| |MAY 202419environment. In addition, improper recycling practices can have a detrimental effect on the environment when batteries are disposed of at the end of their useful lives. Scientists and producers must create more environmentally friendly and sustainable battery technology.Investments in EV ManufacturingIndian manufacturers planned to invest over $ 10 billion (Rs. 80,000 crore) by the end of this decade to build the infrastructure required to produce electric vehicles (EVs). The decision was taken during the global electrification revolution that was engulfing the car industry. It has also been driven by the government's preference for battery-powered vehicles over those with only internal combustion engines. The capital expenditure would include building a few green field EV plants, supporting grid charging infrastructure, and investing in battery factories to produce batteries starting at the cell level. India's passenger car fleet could consist of 25­30 percent electric vehicles by 2030, as new carmakers are expected to enter the market in 2025 and established manufacturers expand their production capacity.Maruti declared that it would increase its installed capacity from the existing 2.25 million to nearly 4 million units by 2031 by introducing six electrified vehicles. It is estimated that US$ 5.47 billion (about Rs. 45,000 crore) will be needed to double the capacity. During the next five to seven years, Mahindra and Tata Motors said that they would incur EV capital expenditures of US$ 1.21 billion (about Rs. 10,000 crore) and US$ 1.82 billion (approximately Rs. 15,000 crore). Hyundai recently declared that it will invest US$ 2.45 billion (around Rs. 20,000 crore) in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.BMW, starting at the end of 2027, will devote 650 million to converting its main manufacturing facility in Munich, Germany, to the production of only electric vehicles. On-site construction is underway for four new facilities, including a body shop and vehicle assembly line. Approximately 1,200 workers have been retrained or transferred to other sites as the manufacture of internal combustion engines has been moved to the UK and Austria. In contrast to other automakers, BMW has not established a deadline for ending the production of combustion-engine vehicles. However, starting in 2035, the European Union will impose regulations that would effectively prohibit the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles within the EU.At the auto show, BMW unveiled the Neue Klasse EV concept, the culmination of a multibillion-euro endeavor to bridge the technological divide with rivals such as Tesla and other electric vehicle manufacturers. The vehicle, which will resemble the present BMW 3-series model line in size, is expected to be produced in Munich beginning in 2026 alongside combustion engine vehicles. It will also be manufactured in Shenyang, China, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and BMW's new facility, which is now under development in Debrecen, Hungary.BMW Chief Designer Adrian van Hooydonk says, "We want to make this vehicle generation so modern that it looks like we skipped one generation. That is necessary because of those new players that are coming in. You know the debate that's been going on: Oh, traditional OEM over 100 years old, can you make this step? We can, and we want to.""Neue Klasse is by far the biggest investment in our history. Because the technology we are using all over BMW is all new in all areas, without exception," says Frank Weber, BMW's Chief Technology Officer. We want to make this vehicle generation so modern that it looks like we skipped one generation. That is necessary because of those new players that are coming in
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