The electric revolution has permeated pretty much every corner of the developed world – it’s a revolution you couldn’t have missed, even if you were in cryosleep for the last decade (but in case you did, wake up and sniff the fast-dissipating petrol!) EV sales across the globe have steadily been on the rise, with the total passenger EV count exceeding five million in 2018. While the US, Europe and China have witnessed widespread adoption of the technology, the Indian car market has remained resolutely unconducive to change. Despite detailed floor plans and schemes drafted by the government, including a National Electric Mobility Mission Plan drafted in 2013 (that aimed to sell 15 million EVs by 2020), it would appear that customer sentiment towards electric cars is yet to thaw out.
The reasons are manifold – a patchwork (read: barely existing) electric-car infrastructure, cost of batteries and the lack of a figurehead or a halo brand to enhance the allure of something that runs on the same power source as your iPad. The first two issues are entirely dependent on policy implementation and heavy investment by the government (with a required `10,000 crore expenditure budget detailed out by FAME India’s Phase II Scheme). The third problem is being looked at by Mercedes-Benz – first movers in India’s luxury car game, and now the first luxury car brand to bring an all-electric sub-brand to the country. Merc has chosen to call it “EQ” signifying “electric intelligence” and it has made its debut at a time when the fuel-powered automobile appears increasingly at odds with the world around it.
Denne historien er fra March 2020-utgaven av GQ India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 2020-utgaven av GQ India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
THE FUTURE SOUNDS LIKE AT EEZ
The Coachella-slaying, multi-language-singing, genre-obliterating members of Ateez are quickly becoming load-bearing stars of our global pop universe.
DEMNA UNMASKED
He's the most influential designer of the past decade. He's also the most controversial. Now the creative director of Balenciaga is exploring a surprising source of inspiration: happiness. GQ's Samuel Hine witnesses the dawn of Demna's new era, in Paris, New York, and Shanghai. Photographs by Jason Nocito.
Inside the undercover adventures of a full-time fraud sleuth.
HOW TO MAKE A FORTUNE AS A PROFESSIONAL WHISTLE-BLOWER
A LIFE OF FASHION
In an extensive conversation, the menswear icon discusses his rise, his mistakes, his triumphs, his retirement, and what the future holds for him and his beloved brand.
IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE WITH GEORGE & BRAD
They've spent three decades living intertwined lives at the inconceivably glamorous height of Hollywood. Now, having crossed the threshold of 60, they're more comfortable than ever throwing bombs, dispensing hard-won wisdom, and, yes, arguing about who had the better mullet in the '80s.
ALEXANDER THE GRITTY
One of India's most creative chefs comes of age.
Penning History
Montblanc marks 100 years of its iconic Meisterstück with new writing instruments inspired by the 1924 Olympic Games.
Royal Enfield Forges a New Path
Say hello to the company's most cutting-edge roadster.
Arooj Aftab Owns the Night
The Grammy Award-winning artist, fresh off a Glastonbury set, speaks to GQ about her new album, Night Reign, from the ideas that led to its conception to its genre-defying collabs with Elvis Costello, Kaki King and more.
Louis Vuitton's New Beat
The luxury maison's latest addition to the Tambour line reiterates its commitment to watchmaking and craftsmanship.