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Guest blog by Nitish Arora and Jessica Korsh

India needs to exponentially increase the number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to power the potential 102 million EVs on the road in 2030. Reaching this target is essential to prevent a climate catastrophe and improve the unhealthy air quality for millions of Indians. A robust public charging network is essential for accelerating transportation electrification. India’s power utility distribution companies (DICOMs) are critical in scaling up charging infrastructure, as evidenced by countries with successful EV charging deployment.

Source: NRDC image from NITI Aayog and RMI data, 2019

With widespread transportation electrification, utilities and DISCOMs are evolving to do more than provide electricity. They are uniquely positioned to develop EV charging infrastructure and should be involved early in the planning process. As seen in the U.S., utilities can collaborate and take the lead in building charging infrastructure. In India, limited communication between utilities and charge point operators (charging service providers) is often responsible for slowing the development of charging infrastructure. DISCOMs should be involved with identifying potential charging sites; coordinating with landowners, permit offices, and regulators; and working with charge point operators. Another factor slowing EV deployment is the high upfront costs to build the charging infrastructure and connect to the grid. However, frontloaded investments into charging infrastructure and the grid by utilities can lead to large payoffs in the long term. Further, to ensure grid stability, it is important for DISCOMs to improve the utilization of the existing grid infrastructure and include EV charging loads into electrical network planning and expansion. While EVs are cleaner even with conventional grid power, pairing them with renewable energy can accelerate India’s decarbonization efforts.

Source: image adapted from FutureBridge, 2019

DISCOMs can help improve power demand management and increase integration of renewable energy through the following recommendations:

  • Communication is key to planning for charging infrastructure. By utilities establishing clear communication channels with other stakeholders they can help reduce costs. For example, utilities can share records on the hosting capacity of their distribution networks, with charging service providers to make the siting process simpler, faster, and accurate. Additionally, utilities can assign a single point of contact to service providers for each project. This helps keep a project on track, avoiding potential costly delays.
  • Adopt a forward-looking business and management approach. DISCOMs in conjunction with stakeholders should anticipate future grid and charging needs. Futureproofing requires balancing the extra cost incurred today against the savings that it can offer in the future. Utilities should install excess capacity when installing early chargers. This will help plan for the frontload investments and minimize costs when upgrades to upstream power infrastructure are later required. Additionally, while early utilization of charging infrastructure remains low, utilities should rationalize/annualize upstream power infrastructure costs instead of building everything upfront.
  • Improved flexibility and advanced grid integration are essential as India decarbonizes it economy, increases the share of renewable energy, and dramatically increases its overall energy demand. While EVs are only expected to be about four to five percent of the country’s total power generation capacity, it is important that they are effectively integrated in the grid to maintain reliable electricity. DISCOMs should encourage managed charging capability (charging at times when demand is low) and matching EV charging to hours when solar and wind generation is abundant. Utilities commonly employ time-of-day (TOD) tariffs to incentivize consumers to shift their charging from peak times to off-peak times. Smart charging, chargers with two-way communication, is becoming standard internationally. This allows utilities to lower the rate or turn off charging when the grid is strained.

Source: BluSmart India

Transitioning to EVs in India is a major opportunity for revving up the economy, spurring job growth, improving air quality, and reducing carbon emissions. A tremendous increase in public charging infrastructure from the current 1,800 public charging points to a network of over 2.9 million could create a massive market opportunity requiring cumulative investments of up to $2.9 billion (about Rs 20,600 crore) until 2030.

Arora is an electric mobility expert working as a consultant with NRDC based in New Delhi. Jessica Korsh is a climate health expert working with NRDC based in New York.

Originally published by NRDC, Expert Blog.

 

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Royal Enfield’s Flying Flea electric motorcycles launching early next year

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Royal Enfield's Flying Flea electric motorcycles launching early next year

Royal Enfield’s eagerly anticipated electric motorcycles, unveiled late last year under the Flying Flea brand, are now confirmed to hit the market early next year. Eicher Motors Managing Director B. Govindarajan narrowed down the release window, confirming that the two models currently in testing, the FF-C6 and S6, will debut in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2026, corresponding to January through March 2026.

The announcement provides a clear timeline for eager e-motorcycling enthusiasts who have closely followed Royal Enfield’s pivot to electric mobility. Previously, the company had remained relatively tight-lipped about exact launch dates and even many of the upcoming bikes’ key specs, only hinting that the electric motorcycle project was progressing steadily.

The Flying Flea name is a historical nod, reviving memories of Royal Enfield’s lightweight motorcycle originally used during World War II for airborne operations. Just like its iconic namesake, the new Flying Flea electric motorcycles are expected to be compact, accessible, and user-friendly, aiming at urban commuters and younger riders seeking a blend of heritage styling with modern electric propulsion.

The FF-C6 and S6 represent two distinct offerings within Royal Enfield’s electric lineup, signaling an ambitious start for the company’s electrification strategy. While specific technical details remain scarce, previous hints suggest that the models will prioritize practicality, affordability, and moderate performance suited to daily commuting rather than high-end, performance-oriented segments.

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However, with a dearth of solid specs regarding power, range, or pricing, it’s too soon to tell how warmly the bikes may be received during their upcoming launch.

This cautious yet clear step into electric mobility aligns with Royal Enfield’s traditional ethos of delivering approachable motorcycles that combine classic design with dependable performance.

The company, owned by Eicher Motors, has enjoyed success internationally over the last decade, particularly with models like the Classic 350, Meteor 350, and Himalayan, which have resonated strongly with both new and experienced riders. The Flying Flea line is likely destined for international markets as well, though may launch solely in India first as Royal Enfield works to ramp up production.

Royal Enfield’s venture into electric motorcycles also follows a strategic €50 million investment by Eicher Motors into Stark Future, a cutting-edge electric motorcycle startup based near Barcelona, which likely helped Royal Enfield’s technical team.

For example, at the Flying Flea brand’s worldwide unveiling at the Milan Motorcycle Show last year, one of the company’s driving prototypes was spotted using several Stark VARG powertrain components to complete a working model for demonstration.

With electric motorcycles rapidly gaining popularity worldwide due to their efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and environmental advantages, Royal Enfield’s entry into this market comes at an opportune time. The company’s robust global presence and dedicated fan base provide a solid foundation for launching these models successfully.

With the success of relatively smaller electric motorcycles compared to the struggles of larger sport bike e-motorcycle companies, the Flying Flea appears positioned for a more welcoming market.

Given Royal Enfield’s knack for delivering motorcycles with a blend of nostalgic aesthetics and modern functionality, expectations are high for the FF-C6 and S6 to carve out their own distinct niche in the electric two-wheeler market. For now though, fans are still eagerly awaiting more information and details regarding the performance and price of the upcoming electric two-wheelers.

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XPeng just teased its next-generation P7 sedan and it is SLEEK [Video]

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XPeng just teased its next-generation P7 sedan and it is SLEEK [Video]

It’s been less than a month since XPeng Motors began teasing a new camouflage sedan codenamed the E29. This morning (or this evening if you’re in China), XPeng unveiled the mystery sedan as its next-generation P7. This vast redesign of the Chinese automaker’s flagship BEV sedan is a bona fide stunner, and makes me wish I could drive one of my own in the US.

The P7 debuted at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2019 as XPeng’s first sedan and its second production model behind the now-discontinued G3 SUV. It was also the first XPeng model I ever drove during a trip to the Netherlands in 2022.

In its first two years of production, which began in 2020, XPeng built over 100,000 units of its flagship sedan, and the sport vehicle has remained a pillar in its global sales. Since its launch in China, we’ve seen XPeng deliver a 2023 refresh called the P7i and the P7+, complete with pure camera vision ADAS, which launched last fall as “the world’s first AI car.”

According to an internal letter sent out by XPeng founder, chairman, and CEO He Xiaopeng last December, the Chinese automaker has big plans for 2025 and beyond. It aims to become a globally recognized brand with a presence in over 60 countries by the end of the year.

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The internal letter also stated XPeng’s plans to launch a new or facelifted model nearly every quarter in 2025. In Q1, we saw the debut of the G7 SUV, starting at an ultra-competitive price of around $34,000 in China. Since then, XPeng has been teasing another new model, codenamed “E29,” spotted driving around Guangzhou, where XPeng is headquartered, in camouflage last month.

Today, XPeng confirmed the E29 is not a bespoke model, but instead a completely new generation of the P7, dreamt up by Chief Designer Rafik Ferrag, who led the creation of the original 2020 model. Have a look:

  • XPeng P7
  • XPeng P7
  • XPeng P7

XPeng shares first images of its stunning new P7 design

XPeng shared the initial images seen above alongside a brief press release outlining its exciting new design language as explained by its designer, Rafik Ferrag, who began teasing the new model on his own social media accounts earlier this week:

I’m very excited that the first official pictures and video are now visible to everyone. The original P7 was a milestone for XPENG and a turning point in China’s EV landscape. With this new generation, we set out to design a pure electric sports sedan that could amaze at every angle. This car is our dream—refined through countless iterations. In my eyes, the all-new XPENG P7 is a work of art, shaped with emotion and purpose.

The Chinese automaker explained that the new 5-seat P7 coupe reflects Ferrag’s “evolving design philosophy” and has been in development for the past five years. XPeng founder He Xiaopeng called it a “major upgrade” for the brand’s next leap in BEV technology, blending AI with luxury and the company’s new Turing Smart Driving system.

What specific technology the next-generation P7 holds remains unknown to the public at this time, but we were told more details will be revealed later. For now, we have our first official peek at this new futuristic model and a teaser video, which you can view below.

If the new P7 represents XPeng’s design language going forward, there should be many more exciting reveals in 2025 and beyond as the brand continues to expand into a globally recognized name.

Source: XPeng Motors

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Oil prices fall after Trump raises hopes of a U.S.-Iran nuclear deal

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Oil prices fall after Trump raises hopes of a U.S.-Iran nuclear deal

The Persian Gulf Star gas condensate refinery in Bandar Abbas, Iran, on Jan. 9, 2019.

Ali Mohammadi | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Oil prices fell sharply on Thursday on expectations that the U.S. and Iran may soon reach a deal over Tehran’s nuclear program.

International benchmark Brent crude futures with July expiry were last seen trading 3.2% lower at $63.99 a barrel, paring some of its earlier losses. U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures, meanwhile, stood at $60.98, down 3.4% for the session.

Speaking in Doha, Qatar during his Middle East trip, U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. was getting close to securing a nuclear deal with Iran.

“We’re in very serious negotiations with Iran for long-term peace,” Trump said.

His comments come shortly after a top advisor to Iran’s supreme leader told NBC News that the OPEC producer was ready to sign a nuclear deal with certain conditions in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.

The prospect of a U.S.-Iran nuclear deal is expected to have profound implications for oil markets.

“The overnight development of a possible nuclear deal is the sole reason for the morning’s weakness. If an agreement is reached, Iran agrees to halt enriching weapon grade uranium and the deal is effectively enforced, which is hard to believe, then the Persian Gulf country’s crude oil exports can rise by as much as 1 [million barrels per day],” Tamas Varga, an analyst at brokerage PVM, told CNBC via email.

“It sounds price negative, but its impact will possibly be mitigated by OPEC+ rolling back on its plan to release barrels back to the market faster than originally planned,” he added.

OPEC and non-OPEC partners, an influential energy alliance known as OPEC+, has surprised markets by raising supply in recent months.

Led by Saudi Arabia, the group agreed in early May to increase output by another 411,000 barrels per day in June. The move came one month after OPEC+ agreed to boost production in May by the same amount.

Economic pain

Iran’s economy has deteriorated dramatically in the years since Trump in 2018 withdrew the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal, formally titled the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The agreement was brokered in 2015 along with Russia, China, the EU and U.K. under the Obama administration to curb and stringently monitor Iran’s nuclear activity in exchange for sanctions relief.

Already facing several years of protests, significantly weakened currency, and a cost-of-living crisis, the Islamic Republic was hit with the hammer blow of losing its main ally in the Middle East last year, when the Assad regime collapsed in Syria. Tehran’s archenemy Israel, meanwhile, killed most of the senior leadership of Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy in Lebanon.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was formerly staunchly opposed to negotiations with the U.S., but senior Iranian government officials reportedly launched a coordinated effort to change his mind, framing the decision as critical to the regime’s survival.

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