Latest news with #EV-compatible
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time Business News
Eco Home Upgrades That Boost Property Value Fast
Planning a renovation to increase the value of your home? Instead of concentrating on big-ticket projects like the kitchen or bathrooms, consider upgrades that fare well on the eco-friendly barometer. Yes, a well-manicured lawn or modern exterior features are great for curb appeal, but buyers are looking past aesthetics. They're asking a crucial question: 'How eco-friendly is this home?' From solar panels to Tesla charger installation, green features are the new gold standard for homeowners wanting to boost value and appeal. And the numbers don't lie. Eco upgrades help the planet and provide an attractive return on investment. More homebuyers are prioritizing sustainability. The National Association of Realtors reports that 63% of buyers stated energy efficiency had a significant impact on their purchasing decisions. Climate concerns, rising utility costs, and a push toward green living make eco upgrades more than a luxury. 'Today's buyers want homes that align with their values,' says Homestead Funding. 'They're willing to pay more for homes that save money and reduce carbon footprints in the long run.' Below, we'll break down the top green upgrades that can increase home value and why they matter to modern homeowners. Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer niche products. As of 2024, over 3 million EVs are on U.S. roads, and the number is rapidly growing. Installing a Tesla home charger or other EV-compatible wall connector is a small change that packs a big punch. It makes your home future-ready and attracts eco-conscious buyers seeking convenience. ChargerPro explains that a garage with a dedicated Tesla charger signals innovation, energy awareness, and high-end functionality. Bottom line? A $1,000-$2,000 purchase could help your property stand out and sell faster. Bring in the experts and an electrician to set up an electrical panel with wiring, so you have easy access to charge your EV. Swapping old, drafty windows with insulation improves comfort and slashes energy bills. ENERGY STAR estimates homeowners can save up to $465 annually by upgrading to energy-efficient windows. Your home is cheap to run and more appealing to buyers who want long-term savings. Improved insulation and windows sometimes qualify for federal tax credits through the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. In our books, that's a win-win for your wallet and resale value. Solar energy has gone mainstream. A rooftop solar setup can boost your home's value by 4.1% on average, according to Zillow. The return on investment is roughly $15,000 on a $375,000 house. Buyers are increasingly drawn to solar-ready homes because they have the dual benefit of lower electricity bills and long-term energy independence. Thanks to incentives like the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit, the upfront cost is more manageable. Eco-friendly doesn't have to mean complicated. Simple upgrades such as smart thermostats, low-flow toilets, and ENERGY STAR-certified appliances are low-effort ways to make your home greener. The U.S. Department of Energy claims that smart thermostats can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 10% annually. These small touches signal to buyers that your home is modern and mindful. There's a huge demand for turnkey, nature-friendly homes. Milend highlights that homes with green certifications and upgrades sell faster and closer to the asking price. This is particularly true in markets where buyers are younger, tech-savvy, and climate-aware. Zillow found that more than 70% of millennial and Gen Z homebuyers are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly features. A 2024 survey cited by the Wandsworth Guardian showed that homeowners now rank eco upgrades higher than traditional 'value boosters.' Kitchen remodels or bathroom makeovers are no longer the deciding factors. Why? Solar panels, EV chargers, and upgraded insulation equate to ongoing financial benefits. When the time comes to list your property, these upgrades become compelling selling points. Many real estate listings now emphasize 'EV charger installed' or 'solar-equipped' in the first few lines. You don't have to go off the grid to increase your home's value. Here's a simple roadmap: A home energy audit identifies where you're losing energy and money. Many utility companies offer them free or at low cost. Focus on insulation, windows, and HVAC systems first, then layer in smart tech features. Check out for federal and state tax breaks. Many upgrades qualify for rebates, which can lower your out-of-pocket costs. Eco upgrades are no longer environmental add-ons but a smart financial move. Each step toward a greener home increases curb appeal, reduces long-term costs, and positions your property for a stronger resale. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Continental Tires aligns India strategy with SUV market shift
Amid the rising SUV and premium car sales in the country due to shift in consumer preferences, the market for large tyres is also growing. To capitalise on this demand, Continental Tires has recently announced plans to invest approximately ₹100 crore (€10.5 million) in India to expand its manufacturing capabilities and product portfolio. 'Currently, we can produce up to 20-inch tyres. With this investment, we aim to build capability for up to 23-inch sizes,' said Samir Gupta, MD, Continental Tires India , in conversation with ETAuto. The fresh ₹100 crore investment will be rolled out in phases over the next 18 to 24 months. 'The funds will be used to install new machinery and tooling at the plant. We are focusing on increasing capacity and improving our ability to meet rising demand for larger tyre sizes,' Gupta added. The move comes in line with the company's sharpening focus on ultra high performance (UHP) tyres. 'While the overall industry is growing modestly, this segment is expanding at over 20 per cent CAGR,' Gupta said. The Hanover-headquartered firm currently holds a single-digit share of the Indian tyre market, which is dominated by players like MRF, Apollo Tyres, JK Tyre, and Ceat. 'We are the youngest player in the Indian tyre industry,' Gupta noted. Continental also shared that all its tyres are now EV-compatible. However, the Modipuram plant, which has been serving only the domestic market, will continue to do so with no current plans for exports. In April, ETAuto reported how Ceat is also shifting to dual-compatible tyres for EVs and ICE cars . Earlier this month, the company announced it would discontinue its Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) tyre manufacturing operations as part of efforts to ensure the long-term viability of its India business. This includes shutting down the dedicated TBR production line at its Modipuram facility in Uttar Pradesh. The decision follows persistent challenges in the segment, primarily stemming from intense price sensitivity. Demand rebound The Indian tyre industry, which peaked in 2021 due to post-COVID demand, is poised for a better 2025 compared to 2024, according to Gupta. In 2024, the Indian tyre market was valued at $12.84 billion, and is projected to reach $29.16 billion in 2030, according to Wright Research. A key reason for recent sluggish growth was delayed tyre replacements from 2020–21, as consumers typically stretch tyre use to four years. With that cycle now maturing, he expects a demand rebound, especially in the replacement market, by the second half of 2025. Citing strong GDP growth, captive consumption, and infrastructure push, he has projected the overall tyre market could potentially double revenues over the next 5-6 years. Last year, Continental introduced its UltraContact NXT series in India. At this year's Bharat Mobility Global Expo, the company followed up with the launch of its Seal and Silent tyre range, aimed at enhancing safety and cabin comfort. In August last year, the Faridabad-based company also inaugurated an IT hub in Bengaluru, which is an extension of its Asia Pacific IT operations based in Malaysia. According to Gupta, the company is 'significantly' scaling up its headcount at the facility, which focuses on delivering IT solutions across manufacturing, R&D, and supply chain functions. The hub claims to support Continental's global operations, providing services to other markets beyond India.
