Future Mobility Show 2019: Electric Vehicles & Charging Infrastructure Outline The Expo

The Future Mobility Show 2019 was held in Bangalore, India on 26 and 27 February, 2019. The unique show brought together some well-known brands and some not so well-known brands to showcase the future of mobility.

As expected, most of the showcases were electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and commercial transport vehicles play an irreplaceable role in the functioning of the world as we know it.

However, things are changing drastically. Fuel prices are touching new heights with every passing day and pollution is adding to the effects of global warming. As a result of this, almost all automotive manufacturers are making an effort to bring out electric vehicles.

The entire idea of mobility and transport is set to face a complete change in the next few years. The Future Mobility Show 2019 was held to bring together all the players who would play a major role in shaping Indian mobility in the near future.

What made FMS 2019 stand out from most other auto shows is the number of infrastructure manufacturers. Till now, we have seen that almost all automotive companies are bringing out electric vehicles, but these manufacturers were not planning on bringing out their own charging infrastructure.

This was a major concern as the lack of adequate charging infrastructure is what was preventing the growth of electric vehicles. At the FMS 2019 were several companies that showcased various kinds of charging infrastructure that ranged from small units for electric two-wheelers to large units that could charge buses and trucks.

Fast chargers and bulk chargers too were seen. This is a huge opportunity for the companies that manufacture charging infrastructure as the Indian EV market is on the verge of exploding, and this is the right time to setup the required infrastructure.

KJ George, the minister for medium and heavy industry, government of Karnataka was the chief guest at the inauguration of FMS 2019 and he made an interesting remark about the electrification of vehicles in the state.

He was quoted as saying, "The government is contemplating preferential parking for EVs and adequate signage in the city to guide electric vehicle owners to the nearest e-charging slots." He also made it clear that the government of Karnataka was aiming to purchase lots of electric vehicles by the end of 2019 - enough electric vehicles to replace half of the government-run vehicles.

The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation too is awaiting delivery of more electric buses and this really sets the motion for electric vehicles in the state and in the country. FMS 2019 had quite a few important exhibitors in terms of vehicles displayed.

Maruti Suzuki took prime spot and displayed three vehicles of which only one is currently on sale. The largest car manufacturer in India displayed the CNG-powered Celerio Tour H2, Suzuki Solio Hybrid and WagonR EV. There is no word on the launch of the Solio Hybrid in India.

However, the WagonR EV is set to be launched in India soon, and it is expected to be the best-selling electric car in India due to the trusted Maruti Suzuki brand. Bajaj Auto displayed the much awaited and fairly controversial Bajaj Qute quadricycle as the company feels the future of mobility is small, compact and efficient. The company also displayed the electric RE autorickshaw.

Ashok Leyland displayed an electric bus named Circuit while Mahindra Electric displayed the Treo and Treo Yaari electric rickshaws. Ather Energy displayed the Ather 450 electric scooter along with the universal EV charger that the company developed in-house.

Toyota India displayed its prowess when it comes to green vehicles by showcasing a conventional hybrid car, a plug-in hybrid and pure electric car. The new Toyota Camry took up the hybrid space while Toyota Prius fielded the plug-in hybrid flag.

At the Toyota stall was a Scion EQ electric car. At the moment, there certainly is no plan of bringing this vehicle to the Indian market, but Toyota displayed their readiness towards green mobility through this. Tata Motors also displayed the Tigor EV which has already seen reasonable sales in the Indian market.

Thoughts On Future Mobility Show 2019

The Future Mobility Show 2019 confirmed the exact direction in which India is heading - towards pure electric vehicles. The 2030 target for electrification of vehicles doesn't seem to realistic at the moment, but we are getting there.