mercury metals ltd Management discussions


i. Industry Structure and Development

The Company is engaged in the business of Manufacturing and Trading of Electronic vehicles and other related renewable energy products.

The electric vehicle market was experiencing significant growth, driven by factors such as increasing environmental awareness, government incentives, technological advancements, and improvements in battery technology. As a result, established automakers and new entrants were investing heavily in EV development. Advances in battery technology were a critical driver for the development of electric vehicles. Improvements in energy density, charging speed, and cost reduction were key factors influencing the feasibility and widespread adoption of EVs. The environmental benefits of EVs, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower air pollution in urban areas, were a driving force behind their development and adoption.

ii. Opportunities and Threats Opportunities:

Environmental Concerns: Growing environmental awareness and the need to reduce carbon emissions present a significant opportunity for EV manufacturers. Consumers and governments are increasingly seeking cleaner transportation options.

Technological Advancements: Ongoing advancements in battery technology, materials science, and electric drivetrain systems provide opportunities to improve vehicle range, charging speed, and overall performance.

Government Incentives: Many governments offer incentives such as tax credits, rebates, and grants to promote EV adoption. These incentives help make EVs more affordable and attractive to consumers.

Infrastructure Development: The expansion of charging infrastructure offers opportunities for companies to invest in charging stations, both at homes and public locations, to alleviate "range anxiety" and accelerate EV adoption.

Innovation in Mobility Services: Electric and autonomous vehicles have the potential to revolutionize transportation services, such as ride-sharing and autonomous taxi fleets. Companies that tap into these new mobility models could find substantial opportunities.

Supply Chain and Manufacturing: The EV supply chain, including battery production and raw material sourcing, presents opportunities for innovation and efficiency improvements.

Diverse Vehicle Offerings: Electric powertrains can be adapted to various vehicle types, including cars, buses, trucks, and two-wheelers. This diversification offers opportunities for market expansion and addressing different customer needs.

Consumer Interest and Demand: As consumers become more interested in sustainability and advanced technology, the demand for EVs is likely to increase, providing growth opportunities for manufacturers.

Threats:

Charging Infrastructure Challenges: The lack of widespread and convenient charging infrastructure could hinder the adoption of EVs, leading to "range anxiety" and discouraging potential buyers.

Competition from Combustion Engine Vehicles: Traditional internal combustion engine vehicles still dominate the market. If EVs cannot compete in terms of price, performance, and convenience, their adoption may be limited.

Initial Cost: Despite government incentives, the initial purchase cost of EVs can still be higher than that of conventional vehicles. Price-sensitive consumers might be hesitant to make the switch.

Consumer Acceptance and Habits: Some consumers might be hesitant to switch to EVs due to concerns about vehicle range, charging times, and the unfamiliarity of electric technology.

Regulatory Uncertainty: Changes in government policies and regulations related to EV incentives, emissions standards, and manufacturing requirements could impact the industrys trajectory.

iii. Internal Control system and their adequacy

The Company has adequate system of internal control commensurate with its size and operations to ensure orderly and efficient conduct of the business. These controls ensure safeguard of assets, reduction and detection of frauds and error, adequacy and completeness of the accounting record and timely preparation of reliable financial information.

iv. Financial performance with respect to operational performance

The financial performance of the Company for the year 2022-23 is described in the Directors Report.

v. Environment, Social and Governance Aspect:

Company is aiming to create more than 1000 jobs and provide staff quarters at the facility with highest level of health and safety. A Green field project with focus on New Energy Technology products which are torch bearers of sustainability

Green Energy Initiative: Company is installing 1MW rooftop at manufacturing Plant to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and reduce the cost of manufacturing. Management is dedicated to reduce carbon emissions and minimize the impact on environment.

Company is encouraging the processes that are Environment Friendly and Carbon Neutral. Effects are being made to become better Corporate Citizen by Respecting the Worth of Earth, Adopting Ethical Business Policies and Equitable Business practices.

50+ years of Combined experience in New Energy, Human Capital Management and Advance Engineering and sustainable Mobility is driving values and strategies at Mercury EV-Tech Limited for sustainable tomorrow. New Product Development teams are constantly focusing on Making E-Mobility affordable and sustainable with circular economy product designs and materials.

vi. Recent Trend and Future Outlook:

The sector in which the Company has been operating is developing faster and provision sample growth opportunities.

The E2W industry saw and is seeing a positive sentiment and a high level of interest from the customers due to environment awareness; encouragement from the Government in terms of EV incentive policies & schemes; improved battery technology and growing charging facilities across the nation.

India saw a 132 per cent increase in electric two-wheeler sales in year 2021. Between January-December 2021, the electric two wheelers (E2W) industry, including high-speed (HS) and low-speed E2W, registered sales of 2,33,971 units against 1,00,736 sold in2020. While as a segment, the Indian electric vehicle market was valued at USD 1,434.04 million in 2021, and expected to reach USD 15,397.19 million by 2027, registering a CAGR of 47.09% during the forecast period (2022-2027).

Infrastructure development for battery & vehicle manufacturing, charging infrastructure, and scrapping centres will definitely lead to growing EV market. In Electrotherm, the high-speed and low-speed electric two-wheelers will continue to contribute positively in net earnings of the Company. However, our focus shall continue to grow in High speed models of two wheelers segment with hundreds of thousands happy customers towards Governments mission Electric Vehicles 2025 onwards.

vii. Awards Achievements and Licenses:

• AIS- 156 Approval for Super Bike Battery:

Vadodara, 15%" June, 2023: Mercury EV-Tech Limited (formerly known as Mercury Metals Limited)engaged in developing of innovative and advanced electric mobility solutions in India. Powermetz Energy Private Limited, a subsidiary of Mercury EV-Tech Limited has received Indias first AIS 156 Phase-lI Certification for Battery Pack used in Ultra High-Speed 2-Wheeler (2W) bikes coupled with Battery Management System (BMS) from Reliance lio certified with our battery pack with contractor based high discharge technology.

Mercury EV-Tech Limited through its 80% owned subsidiary Powermetz Energy PrivateLimited has received Indias First AIS-156 Phase-ll Certification for the battery pack to be used in Ultra High-Speed 2W bikes coupled with Battery Management System (BMS) from Reliance Jio certified with our battery pack with contractor based high dischargetechnology.

This certification is a testament to the Companys capability to develop Lithium-lon Phosphate (LiFePo4) battery packs for Ultra High-Speed 2W bikes with a capacity of 54 Ah that meets global standard for safety and performance mandated by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and issued by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).

The Battery Pack will be used for captive consumption as well as to supply to other OEMs in the market, showcasing our ability to deliver cutting-edge electric mobility solutions in evolving EV market.

• WMI Code:

WMI registration is an abbreviation for World Manufacturer Identification Registration. This form of registration follows the international standards of registration when it comes to identifying the quality aspects related to vehicle manufacturers around the world.

WMI registration is mandatory for all form of automotive manufacturers in India. The registration is compulsory, as it is mandatory to understand the country of manufacture for a particular automobile. The Company via letter received WMI Certificate on 3rd February 2023; there are different forms of benefits of WMI registration in India.

The following are enumerated below:

Quality Standards

By securing this registration, the automobile manufacturer can rely on standards related to quality produce. Another added benefit of this form of registration is adherence to the standards defined by the SAE. The BIS in India is a part of the International Standards of Organisation (ISO). Hence adhering to quality would be achieved by taking this form of registration.

Compliance with International Norms

WMI registration is an international registration and compliance under the SAE. The main regulatory body in India is the BIS. This body liaises with the SAE when it comes to issuing the WMI code for vehicles produced in India. By adhering to the norms of the BIS, a company or automobile manufacturer will be complying with international standards.

Recognition

WMI registration would indicate where the manufacturer is from. Apart from this WMI number or code forms the first part of the VIN. The first three numbers distinguish the car manufacturer from other manufacturers in the world. Apart from this, the first number indicates the region where manufacturing occurs. This will distinguish the car manufacturer from other manufacturers.

Apart from being mandatory, WMI registration would provide the above benefits to car manufacturers around the world.

• 2W High Speed (EEC Model) :

Vadodara, 28th April, 2023: Mercury EV-Tech Limited (formerly known as Mercury Metals Limited) engaged in developing of innovative and advanced electric mobility solutions in India. Powermetz Energy Private Limited, a subsidiary of Mercury EV-Tech Limited received an open order worth Rs. 1,100 million for supply of E2W batteries to one of the leading 2W EV manufacturers of India.

Mercury EV-Tech Limiteds 80% owned subsidiary Powermetz Energy Private Limited has secured a major order worth Rs. 1,100 million to supply E2W batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries supplied under the order will be used for their entire range of Electric 2W. The company has commenced the supply of batteries against the order and is committed to executing the order effectively & efficiently and delivering the highest quality products.

Order win is a testament to the quality and durability of the batteries produced by Mercury EV-Tech Ltd group. This order is a significant milestone for the company, due to the fact that it ushers in a beneficial initial result for the investment in creating an EV plant.

viii. Material developments in Human Resources/Industrial Relations front, including the number of people employed.

Employees are Companys greatest asset. We aim to attract and retain the best, pro 75e them with encouragement and stimulus and make them feel that they are an integral part of the Companys mission. Our policies supporting our employees wellness, health, and security have kept them engaged and continued with us for long tenures. As a result, despite various challenges, we have developed, engaged, and retained our talent and workforce across project sites. The performance management system has been revamped to ensure that we had a robust mechanism to identify, reward and retain our top performers. We continue to automate and digitize HR processes making them more efficient. The online goal setting and Performance Review module was digitized this year. It ensures that all our information on employee performance is correct which is crucial in various Talent Management practices like succession planning, enhanced roles etc. We continue to nurture and grow our talent through various behavioural, functional, and technical learning programs. We have revamped our employee induction program to ensure that our new joiner get an improved employee experience, thereby enabling their seamless assimilation into the system.

ix. Cautionary Statement:-

Statements in this Management Discussion and Analysis describing the Companys objectives, projections, estimates and expectations may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable laws and regulations. Actual results might differ substantially or materially from those expressed or implied. Important developments that could affect the Companys operations include a downtrend in the infrastructure sector, significant changes in Indias political and economic environment, exchange rate fluctuations, tax laws, litigation, labour relations, and interest costs.

For and on behalf of the Board
Kavit R. Thakkar
Managing Director
Date: 05.09.2023 (DIN: 06576294)
Place: Vadodara