker has openly challenged Tesla and all either EV makers globally, how has it happened take a look at this story.

Ford to dominate EV market with new range of lightning electric pickup truck

Weeks after one of its vehicles caught fire prompting a government probe into the incident Softbank-backed Ola Electric will now recall around 1,440 of its electric scooters.

Softbank-backed Ola Electric to recall 1,441 electric scooters

Japan's Honda motor plans to spend 8 trillion yen or 64 billion dollars on research and development over next 10 years on EVs, this as company looks to roll out more than 30 electric vehicle models globally by 2030.

Honda to launch 30 EV models by 2030

Last year in September, US carmaker Ford announced that it will stop manufacturing vehicles in India due to accumulating losses of more than $2 billion. Ford had two manufacturing plants in India - one in Sanand (Gujarat) and one in Chennai (Tamil Nadu).&nbsp;

Now, the shuttered factories may be reborn and contribute to the nation's EV push. The Economic Times newspaper reported last week that the government in Tamil Nadu is "holding talks with Ford" to explore if its factory there can be "converted to a plant manufacturing and exporting electric vehicles".&nbsp;

The report also quoted Ford as saying that it was "exploring the possibility of using a plant in India as an export base."&nbsp;

Another report by the same media outlet, which was published three weeks ago, noted that Tata Motors is in advanced negotiations to take over Ford India's Sanand plant in Gujarat.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ford Motor Co said on Monday (April 11) it has signed a preliminary deal to buy lithium from a Lake Resources NL facility in Argentina, marking the first time the automaker has publicly announced where it will procure the electric vehicle battery metal.&nbsp;

The deal is a major bet by Ford on direct lithium extraction (DLE), a relatively new breed of technology that filters the metal from brines and uses far less acreage than open-pit mines and evaporation ponds.&nbsp;

Ford Chief Executive Jim Farley said in February that his company was working on deals to secure supply of key raw materials for batteries such as lithium, nickel, rare earths and copper.&nbsp;

"This is one of several agreements we're exploring to help Ford secure raw materials to support our aggressive EV acceleration plan," said Ford spokesperson Jennifer Flake.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

Last year in September, US carmaker Ford announced that it will stop manufacturing vehicles in India due to accumulating losses of more than $2 billion. Ford had two manufacturing plants in India - one in Sanand (Gujarat) and one in Chennai (Tamil Nadu).

Last year in September, US carmaker Ford announced that it will stop manufacturing vehicles in India due to accumulating losses of more than $2 billion. Ford had two manufacturing plants in India - one in Sanand (Gujarat) and one in Chennai (Tamil Nadu). Now, the shuttered factories may be reborn and contribute to the nation's EV push. The Economic Times newspaper reported last week that the government in Tamil Nadu is "holding talks with Ford" to explore if its factory there can be "converted to a plant manufacturing and exporting electric vehicles". The report also quoted Ford as saying that it was "exploring the possibility of using a plant in India as an export base." Another report by the same media outlet, which was published three weeks ago, noted that Tata Motors is in advanced negotiations to take over Ford India's Sanand plant in Gujarat. Meanwhile, Ford Motor Co said on Monday (April 11) it has signed a preliminary deal to buy lithium from a Lake Resources NL facility in Argentina, marking the first time the automaker has publicly announced where it will procure the electric vehicle battery metal. The deal is a major bet by Ford on direct lithium extraction (DLE), a relatively new breed of technology that filters the metal from brines and uses far less acreage than open-pit mines and evaporation ponds. Ford Chief Executive Jim Farley said in February that his company was working on deals to secure supply of key raw materials for batteries such as lithium, nickel, rare earths and copper. "This is one of several agreements we're exploring to help Ford secure raw materials to support our aggressive EV acceleration plan," said Ford spokesperson Jennifer Flake. × (With inputs from agencies)

In electric vehicle push, Ford's closed factories in India may be reopened: Report

The company OLA has been trying to paint India's mobility landscape green over the last few years. After establishing into the two wheeler market of EV, OLA is looking at entering into four wheeler market as well. How does company see India's electric mobility landscape and what are its plans for electric future? To talk all that and much more today we're joined by Varun Dubey, chief marketing officer OLA electric from Bengaluru.

OLA electric plans to enter four-wheeler market | Varun Dubey Exclusive

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Budget 2022-23 on Tuesday (February 1) with different sectors hoping that the government would give some relaxation in taxation, providing ease of doing business amid onslaughts of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.&nbsp;

Health and education are some of the sectors that are expecting significant announcements... so is the electric vehicle (EV)&nbsp;sector.&nbsp;

Amid the climate crisis, the EV&nbsp;sector can promise a future that is cleaner and the government needs to promote the benefits of electric vehicles. But there is a range of issues that the industry is facing. Here are some of the expectations that the EV sector from the Budget 2022-2023.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-start-ups-in-india-can-expect-from-countrys-union-budget-2022-23-449295">What start-ups in India can expect from country's Union Budget 2022-23?</a>

The sector would expect the government to create a robust infrastructure that supports the electrification of large vehicles and feasible charging infrastructure.&nbsp;

The industry would expect tax relaxations and would also hope that the government would give a boost to local manufacturing of battery technology, access to raw materials, skilled labour, etc. It is also a task for the government to speed up the battery cell localisation in the country.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-union-budget-2022-will-be-available-on-mobile-app-heres-how-to-download-on-android-and-ios-448501">India's Union Budget 2022 will be available on mobile app: Here's how to download on Android and iOS</a>

The manufacturers might also expect to reduce dependency on imports. The sector also needs attention over the inverted duty structure as experts have revealed that the imported components are not strictly as per the Indian conditions.&nbsp;

Sitharaman would use the Budget as the cornerstone to put the economy on an accelerated growth path after the impact caused by the pandemic.&nbsp;

It is expected that there will be amendments in the tax law to bring about sustainable growth, infrastructure investment, focus on R&amp;D spending, nurturing incentives to the core sectors.&nbsp;

WATCH WION's analysis&nbsp;|&nbsp;India's Budget 2022 with Gautam Chikermane: Taxation, investments and stock markets

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Deepak MV, who is the CEO and co-founder of Etrio was quoted as saying by India-based news channel ABP: "At a time when EV adoption is gaining unprecedented momentum despite many challenges, in the upcoming Union Budget 2022, we at Etrio would like to see the finance minister address the critically-important area of making a wide and varied range of financing options available for EV commercial vehicles' buyers – as this is extremely critical for further increased uptake of EVs in India, going forward." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Budget 2022-23 on Tuesday (February 1) with different sectors hoping that the government would give some relaxation in taxation, providing ease of doing business amid onslaughts of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Budget 2022-23 on Tuesday (February 1) with different sectors hoping that the government would give some relaxation in taxation, providing ease of doing business amid onslaughts of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Health and education are some of the sectors that are expecting significant announcements... so is the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Amid the climate crisis, the EV sector can promise a future that is cleaner and the government needs to promote the benefits of electric vehicles. But there is a range of issues that the industry is facing. Here are some of the expectations that the EV sector from the Budget 2022-2023. ALSO READ | What start-ups in India can expect from country's Union Budget 2022-23? The sector would expect the government to create a robust infrastructure that supports the electrification of large vehicles and feasible charging infrastructure. The industry would expect tax relaxations and would also hope that the government would give a boost to local manufacturing of battery technology, access to raw materials, skilled labour, etc. It is also a task for the government to speed up the battery cell localisation in the country. ALSO READ | India's Union Budget 2022 will be available on mobile app: Here's how to download on Android and iOS The manufacturers might also expect to reduce dependency on imports. The sector also needs attention over the inverted duty structure as experts have revealed that the imported components are not strictly as per the Indian conditions. Sitharaman would use the Budget as the cornerstone to put the economy on an accelerated growth path after the impact caused by the pandemic. It is expected that there will be amendments in the tax law to bring about sustainable growth, infrastructure investment, focus on R&D spending, nurturing incentives to the core sectors. WATCH WION's analysis | India's Budget 2022 with Gautam Chikermane: Taxation, investments and stock markets × Deepak MV, who is the CEO and co-founder of Etrio was quoted as saying by India-based news channel ABP: "At a time when EV adoption is gaining unprecedented momentum despite many challenges, in the upcoming Union Budget 2022, we at Etrio would like to see the finance minister address the critically-important area of making a wide and varied range of financing options available for EV commercial vehicles' buyers – as this is extremely critical for further increased uptake of EVs in India, going forward." (With inputs from agencies)

Will India's Union Budget 2022 live up to the expectations of EV industry?

Hyundai Motor Co plans to invest 40 billion rupees to launch six electric vehicles in India by 2028, making a push for clean driving.

Hyundai invests $530m to bring electric vehicles to India

A $1.75 trillion Democratic spending proposal could give a big boost to electric vehicles especially to Detroit's Big Three automakers and the US&nbsp;Postal Service.

The House plan boosts electric vehicle credits to up to $12,500 per vehicle, including $4,500 for union-made vehicles and $500 for US-made batteries. Vehicles would have to be made in the United States starting in 2027 to qualify for any credit.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/uk-government-greenlights-self-driving-cars-on-motorways-380964">UK government greenlights 'self-driving' cars on motorways</a>

The EV tax credits would cost $15.6 billion over 10 years and disproportionately benefit Detroit's Big Three automakers - General Motors, Ford Motor and Chrysler-parent Stellantis NV - which assemble their US-made vehicles in union-represented plants.

Foreign automakers have harshly criticized the decision to give union-made vehicles a big leg up, while the United Auto Workers union strongly supports it.

Tesla and foreign automakers do not have unions representing assembly workers in the United States and many have fought UAW efforts to organize US&nbsp;plants.

Honda said in a letter Friday "this tax credit plan would pit Americans working for the three 'legacy'&nbsp;companies against the American workers of other automakers."

The bill would award $6 billion for the US&nbsp;Postal Service to purchase electric delivery vehicles and infrastructure. USPS said Friday it estimates under the bill "all delivery fleet acquisitions could feasibly be electric by 2028, and a corresponding 70 per cent&nbsp;of our entire delivery fleet by" 2030.

In February, USPS awarded a 10-year contract to Oshkosh Defense, a subsidiary of Oshkosh, to build a mix of internal combustion and EV delivery vehicles that could be worth$6 billion.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-made-electric-vehicles-should-not-be-sold-in-india-modi-govt-to-elon-musk-419293">China-made electric vehicles should not be sold in India: Modi govt to Elon Musk</a>

The EV proposal eliminates phasing out tax credits after automakers hit 200,000 electric vehicles sold, which would make GM eligible, along with Tesla.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm defended the decision to exclude Tesla from the higher credit, telling CNBC: "We want to make sure that we do everything possible to encourage that business and labor really focus on elevating the standards for everyday Americans."

The bill would create a new electric bike and three-wheel vehicle tax credit, a 30 per cent&nbsp;credit for commercial electric vehicles and $4,000 used EV tax credit.

It would authorize $3.5 billion for "domestic manufacturing conversion" grants for electric and other green vehicles and provide $3 billion to boost a US loan program to retool existing auto plants to build more fuel efficient models and expand it to cover zero-emission trains, airplanes, boats and Hyperloop technology.

A $1.75 trillion Democratic spending proposal could give a big boost to electric vehicles especially to Detroit's Big Three automakers and the US Postal Service.

A $1.75 trillion Democratic spending proposal could give a big boost to electric vehicles especially to Detroit's Big Three automakers and the US Postal Service. The House plan boosts electric vehicle credits to up to $12,500 per vehicle, including $4,500 for union-made vehicles and $500 for US-made batteries. Vehicles would have to be made in the United States starting in 2027 to qualify for any credit. Also Read | UK government greenlights 'self-driving' cars on motorways The EV tax credits would cost $15.6 billion over 10 years and disproportionately benefit Detroit's Big Three automakers - General Motors, Ford Motor and Chrysler-parent Stellantis NV - which assemble their US-made vehicles in union-represented plants. Foreign automakers have harshly criticized the decision to give union-made vehicles a big leg up, while the United Auto Workers union strongly supports it. Tesla and foreign automakers do not have unions representing assembly workers in the United States and many have fought UAW efforts to organize US plants. Honda said in a letter Friday "this tax credit plan would pit Americans working for the three 'legacy' companies against the American workers of other automakers." The bill would award $6 billion for the US Postal Service to purchase electric delivery vehicles and infrastructure. USPS said Friday it estimates under the bill "all delivery fleet acquisitions could feasibly be electric by 2028, and a corresponding 70 per cent of our entire delivery fleet by" 2030. In February, USPS awarded a 10-year contract to Oshkosh Defense, a subsidiary of Oshkosh, to build a mix of internal combustion and EV delivery vehicles that could be worth$6 billion. Also Read | China-made electric vehicles should not be sold in India: Modi govt to Elon Musk The EV proposal eliminates phasing out tax credits after automakers hit 200,000 electric vehicles sold, which would make GM eligible, along with Tesla. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm defended the decision to exclude Tesla from the higher credit, telling CNBC: "We want to make sure that we do everything possible to encourage that business and labor really focus on elevating the standards for everyday Americans." The bill would create a new electric bike and three-wheel vehicle tax credit, a 30 per cent credit for commercial electric vehicles and $4,000 used EV tax credit. It would authorize $3.5 billion for "domestic manufacturing conversion" grants for electric and other green vehicles and provide $3 billion to boost a US loan program to retool existing auto plants to build more fuel efficient models and expand it to cover zero-emission trains, airplanes, boats and Hyperloop technology.

US House plan would give electric vehicles big boost

In a bid to promote a sustainable environment, the world`s highest electric vehicle charging station was inaugurated in Kaza of Lahaul and Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday.

Speaking to ANI, Mahendra Pratap Singh, Kaza Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) said, "This is the world`s highest electric vehicle charging station at 500 ft in Kaza. It is the first station here. If the station gets a good response, more stations would be set up. It will also help to check vehicular pollution. The magistrate further said that two women drove electric vehicles from Manali to Kaza in order to promote a clean and green environment."

"Today, two women have come from Manali to Kaza on the electric vehicle to promote a sustainable environment. The weather nowadays is changing abruptly due to an increase in air pollution and the emission of gases from vehicles is one of the main causes of this pollution," he added.

Further, one of the women who rode an electric vehicle from Manali to Kaza said that all the products including chargers in this station are made in India.

"All the products are made in India here and we travelled from Manali to Kaza to promote sustainable energy. Also, there is a myth that we can not cover long-distance journeys on electric vehicles. So, we both wanted to prove it wrong by riding these electric scooters today from Manali. We had a very comfortable journey," the woman added.

Congratulating both the women for completing their journey to Kaza, the SDM appealed to everybody to promote electric vehicles for a clean and green environment.

In a bid to promote a sustainable environment, the world`s highest electric vehicle charging station was inaugurated in Kaza of Lahaul and Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday.

In a bid to promote a sustainable environment, the world`s highest electric vehicle charging station was inaugurated in Kaza of Lahaul and Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday. Speaking to ANI, Mahendra Pratap Singh, Kaza Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) said, "This is the world`s highest electric vehicle charging station at 500 ft in Kaza. It is the first station here. If the station gets a good response, more stations would be set up. It will also help to check vehicular pollution. The magistrate further said that two women drove electric vehicles from Manali to Kaza in order to promote a clean and green environment." "Today, two women have come from Manali to Kaza on the electric vehicle to promote a sustainable environment. The weather nowadays is changing abruptly due to an increase in air pollution and the emission of gases from vehicles is one of the main causes of this pollution," he added. Further, one of the women who rode an electric vehicle from Manali to Kaza said that all the products including chargers in this station are made in India. "All the products are made in India here and we travelled from Manali to Kaza to promote sustainable energy. Also, there is a myth that we can not cover long-distance journeys on electric vehicles. So, we both wanted to prove it wrong by riding these electric scooters today from Manali. We had a very comfortable journey," the woman added. Congratulating both the women for completing their journey to Kaza, the SDM appealed to everybody to promote electric vehicles for a clean and green environment.

World’s highest electric vehicle charging station inaugurated in India’s northern Himachal state

Hyundai's Genesis is the latest carmaker that it would phase out all gas-powered cars by the end of the decade. The company announced that its luxury vehicles debuting 2025 onwards will run on fuel cells and batteries.

World Business Watch: Hyundai's luxury brand Genesis to be all-electric by 2030

Technology: A curse or a blessing?

An athlete's dream of winning an Olympics medal&nbsp;was shattered unexpectedly at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 after he was hit by a self-driving bus in the Paralympic Village in Japan's capital city.&nbsp;

Driverless autonomous electric vehicles grabbed eyeballs at Tokyo Games as they were being used like a shuttle service for all the athletes and officials.&nbsp;

However, it appeared to be a curse for visually impaired Japanese judoka Aramitsu Kitazono, who was hit by a self-driving bus in the Paralympic Village that ruled him out of the Games.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-a-village-in-gujarat-to-a-silver-medal-in-paralympics-inspirational-journey-of-bhavinaben-patel-409139">From a village in Gujarat to a silver medal in Paralympics: Inspirational journey of Bhavinaben Patel</a>

Kitazono was scheduled to compete in the men's -81kg competition on Saturday (August 28) but did not start his match against Ukraine's Dmytro Solovey.&nbsp;

Toyota, which developed the autonomous shuttle buses, has issued an apology and also suspended the operation of the vehicles after the accident. "We are very sorry that the accident has made many people worried," the company said.&nbsp;

"A vehicle is stronger than a person, so I was obviously worried about how they were. It shows that autonomous vehicles are not yet realistic for normal roads," the company added.&nbsp;

Toyota said in a statement: "We will conduct our own thorough investigation into the cause of the accident, and we will continue to coordinate closely with the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to ensure that we prevent any incidents from occurring in the future."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-paralympics-afghanistan-athletes-to-compete-in-games-after-evacuation-409080">Tokyo Paralympics: Afghanistan athletes to compete in Games after evacuation</a>

The organisers revealed that the accident took place on Thursday (August 26) afternoon and revealed that the man hit by the bus underwent "a full examination" and "no external injury was identified."

"The shuttle bus service in the Village has been temporarily suspended and operations will be resumed as soon as it is deemed safe to do so," organisers said.&nbsp;

Initially, neither&nbsp;organisers nor Toyota identified the person hit by the vehicle, but several local media outlets named the injured man as Kitazono.&nbsp;

Local media said the 30-year-old fell and will need two weeks to recover from his injuries. Public broadcaster NHK reported that his condition was "bad". His coach said he decided after talking to Kitazono and consulting with a doctor who treated him, the report added.&nbsp;

(inputs from agencies)

Technology: A curse or a blessing? An athlete's dream of winning an Olympics medal was shattered unexpectedly at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 after he was hit by a self-driving bus in the Paralympic Village in Japan's capital city.

Technology: A curse or a blessing? An athlete's dream of winning an Olympics medal was shattered unexpectedly at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 after he was hit by a self-driving bus in the Paralympic Village in Japan's capital city. Driverless autonomous electric vehicles grabbed eyeballs at Tokyo Games as they were being used like a shuttle service for all the athletes and officials. However, it appeared to be a curse for visually impaired Japanese judoka Aramitsu Kitazono, who was hit by a self-driving bus in the Paralympic Village that ruled him out of the Games. ALSO READ | From a village in Gujarat to a silver medal in Paralympics: Inspirational journey of Bhavinaben Patel Kitazono was scheduled to compete in the men's -81kg competition on Saturday (August 28) but did not start his match against Ukraine's Dmytro Solovey. Toyota, which developed the autonomous shuttle buses, has issued an apology and also suspended the operation of the vehicles after the accident. "We are very sorry that the accident has made many people worried," the company said. "A vehicle is stronger than a person, so I was obviously worried about how they were. It shows that autonomous vehicles are not yet realistic for normal roads," the company added. Toyota said in a statement: "We will conduct our own thorough investigation into the cause of the accident, and we will continue to coordinate closely with the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to ensure that we prevent any incidents from occurring in the future." ALSO READ | Tokyo Paralympics: Afghanistan athletes to compete in Games after evacuation The organisers revealed that the accident took place on Thursday (August 26) afternoon and revealed that the man hit by the bus underwent "a full examination" and "no external injury was identified." "The shuttle bus service in the Village has been temporarily suspended and operations will be resumed as soon as it is deemed safe to do so," organisers said. Initially, neither organisers nor Toyota identified the person hit by the vehicle, but several local media outlets named the injured man as Kitazono. Local media said the 30-year-old fell and will need two weeks to recover from his injuries. Public broadcaster NHK reported that his condition was "bad". His coach said he decided after talking to Kitazono and consulting with a doctor who treated him, the report added. (inputs from agencies)

Toyota issues apology as Japan's Aramitsu Kitazono ruled out after being hit by self-driving bus in Paralympics village

Volkswagen must change its approach to how it sells electric vehicles (EV) in China, the world's largest car market, Chief Executive Herbert Diess said, in a response to poor EV sales there.

"Sales are picking up but it requires focus and different approaches as the customers for the EVs are much younger and different to our customer base we are having with the more traditional brands like Volkswagen in China," Diess told journalists after first-half results release.

By the end of the year, Volkswagen wants to sell between 80,000 and 100,000 of its all-electric ID series in China. In the first half, deliveries of battery electric vehicles (BEV) in China stood at 18,285.

"We are noticing that we have to change our approach," Diess said.

"We have the financial power, we have the sales network, we are coming forward with new formats in the shopping malls, we are becoming much more digital and it's going fast because we are much faster in China than we are in the rest of the world."

Volkswagen must change its approach to how it sells electric vehicles (EV) in China, the world's largest car market, Chief Executive Herbert Diess said, in a response to poor EV sales there.

Volkswagen must change its approach to how it sells electric vehicles (EV) in China, the world's largest car market, Chief Executive Herbert Diess said, in a response to poor EV sales there. "Sales are picking up but it requires focus and different approaches as the customers for the EVs are much younger and different to our customer base we are having with the more traditional brands like Volkswagen in China," Diess told journalists after first-half results release. By the end of the year, Volkswagen wants to sell between 80,000 and 100,000 of its all-electric ID series in China. In the first half, deliveries of battery electric vehicles (BEV) in China stood at 18,285. "We are noticing that we have to change our approach," Diess said. "We have the financial power, we have the sales network, we are coming forward with new formats in the shopping malls, we are becoming much more digital and it's going fast because we are much faster in China than we are in the rest of the world."

We need to change e-car approach in China: Volkswagen CEO

Tesla Inc showed signs of divergent strategies in the world’s two biggest automotive markets, raising prices to boost profit margins in the United States while keeping prices steady in China and hoping to grow sales there.

Tesla raised prices for the most affordable versions of Model 3 and Model Y about a dozen times this year in the United States, according to data tracked by Reuters. At the same time, Tesla recently introduced an affordable Model Y version in China, where it refrained from price hikes.

Tesla posted record vehicle deliveries in the second quarter, and the price increases in North America boosted quarterly profits to a record.

But in China, the world’s biggest electric vehicle (EV) market, Tesla faces competition from local rivals and problems that include product recalls, high-profile protests by consumers and pressure from regulators.

Bernstein analyst Toni Sacconaghi said the introduction of the lower-priced Model Y in China ”may make sustained margin improvement difficult” for Tesla and raises questions about ”the health of Chinese demand.”

A study by Bernstein analysts found Tesla owners in China were less enthusiastic and had lower repurchase intentions than owners in the United States and Europe.

Tesla raised prices for Model Y Long Range at least six times in the United States this year, bumping by $5,500 to $53,990. In China, the world’s most valuable carmaker raised prices of the Model Y SUV and Model 3 sedan only once this year.

The Model Y version has a price tag of 276,000 yuan ($42,394). The company also has launched promotional campaigns in China such as loan offers.

”I think Tesla is looking to be as competitive as it can be in China. Lower prices will be a part of that aggressive market positioning,” Roth Capital Partners analyst Craig Irwin said. ”There is a very large difference in battery prices in the U.S. and China, as well as local vehicle manufacturing costs.”

Tesla started production at its Shanghai factory in late 2019. It has boosted the sourcing of cheaper local components, including batteries from China’s CATL and LG’s Chinese factory.

”It wasn’t so long ago that the group was trimming prices in the U.S. to gain scale and maximize profitability, and it feels like we’re now seeing that in China too,” Hargreaves Lansdown analyst Nicholas Hyett said.

The low cost of producing local EVs in China would have a lasting effect on Tesla, said Gene Munster at Loup Ventures.

”Teslas are on average 3x the cost of a typical EV made in China so they have to be priced less than the U.S. to compete,” Munster said. ”Prices of Teslas in China will be below (the) rest of the world for the next decade.”

Tesla also cut costs and boosted margins in the U.S. market by getting rid of some parts like a radar sensor and lumbar support.

Tesla shares rebounded 0.5% in morning trade on Wednesday after falling the previous session.

CHINA MARKET SHARE SLIPS

In China, Tesla’s share slipped to 11% in the battery electric vehicle market, which excludes plug-in hybrid cars, in the second quarter from 18% a year earlier, according to GLJ research. But data from Morgan Stanley showed Tesla still held a U.S. battery-electric market share of nearly 70% as of February, although that was down from 81% a year earlier.

China accounts for 44% of the global EV market, a much bigger share than the 17% held by the United States.

In China, Tesla faces competition from electric vehicle makers like Nio Inc and Xpeng Inc. In the United States, Tesla’s brand is stronger and its main rivals are legacy automakers like Ford and General Motors, which generate only a fraction of their sales from EVs.

GLOBAL CHIP SHORTAGE

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has reiterated that the company’s mission is to make electric cars affordable and has blamed vehicle price increases on a shortage of chips and raw materials.

Tesla is coping with the chip shortage by using alternative chips and rewriting software, Musk said.

He provided a cautious outlook for chip shortage. ”It does seem like it’s getting better,” he said on the second-quarter earnings call, but added: ”it’s hard to predict.”

Tesla Inc showed signs of divergent strategies in the world’s two biggest automotive markets, raising prices to boost profit margins in the United States while keeping prices steady in China and hoping to grow sales there.

Tesla Inc showed signs of divergent strategies in the world’s two biggest automotive markets, raising prices to boost profit margins in the United States while keeping prices steady in China and hoping to grow sales there. Tesla raised prices for the most affordable versions of Model 3 and Model Y about a dozen times this year in the United States, according to data tracked by Reuters. At the same time, Tesla recently introduced an affordable Model Y version in China, where it refrained from price hikes. Tesla posted record vehicle deliveries in the second quarter, and the price increases in North America boosted quarterly profits to a record. But in China, the world’s biggest electric vehicle (EV) market, Tesla faces competition from local rivals and problems that include product recalls, high-profile protests by consumers and pressure from regulators. Bernstein analyst Toni Sacconaghi said the introduction of the lower-priced Model Y in China ”may make sustained margin improvement difficult” for Tesla and raises questions about ”the health of Chinese demand.” A study by Bernstein analysts found Tesla owners in China were less enthusiastic and had lower repurchase intentions than owners in the United States and Europe. Tesla raised prices for Model Y Long Range at least six times in the United States this year, bumping by $5,500 to $53,990. In China, the world’s most valuable carmaker raised prices of the Model Y SUV and Model 3 sedan only once this year. The Model Y version has a price tag of 276,000 yuan ($42,394). The company also has launched promotional campaigns in China such as loan offers. ”I think Tesla is looking to be as competitive as it can be in China. Lower prices will be a part of that aggressive market positioning,” Roth Capital Partners analyst Craig Irwin said. ”There is a very large difference in battery prices in the U.S. and China, as well as local vehicle manufacturing costs.” Tesla started production at its Shanghai factory in late 2019. It has boosted the sourcing of cheaper local components, including batteries from China’s CATL and LG’s Chinese factory. ”It wasn’t so long ago that the group was trimming prices in the U.S. to gain scale and maximize profitability, and it feels like we’re now seeing that in China too,” Hargreaves Lansdown analyst Nicholas Hyett said. The low cost of producing local EVs in China would have a lasting effect on Tesla, said Gene Munster at Loup Ventures. ”Teslas are on average 3x the cost of a typical EV made in China so they have to be priced less than the U.S. to compete,” Munster said. ”Prices of Teslas in China will be below (the) rest of the world for the next decade.” Tesla also cut costs and boosted margins in the U.S. market by getting rid of some parts like a radar sensor and lumbar support. Tesla shares rebounded 0.5% in morning trade on Wednesday after falling the previous session. CHINA MARKET SHARE SLIPS In China, Tesla’s share slipped to 11% in the battery electric vehicle market, which excludes plug-in hybrid cars, in the second quarter from 18% a year earlier, according to GLJ research. But data from Morgan Stanley showed Tesla still held a U.S. battery-electric market share of nearly 70% as of February, although that was down from 81% a year earlier. China accounts for 44% of the global EV market, a much bigger share than the 17% held by the United States. In China, Tesla faces competition from electric vehicle makers like Nio Inc and Xpeng Inc. In the United States, Tesla’s brand is stronger and its main rivals are legacy automakers like Ford and General Motors, which generate only a fraction of their sales from EVs. GLOBAL CHIP SHORTAGE Tesla CEO Elon Musk has reiterated that the company’s mission is to make electric cars affordable and has blamed vehicle price increases on a shortage of chips and raw materials. Tesla is coping with the chip shortage by using alternative chips and rewriting software, Musk said. He provided a cautious outlook for chip shortage. ”It does seem like it’s getting better,” he said on the second-quarter earnings call, but added: ”it’s hard to predict.”

Tesla hikes electric car prices in the US; holds a line in China

Even before making its India entry, Tesla is making noises to attract attention, a trait Tesla’s boss Elon Musk is known for.&nbsp;

Seeking a cut in import duty on its highly expensive electric cars, Tesla has once again ignited a debate on the import duty on cars.&nbsp;

However, this time the debate is limited to electric cars and the auto industry in India is divided over Tesla's demand.&nbsp;

In response to an Indian's request to launch electric cars, Tesla's high profile boss Elon Musk tweeted "We want to do so, but import duties are highest in the world by far of any large country! Moreover, clean energy vehicles are treated the same as diesel or petrol, which does not seem entirely consistent with the climate goals of India".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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We want to do so, but import duties are the highest in the world by far of any large country! 
 
Moreover, clean energy vehicles are treated the same as diesel or petrol, which does not seem entirely consistent with the climate goals of India.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1418641920595791872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

By doing so Musk is lobbying hard for low duty on the import of electric cars. Hyundai India boss MD S S Kim has also backed Elon Musk’s call to lower the duties as it will help grow the EV market.&nbsp;

However, the founder of India's Ola, Bhavish Aggarwal was quick to dismiss these demands. Expressing his views, Bhavish tweeted “Strongly disagree with both. Let’s have confidence in our ability to build indigenously and attract global OEMs to build in India, not just import. We won’t be the first country to do so!"&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Strongly disagree with both. Let’s have confidence in our ability to build indigenously and also attract global OEMs to build in India, not just import. We won’t be the first country to do so! <a href="https://t.co/n6k7ShYeJX">https://t.co/n6k7ShYeJX</a>
— Bhavish Aggarwal (@bhash) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhash/status/1419945635130736644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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By opposing Tesla and Hyundai's demands on cutting down on import duties, Ola is championing the cause of India's 'Make in India' scheme.&nbsp;

Ola has recently ventured into the electric mobility space. It is setting up India's largest electric vehicle facility spread over 500-acre in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri. Here it is planning to make 10 million vehicles annually something which is music to the ears of the present government.&nbsp;

Ola also recently opened bookings of its e-scooter at Rs 499, garnering over 1 lakh bookings in advance.

Tesla, on the other side, has been talking about its intention to Indian market for years but it is only in the recent past some serious activity on its entry is visible as the U.S based EV maker has registered its offices, hired few top employees and even vehicles have been imported for homologation.&nbsp;

Still, sometimes it feels like Tesla is looking for something more as even the high-end luxury car market is still very small in India. It is in this market and to the prospective owners of Mercs, BMWs and Audis, Tesla would like to sell its ultra-expensive cars.&nbsp;

But other luxury car players are also not sitting silent. India has recently seen a flurry of launches in electric vehicle space, for those who can afford these electric luxury SUVs costing upwards of Rs 10 mn or $134,000. Last week Audi launched the e-tron in India at a starting price of Rs 99.99 lakh (ex-showroom) along with its entire SUV range including the e-Tron 50, the e-tron 55 and the e-tron Sportback 55. Much before that Mercedes-Benz launched its luxury electric SUV EQC and Jaguar launched its i-Pace in the same price bracket.&nbsp;

Government as expected is also not in a mood to give sops to import of hi-end electric cars, they don't get anything from it. The Indian government has indicated it is interested in giving concessions only if Tesla starts manufacturing cars.&nbsp;

Also, for an electric car market contributing to just around 5,000 units including affordable e-hatchbacks out of around 3 million cars sold annually in India, the sops don't make sense at all.&nbsp;

Sops or concessions if any should be given to e-scooters or those at the bottom of this e-pyramid and not those at the highest level of the vehicle market unless they are ready to invest first to create jobs and facilities. 
 
(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Even before making its India entry, Tesla is making noises to attract attention, a trait Tesla’s boss Elon Musk is known for. Seeking a cut in import duty on its highly expensive electric cars, Tesla has once again ignited a debate on the import duty on cars.

Even before making its India entry, Tesla is making noises to attract attention, a trait Tesla’s boss Elon Musk is known for. Seeking a cut in import duty on its highly expensive electric cars, Tesla has once again ignited a debate on the import duty on cars. However, this time the debate is limited to electric cars and the auto industry in India is divided over Tesla's demand. In response to an Indian's request to launch electric cars, Tesla's high profile boss Elon Musk tweeted "We want to do so, but import duties are highest in the world by far of any large country! Moreover, clean energy vehicles are treated the same as diesel or petrol, which does not seem entirely consistent with the climate goals of India". We want to do so, but import duties are the highest in the world by far of any large country! Moreover, clean energy vehicles are treated the same as diesel or petrol, which does not seem entirely consistent with the climate goals of India. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 23, 2021 × By doing so Musk is lobbying hard for low duty on the import of electric cars. Hyundai India boss MD S S Kim has also backed Elon Musk’s call to lower the duties as it will help grow the EV market. However, the founder of India's Ola, Bhavish Aggarwal was quick to dismiss these demands. Expressing his views, Bhavish tweeted “Strongly disagree with both. Let’s have confidence in our ability to build indigenously and attract global OEMs to build in India, not just import. We won’t be the first country to do so!" Strongly disagree with both. Let’s have confidence in our ability to build indigenously and also attract global OEMs to build in India, not just import. We won’t be the first country to do so! https://t.co/n6k7ShYeJX — Bhavish Aggarwal (@bhash) July 27, 2021 × By opposing Tesla and Hyundai's demands on cutting down on import duties, Ola is championing the cause of India's 'Make in India' scheme. Ola has recently ventured into the electric mobility space. It is setting up India's largest electric vehicle facility spread over 500-acre in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri. Here it is planning to make 10 million vehicles annually something which is music to the ears of the present government. Ola also recently opened bookings of its e-scooter at Rs 499, garnering over 1 lakh bookings in advance. Tesla, on the other side, has been talking about its intention to Indian market for years but it is only in the recent past some serious activity on its entry is visible as the U.S based EV maker has registered its offices, hired few top employees and even vehicles have been imported for homologation. Still, sometimes it feels like Tesla is looking for something more as even the high-end luxury car market is still very small in India. It is in this market and to the prospective owners of Mercs, BMWs and Audis, Tesla would like to sell its ultra-expensive cars. But other luxury car players are also not sitting silent. India has recently seen a flurry of launches in electric vehicle space, for those who can afford these electric luxury SUVs costing upwards of Rs 10 mn or $134,000. Last week Audi launched the e-tron in India at a starting price of Rs 99.99 lakh (ex-showroom) along with its entire SUV range including the e-Tron 50, the e-tron 55 and the e-tron Sportback 55. Much before that Mercedes-Benz launched its luxury electric SUV EQC and Jaguar launched its i-Pace in the same price bracket. Government as expected is also not in a mood to give sops to import of hi-end electric cars, they don't get anything from it. The Indian government has indicated it is interested in giving concessions only if Tesla starts manufacturing cars. Also, for an electric car market contributing to just around 5,000 units including affordable e-hatchbacks out of around 3 million cars sold annually in India, the sops don't make sense at all. Sops or concessions if any should be given to e-scooters or those at the bottom of this e-pyramid and not those at the highest level of the vehicle market unless they are ready to invest first to create jobs and facilities. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

WINGS & WHEELS | A divided house over Tesla's clarion call on import duties

Electric&nbsp;cars, the key to reducing emissions and meeting climate change goals, have boosted their market share in Europe, data showed Friday, as the region prepares to abandon petrol and diesel.

Battery&nbsp;electric&nbsp;vehicles more than doubled their share of new car sales in Europe in the second quarter, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) which groups together major car firms.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/electric-cars-will-cost-less-than-gasoline-automobiles-by-2027-384051">Electric cars will cost less than gasoline automobiles by 2027</a>

All-electric&nbsp;vehicles accounted for 7.5 per cent of new car sales in Europe in the three months from April through June, against 3.5 per cent during that period last year.

In absolute terms, sales of battery&nbsp;electric&nbsp;vehicles more than tripled across Europe to reach 210,298&nbsp;cars.

The ACEA said there were substantial gains in the region's top four markets, led by sales more than quadrupling in Spain and Germany.

The publication of the data comes a week after the European Commission unveiled plans for what amounts to an effective ban on sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2035.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/renault-seals-electric-car-battery-deals-with-envision-verkor-394434">Renault seals electric car battery deals with Envision, Verkor</a>

It believes such a move is necessary for Europe to meet its goal of becoming carbon neutral by mid-century and&nbsp;meet its goals under the 2015 Paris accord that aims to limit the global rise in temperatures.

The ACEA also found sales jumped of different types of hybrid vehicles, which are seen by some as a transitional technology as they can reduce emissions from standard petrol or diesel vehicles.&nbsp;

"Plug-in hybrid&nbsp;electric&nbsp;vehicles (PHEVs) had an even more impressive second quarter of 2021, with registrations jumping by 255.8 percent to 235,730 units," said the ACEA. That took their market share to 8.4 per cent.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-tesla-plans-to-open-its-charging-network-to-other-evs-399369/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The slump in petrol&nbsp;cars&nbsp;

Sales of hybrids that cannot be recharged from power mains also&nbsp;more than tripled to 541,162 vehicles, remaining the largest category of alternatively-powered&nbsp;cars&nbsp;with a 19.3 per cent market share.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, registrations of new petrol and diesel vehicles increased given the low number of vehicles sold in the second quarter last year, when many European countries had severe restrictions on businesses due to the pandemic.

But in terms of market share, which shows the relative weight of the current choices being made by consumers, both petrol and diesel saw huge drops.

Diesel saw its market share plunge to 20.4 per cent from 29.4 per cent.&nbsp;

Petrol, which still claimed a majority of sales in the second quarter of last year with a 51.9 per cent of market share, saw a bigger slump to 41.8 per cent.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-mercedes-benz-aims-to-go-all-electric-in-2030-399961/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The data also comes as a growing number of automakers are unveiling their plans to shift to all-electric&nbsp;vehicles as policymakers indicate the days of internal combustion engines are numbered.

Daimler was the latest, announcing Thursday that from 2025 it would introduce only&nbsp;electric&nbsp;new car platforms as it prepares to be ready to make a complete shift by 2030.

Electric cars, the key to reducing emissions and meeting climate change goals, have boosted their market share in Europe, data showed Friday, as the region prepares to abandon petrol and diesel.

Electric cars, the key to reducing emissions and meeting climate change goals, have boosted their market share in Europe, data showed Friday, as the region prepares to abandon petrol and diesel. Battery electric vehicles more than doubled their share of new car sales in Europe in the second quarter, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) which groups together major car firms. Also read | Electric cars will cost less than gasoline automobiles by 2027 All-electric vehicles accounted for 7.5 per cent of new car sales in Europe in the three months from April through June, against 3.5 per cent during that period last year. In absolute terms, sales of battery electric vehicles more than tripled across Europe to reach 210,298 cars. The ACEA said there were substantial gains in the region's top four markets, led by sales more than quadrupling in Spain and Germany. The publication of the data comes a week after the European Commission unveiled plans for what amounts to an effective ban on sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2035. Also read | Renault seals electric car battery deals with Envision, Verkor It believes such a move is necessary for Europe to meet its goal of becoming carbon neutral by mid-century and meet its goals under the 2015 Paris accord that aims to limit the global rise in temperatures. The ACEA also found sales jumped of different types of hybrid vehicles, which are seen by some as a transitional technology as they can reduce emissions from standard petrol or diesel vehicles. "Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) had an even more impressive second quarter of 2021, with registrations jumping by 255.8 percent to 235,730 units," said the ACEA. That took their market share to 8.4 per cent. The slump in petrol cars Sales of hybrids that cannot be recharged from power mains also more than tripled to 541,162 vehicles, remaining the largest category of alternatively-powered cars with a 19.3 per cent market share. Meanwhile, registrations of new petrol and diesel vehicles increased given the low number of vehicles sold in the second quarter last year, when many European countries had severe restrictions on businesses due to the pandemic. But in terms of market share, which shows the relative weight of the current choices being made by consumers, both petrol and diesel saw huge drops. Diesel saw its market share plunge to 20.4 per cent from 29.4 per cent. Petrol, which still claimed a majority of sales in the second quarter of last year with a 51.9 per cent of market share, saw a bigger slump to 41.8 per cent. The data also comes as a growing number of automakers are unveiling their plans to shift to all-electric vehicles as policymakers indicate the days of internal combustion engines are numbered. Daimler was the latest, announcing Thursday that from 2025 it would introduce only electric new car platforms as it prepares to be ready to make a complete shift by 2030.

Sales of electric cars charge ahead in Europe

Mercedes-Benz maker Daimler plans to invest more than or $47 billion, between 2022 and 2030 to develop battery-electric vehicles and be ready for an all-electric car market by 2030.

World Business Watch: Mercedes-Benz aims to go all-electric in 2030

Suzuki Motor will enter the electric vehicle (EV) market by 2025 starting in its stronghold market, India. Reports say the automaker plans an all-electric compact model to be made available for around $13,600 after government subsidies are taken into account.

World Business Watch: Suzuki to enter electric vehicle market by 2025, starting with India

General Motors has urged owners of 2017-2019 Bolt EVs that were part of a recent recall not to park their vehicles inside or charge them unattended overnight after two of the vehicles caught fire.

World Business Watch: GM warns some Bolt EV owners to park outside because of fire risks

Stellantis is betting big on electrification. The world’s fourth-largest automaker announced it will invest $35.5 billion over the next five years in a chase to lead the industry, or to at least keep up.

World Business Watch: Stellantis makes $35.5 billion bet on electric vehicle market

Electric vehicle maker Tesla, facing scrutiny in China over safety and customer service complaints, is boosting its engagement with mainland regulators and beefing up its government relations team.

World Business Watch: Tesla under scrutiny in China, steps up engagement with regulators

Japanese car giant Honda said Friday it would aim to have electric and fuel cell vehicles account for 100 percent of all sales by 2040 to promote climate goals.

The automaker's newly appointed CEO Toshihiro Mibe described the target as "challenging" but said the firm wanted to "set high goals".

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Honda has said it wants the ratio of electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles sold in major markets to hit 40 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2035, before hitting 100 percent globally by 2040.

It has unveiled 5 trillion yen ($46 billion) in investments in its R&amp;D to reach the goals.

The announcement comes a day after Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said Japan would aim to cut emissions 46 percent by 2030, significantly more than previously pledged.

The new target revised a previous goal of cutting emissions 26 percent from 2013 levels by 2030.

The pledge came with international focus on climate change as US President Joe Biden hosts a summit to encourage stronger action on warming and faster moves towards carbon neutrality.

Japanese car giant Honda said Friday it would aim to have electric and fuel cell vehicles account for 100 percent of all sales by 2040 to promote climate goals. The automaker's newly appointed CEO Toshihiro Mibe described the target as "challenging" but said the firm wanted to "set high goals".

Japanese car giant Honda said Friday it would aim to have electric and fuel cell vehicles account for 100 percent of all sales by 2040 to promote climate goals. The automaker's newly appointed CEO Toshihiro Mibe described the target as "challenging" but said the firm wanted to "set high goals". Also read | Tokyo Motor Show cancelled because of coronavirus pandemic Honda has said it wants the ratio of electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles sold in major markets to hit 40 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2035, before hitting 100 percent globally by 2040. It has unveiled 5 trillion yen ($46 billion) in investments in its R&D to reach the goals. The announcement comes a day after Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said Japan would aim to cut emissions 46 percent by 2030, significantly more than previously pledged. The new target revised a previous goal of cutting emissions 26 percent from 2013 levels by 2030. The pledge came with international focus on climate change as US President Joe Biden hosts a summit to encourage stronger action on warming and faster moves towards carbon neutrality.

Honda aiming for 100% electric vehicles by 2040

China's Huawei is set to explore a strategic shift as it is planning to make electric vehicles under its own brand and could launch some models this year.

Huawei Technologies Co Ltd is in talks with state-owned Changan Automobile and other automakers to use their car plants to make its electric vehicles (EVs), according to a report by Reuters.

Huawei is also in discussions with Beijing-backed BAIC Group's BluePark New Energy Technology to manufacture its EVs.

Huawei was placed on a trade blacklist by former US president Donald Trump-led administration over national security concerns. Many industry executives see little chance that blocks on the sale of billions of dollars of US technology and chips to the Chinese company, which has denied wrongdoing, will be reversed by his successor.

A Huawei spokesman has, however, denied the company plans to design EVs or produce Huawei branded vehicles.

"Huawei is not a car manufacturer. However through ICT (information and communications technology), we aim to be a digital car-oriented and new-added components provider, enabling car OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to build better vehicles," the spokesperson said.

But sources say Huawei has started internally designing the EVs and approaching suppliers at home, with the aim of officially launching the project as early as this year.

Richard Yu, head of Huawei's consumer business group who led the company to become one of the world's largest smartphone makers, will reportedly soon shift his focus to EVs.

The EVs will target a mass-market segment.

In the United States, Amazon.com Inc and Alphabet Inc are also developing auto-related technology or investing in smart-car startups.

According to reports, Huawei has been developing a swathe of technologies for EVs for years including in-car software systems, sensors for automobiles and 5G communications hardware.

The company has also formed partnerships with automakers such as Daimler AG, General Motors Co and SAIC Motor to jointly develop smart auto technologies. It has accelerated hiring of engineers for auto-related technologies since 2018.

Also, reports say Huawei was awarded at least four patents related to EVs this week, including methods for charging between electric vehicles and for checking battery health, according to official Chinese patent records.

China's Huawei is set to explore a strategic shift as it is planning to make electric vehicles under its own brand and could launch some models this year. Huawei Technologies Co Ltd is in talks with state-owned Changan Automobile and other automakers to use their car plants to make its electric vehicles (EVs), according to a report by Reuters.

China's Huawei is set to explore a strategic shift as it is planning to make electric vehicles under its own brand and could launch some models this year. Huawei Technologies Co Ltd is in talks with state-owned Changan Automobile and other automakers to use their car plants to make its electric vehicles (EVs), according to a report by Reuters. Huawei is also in discussions with Beijing-backed BAIC Group's BluePark New Energy Technology to manufacture its EVs. Huawei was placed on a trade blacklist by former US president Donald Trump-led administration over national security concerns. Many industry executives see little chance that blocks on the sale of billions of dollars of US technology and chips to the Chinese company, which has denied wrongdoing, will be reversed by his successor. A Huawei spokesman has, however, denied the company plans to design EVs or produce Huawei branded vehicles. "Huawei is not a car manufacturer. However through ICT (information and communications technology), we aim to be a digital car-oriented and new-added components provider, enabling car OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to build better vehicles," the spokesperson said. But sources say Huawei has started internally designing the EVs and approaching suppliers at home, with the aim of officially launching the project as early as this year. Richard Yu, head of Huawei's consumer business group who led the company to become one of the world's largest smartphone makers, will reportedly soon shift his focus to EVs. The EVs will target a mass-market segment. In the United States, Amazon.com Inc and Alphabet Inc are also developing auto-related technology or investing in smart-car startups. According to reports, Huawei has been developing a swathe of technologies for EVs for years including in-car software systems, sensors for automobiles and 5G communications hardware. The company has also formed partnerships with automakers such as Daimler AG, General Motors Co and SAIC Motor to jointly develop smart auto technologies. It has accelerated hiring of engineers for auto-related technologies since 2018. Also, reports say Huawei was awarded at least four patents related to EVs this week, including methods for charging between electric vehicles and for checking battery health, according to official Chinese patent records.

China's Huawei plans foray into electric vehicles, report says

Britain`s competition regulator said on Wednesday it would study whether the fast-growing electric vehicle charging sector worked well in helping drivers deal with "range anxiety", or the worry about not being able to find a chargepoint.

Research showed range anxiety was a key concern for many consumers and ensuring easy access to chargepoints was key to persuading drivers to switch to electric vehicles, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said.

Britain will ban new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 to help cut greenhouse gas emissions.

There are almost 20,000 vehicle chargepoints, up from around 1,500 in 2011, although more will be needed in the future as this is the only way to power electric vehicles, the CMA said.

"Being able to easily stop off at a petrol station is a standard part of a journey and consumers must trust that electric chargepoints will provide a similarly straight-forward service," said CMA CEO Andrea Coscelli.

The CMA will look at how to develop a competitive sector while also attracting private investment to help the sector grow, and ensure drivers get the best service from chargepoints.

The CMA said it would consider "how to ensure the sector works well for people now and in the future, which will help to build trust in the service and address any competition issues."

The review will be completed within a year and look at the supply of chargepoints for plug-in hybrid and all-electric passenger electric cars and light vans.

Britain`s competition regulator said on Wednesday it would study whether the fast-growing electric vehicle charging sector worked well in helping drivers deal with "range anxiety", or the worry about not being able to find a chargepoint.

Britain`s competition regulator said on Wednesday it would study whether the fast-growing electric vehicle charging sector worked well in helping drivers deal with "range anxiety", or the worry about not being able to find a chargepoint. Research showed range anxiety was a key concern for many consumers and ensuring easy access to chargepoints was key to persuading drivers to switch to electric vehicles, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said. Britain will ban new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 to help cut greenhouse gas emissions. There are almost 20,000 vehicle chargepoints, up from around 1,500 in 2011, although more will be needed in the future as this is the only way to power electric vehicles, the CMA said. "Being able to easily stop off at a petrol station is a standard part of a journey and consumers must trust that electric chargepoints will provide a similarly straight-forward service," said CMA CEO Andrea Coscelli. The CMA will look at how to develop a competitive sector while also attracting private investment to help the sector grow, and ensure drivers get the best service from chargepoints. The CMA said it would consider "how to ensure the sector works well for people now and in the future, which will help to build trust in the service and address any competition issues." The review will be completed within a year and look at the supply of chargepoints for plug-in hybrid and all-electric passenger electric cars and light vans.

UK watchdog studies 'range anxiety' in electric vehicle charging

It's quite evident that the automobile Industry is on the cusp of a disruption. Every automobile major wants to jump on to the trend of EVs. But who will gain from this disruption?

WION Edit: Global Automobile Disruption: Winners & Losers

US&nbsp;electric vehicle maker&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tesla-suffer-mishap-during-launch-of-electric-cybertruck-263848">Tesla&nbsp;Inc</a> and a group of China&nbsp;banks&nbsp;have agreed a&nbsp;new&nbsp;10&nbsp;billion&nbsp;yuan ($1.4&nbsp;billion), five-year&nbsp;loan&nbsp;facility for the automaker's&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;car plant, three sources familiar with the matter said, part of which will be used to roll over an existing&nbsp;loan.

China Construction Bank (CCB), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/pakistans-habib-bank-under-us-scanner-in-money-laundering-case-faces-630-million-fine-19609/amp">Agricultural Bank of China</a> (AgBank), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;Pudong Development Bank (SPDB) are among the&nbsp;banks&nbsp;which have agreed to give&nbsp;Tesla&nbsp;the financial support, one source with direct knowledge said.

The&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;banks&nbsp;earlier this year already offered&nbsp;Tesla&nbsp;a 12-month facility of up to 3.5&nbsp;billion&nbsp;yuan, which is due to be repaid on March 4, 2020, according to a filing the automaker made to the US&nbsp;Securities and Exchange Commission.

That&nbsp;new&nbsp;loan&nbsp;will be partially used to roll over the previous 3.5&nbsp;billion&nbsp;yuan debt, according to the first source. The second source said the rest will be used on the&nbsp;factory&nbsp;and&nbsp;Tesla's China operations.

The&nbsp;new&nbsp;loan's interest rate will be pegged at 90 per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;of China's one-year benchmark interest rate, the same as the 3.5&nbsp;billion&nbsp;yuan&nbsp;loan, the first source said. This is a rate that China&nbsp;banks&nbsp;offer to their best clients.

Tesla, CCB, AgBank, ICBC and SPDB did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

Tesla&nbsp;broke ground on the&nbsp;factory&nbsp;in January and has started producing vehicles&nbsp;from&nbsp;its&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;plant. It aims to build at least 1,000 Model 3 cars a week by the end of this year.

The&nbsp;factory, which is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tesla-boss-elon-musk-wins-defamation-trial-over-his-pedo-guy-tweet-266759">Tesla</a>'s first car manufacturing site outside the United States, is the centrepiece of its ambitions to boost sales in the world's biggest auto market and avoid higher import tariffs imposed on US-made cars.

The&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;government has also thrown its support behind the&nbsp;Tesla&nbsp;project, which would be China's first wholly foreign-owned car plant and a reflection of the government's broader shift to open up its car market.

US electric vehicle maker Tesla Inc and a group of China banks have agreed a new 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion), five-year loan facility for the automaker's Shanghai car plant, three sources familiar with the matter said, part of which will be used to roll over an existing loan.

US electric vehicle maker Tesla Inc and a group of China banks have agreed a new 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion), five-year loan facility for the automaker's Shanghai car plant, three sources familiar with the matter said, part of which will be used to roll over an existing loan. China Construction Bank (CCB), Agricultural Bank of China (AgBank), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (SPDB) are among the banks which have agreed to give Tesla the financial support, one source with direct knowledge said. The Chinese banks earlier this year already offered Tesla a 12-month facility of up to 3.5 billion yuan, which is due to be repaid on March 4, 2020, according to a filing the automaker made to the US Securities and Exchange Commission. That new loan will be partially used to roll over the previous 3.5 billion yuan debt, according to the first source. The second source said the rest will be used on the factory and Tesla's China operations. The new loan's interest rate will be pegged at 90 per cent of China's one-year benchmark interest rate, the same as the 3.5 billion yuan loan, the first source said. This is a rate that China banks offer to their best clients. Tesla, CCB, AgBank, ICBC and SPDB did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Tesla broke ground on the factory in January and has started producing vehicles from its Shanghai plant. It aims to build at least 1,000 Model 3 cars a week by the end of this year. The factory, which is Tesla's first car manufacturing site outside the United States, is the centrepiece of its ambitions to boost sales in the world's biggest auto market and avoid higher import tariffs imposed on US-made cars. The Shanghai government has also thrown its support behind the Tesla project, which would be China's first wholly foreign-owned car plant and a reflection of the government's broader shift to open up its car market.

Tesla to take new $1.4 billion loan from Chinese banks for Shanghai factory: Sources

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