Hyundai and General Motors join hands to co-develop EV technologies

Global New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sales leader BYD recently opened a brand new showroom in Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road in collaboration with Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company as part of BYD’s “Closer to You” strategy. Both firms hosted an official SZR showroom opening where visitors and select media personnel including The Cornea Impression had an exclusive opportunity to preview the highly anticipated YangWang U8, marking its first-ever appearance in the UAE. Launch for the same is scheduled for sometime in 2025 with up to 8 variants on offer comprising both BEV and Hybrid powertrains.

This state-of-the-art facility sprawling 750 square meters, located right next to the Oasis Mall for easier accessibility to Dubai residents, has already registered more than 1,000 walk-ins and test drive bookings. The new BYD facility boasts special interactive discovery zones within its premises to educate customers of the benefits and capabilities of BYD’s cutting-edge technologies such as BYD’s Blade battery and DM-i engine and technologies through full-scale models and interactive exhibits. Ample parking equipped with EV charging stations is also available within the facility’s premises. Hasan Nergiz, Managing Director at Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company, commented, Our focus moving forward is accessibility, therefore by the end of the year, we aim to cover 90% of the market within 15 kilometres of a BYD showroom, with new locations opening in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Ras Al Khaimah. We’re also aiming to expand our after-sales services and introduce mobile servicing, allowing customers to service their vehicles at their convenience, at home or on the go. This initiative is a major step in making the transition to EVs even more convenient in the region.”

In a bid to expand India’s existing EV infrastructure of a mere 540 commercial charging points, Tata Motors has signed an MoU with Delta Electronics India and Thunderplus Solutions Pvt Ltd to install 250 new fast charging stations across the country. These chargers will be strategically placed across 50 cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Kochi among others.

Apart from personal consumption, even E-commerce companies, and parcel and courier service providers have adopted electric vehicles for last-mile deliveries. Keeping that in consideration, Tata Motors will recommend optimal locations and nearest dealerships for setting up these fast-charging stations, with Delta Electronics supplying the necessary hardware and Thunderplus Solutions bearing the responsibility to install and operate them. Speaking about this collaboration, Mr Vinay Pathak, Vice President & Business Head – SCV&PU, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, “Our endeavour is to make emission-free cargo transportation easily accessible. Expanding the available charging infrastructure on high-use routes will encourage more customers to opt for electric commercial vehicles and improve vehicle uptime resulting in higher revenues and better profitability, while contributing towards a cleaner, greener environment. Installing fast chargers at our dealerships makes it convenient for them to gain access at a familiar location with reliable charging facility.”