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The Hindu
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Coimbatore Corporation's plan for 20 EV charging stations sees no progress
More than one year has passed since the Coimbatore Corporation announced a ₹20-crore initiative to establish 20 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the city, but the project remains stalled. The only unit set up near VOC Park in June 2024 remains non-operational. Announced in April 2023, the project identified sites in R.S. Puram, Kalapatti, Valankulam, Avinashi Road, Gandhipuram Cross Cut Road, Tidel Park, Periyakulam, Thudiyalur, Saravanampatti, and near Brookefields. Tata Power was engaged to install and operate the stations, which were intended to offer round-the-clock fast-charging services with provisions for remote monitoring and digital payments. However, no further progress has been recorded at the remaining locations. 'Public charging infrastructure is rare in and around Coimbatore. Most users rely on home charging. Even where public facilities exist, fast-charging is essential for practical use,' said S. Ambika, an EV user. Barathan Kuppusamy, Chief Executive Officer of Ozotec Automobiles, said that range anxiety remains a significant barrier to adoption. 'Charging stations must be as widespread as fuel outlets. Much of the existing infrastructure is based on European specifications; instead, it should be designed to meet the custom needs of Indian cities. Implementation is further constrained by grid-related challenges such as high-tension line clearance, the need for dedicated feeders, and electricity board-associated costs.' Between January 2024 and July 2025, 6,076 electric two-wheelers and 994 electric cars were registered under the jurisdiction of the Coimbatore Central and West Regional Transport Offices. Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran said the project did not take off due to administrative constraints. 'Several firms expressed interest. We have now shortlisted ten locations, including Semmozhi Poonga and D.B. Road parking. A fresh tender will be floated shortly. The Corporation will provide the land, and the selected bidder will handle the infrastructure and operations.'
The Hindu
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Coimbatore industries in the EV sector expect problems because of magnet shortage
Coimbatore, with its emerging Electric Vehicle (EV) eco system, is expected to soon feel the impact of the shortage in availability of rare earth magnets that are used in the EVs. Ramesh Muthuramalingam, Managing Director of Alphacraft, said the factories involved in manufacturing components for EVs are yet to feel the impact. However, it is reported that Indian firms may run out of rare earth magnet stocks by the middle of this month. The EV suppliers in Coimbatore will then feel the ripple effects of the magnet shortage. The Micro, Small and Medium-scale companies here that make components for EVs are dependent on the larger magnet suppliers and any disruption upstream can potentially slow orders, shift production schedules, or raise costs. China decided to restrict export of the magnets in April this year. 'We have other sources as well. But, China dominates the field. Other sources such as the US, Australia, and Myanmar will either stop the supplies or ration it soon,' he said. Barathan Kuppusamy, Chief Executive Officer of Ozotec Automobiles, said some of the EV manufacturers are importing magnets that are already assembled in the stampings. But, there are issues now in this regard. Coimbatore District Small Industries Association treasurer P. Ponram said the companies involved in the EV sector do anticipate problems. 'However, the impact will be less,' he said. However, according to the Chief Executive Officer of Eco Dynaamic Equipments Vijayan Srinivasan, the companies in Coimbatore do not use the magnets in large volumes. Most of them use the CKDs and the requirement of the magnets is only in small volumes.
