Author: Michael Khan

Bajaj Auto, a leading Indian manufacturer of two- and three-wheelers, is in discussions with Swiss micromobility startup Micro Mobility Systems regarding a potential partnership for the Microlino electric quadricycle. The Indian automaker is also considering acquiring a significant minority stake in the company, according to a report from Autocar Professional. Discussions between the two companies began nearly a year ago, with Micro Mobility Systems’ founder and chairman, Wim Ouboter, visiting Bajaj Auto’s manufacturing facility in Maharashtra alongside his sons, Oliver and Merlin Ouboter, who serve as the company’s Operations Manager and Marketing Manager, respectively. See also: Microlino Unveils Spiaggina: A…

Indian EV charging station manufacturer Exicom and charging network operator ChargeZone have announced a collaboration to develop and deploy more than 500 fast chargers across the country, aiming to strengthen India’s electric vehicle infrastructure. Under the agreement, ChargeZone will utilize Exicom’s chargers at its upcoming charging hubs and public locations. Exicom will leverage its design-led manufacturing capabilities and proprietary software for remote charger management to enhance reliability and support high-power charging. This is expected to address range anxiety and promote EV adoption in India. See also: ChargeZone to Invest $360 Million in India’s Largest EV Supercharging Network Expansion “Our intent…

Hyundai Motor has inaugurated an electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Chennai, India, just days after launching its first locally manufactured EV, the Creta Electric. The new facility, located within Hyundai’s existing manufacturing complex in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, is operated in collaboration with Mobis, the parts and components subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group. See also: Hyundai Launches Creta Electric in India, Starting at Over $20,000 with Nearly 300-Mile Range The plant is designed to assemble battery packs for Hyundai’s growing lineup of electric vehicles in India, including the newly launched Creta Electric. With the capability to produce…

Nepal has witnessed a significant shift in its automotive market, with electric vehicle (EV) imports surpassing those of petrol-powered vehicles in the first half of the current financial year. According to data from Nepal’s Department of Customs, the country imported 12,974 four-wheeled vehicles between mid-July 2023 and mid-January 2024, of which 7,349 were battery-electric vehicles. The Kathmandu Post reported that Nepal is on track to completely replace combustion engine vehicle imports with electric vehicles by 2031. The term “electric vehicles” encompasses private cars, mini-buses, and passenger buses, as Nepalese statistics do not distinguish between these categories. China and India emerged…

China’s BYD is set to launch its first plug-in hybrid vehicle in Japan later this year as part of an effort to expand its presence in the country. The Shenzhen-based automaker aims to grow its product lineup in Japan to seven or eight models by 2027, including both fully electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids. See also: BYD Unveils Sealion 07 EV as Fourth Model in Japanese Market Expansion In addition to the upcoming plug-in hybrid, BYD will begin selling the Sealion 7 crossover, its fourth fully electric vehicle, in Japan starting in April. The company is focused on broadening…

Schneider Electric has launched Schneider Charge Pro in Europe, a comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) charging solution designed to support fleet electrification and multifamily housing. The platform aims to simplify installation, reduce power disruptions, and streamline reimbursement processes, while adhering to the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which requires upgraded EV charging infrastructure by 2027. Schneider Charge Pro addresses the challenges of the fragmented market by providing a cost-effective solution for commercial fleet operators and building owners. See also: AmpUp and Tritium Partner to Launch Fast-Charging Station Upgrade Program in North America The solution offers a turnkey approach for…

Nio’s sub-brand Onvo is making strides toward the launch of its second model, internally codenamed “Blanc.” According to He Lei, CEO of automotive media outlet Xchuxing, the Onvo L80 has completed trial production and is entering the Tooling Trial (TT) stage, marking a significant step toward the start of production (SOP). Earlier this month, Onvo’s vice president, Xia Qinghua, revealed that the new model is designed to compete with Li Auto’s Li L8 or Li L9. The vehicle is scheduled for release in the second half of 2025, signaling Onvo’s ambitions to solidify its position in the competitive SUV market.…

Lubi Industries has been awarded a major contract by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to manufacture, supply, install, and commission 1,400 fast DC chargers across India. The 60kW chargers will be installed at BPCL’s retail outlets, contributing significantly to the country’s expanding EV infrastructure. The 1,400 chargers are expected to form a substantial part of India’s growing network of fast chargers, supporting the surge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Electric car sales in India saw remarkable growth in 2024, with 99,004 units sold, marking a 20% increase compared to the previous year. This surge in sales reflects the growing consumer…

Tata Motors, India’s largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is prioritizing locally produced EV batteries to reinforce its position as competition in the sector intensifies. Group CFO P.B. Balaji highlighted the company’s $1.5 billion investment in a domestic battery gigafactory, emphasizing its role in securing the supply chain and reducing costs. “Our focus on building the entire ecosystem positions us as a strong player in this market,” Balaji said during India’s car show, where Tata’s EVs were showcased alongside models from global manufacturers such as BYD and Vinfast. See also: Tata Motors Optimistic on EV Growth as Costs Decline, Competition Heats…

Renault is set to reenter the Indian market with two electric vehicle (EV) models over the next two years, aiming to bolster its presence in the world’s third-largest car market. The French automaker plans to introduce the Kiger EV, a small electric SUV, by late 2026, followed by an electric version of the Triber by March 2027, according to a report from Autocar Professional. The Kiger EV will be built on a dedicated EV platform, a departure from Renault’s traditional approach of modifying existing platforms to cut costs. “India is not an easy market—and many car makers have had to…

Tata Motors is set to debut its luxury electric vehicle (EV) brand, Avinya, with an unconventional approach. Instead of the popular SUV format, the Indian automaker will launch the brand with a Sportback model, followed by an SUV. Speaking at Auto Expo 2025, Martin Uhlarik, Tata Motors’ global head of design, confirmed the brand’s unique strategy, emphasizing the Sportback as a statement of luxury and innovation. “The Avinya concept we showcased two years ago is a manifesto, but the first product to launch will be a Sportback—a five-door, very low and very dynamic vehicle,” Uhlarik told Autocar India. He added…

Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast has announced its entry into the Indian market with two premium electric SUVs, the VF6 and VF7, unveiled at the India Auto Show in New Delhi. The move positions VinFast against established players such as Mahindra & Mahindra and China’s BYD, as it seeks to capitalize on India’s growing EV market, the world’s third-largest car market. “We are turning our focus to India – our next growth frontier,” said Pham Sanh Chau, VinFast’s Asia CEO. The Nasdaq-listed automaker, which primarily operates in North America and Vietnam, aims to contribute to India’s push for net-zero carbon…

BYD has introduced the Sealion 7 in India, strengthening its portfolio in one of the world’s fastest-growing EV markets. The electric SUV was unveiled at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in New Delhi on January 18, with bookings now open. Local deliveries are set to begin in March, according to the company. The Sealion 7, a rebranded version of the Sealion 07 sold in China, comes in two variants: the Premium, with a single-motor rear-wheel drive, and the Performance, featuring a dual-motor all-wheel drive. The SUV measures 4,830 mm in length, 1,925 mm in width, and 1,620 mm in…

German battery cell manufacturer CustomCells has announced a strategic partnership with Austrian battery system specialist Kreisel Electric to develop two custom battery cell designs specifically for off-highway vehicles. The collaboration will focus on creating a high-energy-density variant and another designed with an optimized cost structure, combining both companies’ expertise to offer solutions tailored for industries such as construction and agriculture. Philipp Kreisel, Founder and Managing Director of Kreisel Electric, highlighted the goal of the partnership: “The goal of this collaboration is, of course, to identify the best and most optimal cell for future applications. At the same time, we aim…

Volkswagen Group has chosen to use a cost-efficient adaptation of its Compact Main Platform (CMP) to develop mass-market electric vehicles (EVs) for India, Autocar India reported. The India-specific platform, dubbed the India Main Platform (IMP), will underpin four electric SUVs, including two models each from Volkswagen and Skoda, according to the report. The IMP platform is being designed with regional adaptations to ensure affordability and compliance with India’s regulatory landscape. The platform’s flexibility will also enable the company to position its EVs competitively in a market where pricing plays a critical role. Additionally, SAVWIPL, the company’s local subsidiary, plans to…

Cadillac has set an ambitious goal to become the top-selling luxury electric vehicle (EV) brand in the United States by 2025, according to John Roth, Cadillac’s Vice President. During a recent media briefing, Roth highlighted the brand’s growing momentum, largely driven by the success of the Lyriq, Cadillac’s electric mid-size luxury SUV. The Lyriq experienced a remarkable 210.3% increase in U.S. sales last year, totaling 28,402 units and securing its position as the best-selling electric mid-size luxury SUV in the market. Roth noted that the Lyriq has also been a powerful conquest vehicle, with 76% of its buyers coming from…

Sarla Aviation, an electric air taxi startup, has raised $10 million in a Series A1 funding round led by Accel. The round saw participation from notable angel investors, including Binny Bansal (Flipkart co-founder), Nikhil Kamath (Zerodha co-founder), and Sriharsha Majety (Swiggy co-founder). The Bengaluru-based company aims to revolutionize urban mobility in India with aircraft designed to handle higher payloads, even if it means shorter ranges compared to conventional flying taxis. The startup, founded in January 2024 by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar, and Shivam Chauhan, plans to use the new funding to expand its team, establish a research and development center…

India’s automakers are preparing to unveil close to a dozen new electric vehicle (EV) models this year, many of them targeting the premium market, with longer driving ranges and faster charging capabilities to attract consumers. This move comes at a time when global EV demand has slowed, but Indian companies are focusing on capturing a greater share of their home market, where electric vehicle sales are still in their infancy. The new models will be showcased at India’s five-day auto show in New Delhi starting Friday, alongside brands like Vinfast, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra, BYD, Toyota, and Hyundai. India’s…

Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra is considering introducing its electric vehicles (EVs) in European markets, marking a significant step in its evolution from an emerging markets player to a global brand. Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director and CEO of Mahindra’s auto and farm sectors, revealed that the company is exploring opportunities in right-hand drive markets such as the UK, with plans to evaluate left-hand drive regions over time. “Globalisation is easier said than done,” Jejurikar told ET Auto, emphasizing the company’s focus on establishing a strong foothold in India before expanding internationally. Mahindra recently unveiled its first bespoke EVs in India,…

Mahindra has inaugurated a new electric vehicle (EV) production and battery assembly plant in Chakan, Maharashtra, marking a key step in its push toward electric mobility. The facility, located within the company’s 2.83 km² manufacturing hub, spans 88,000 m² and operates entirely on renewable energy. The plant is equipped with more than 1,000 robots and various automated transfer systems, including 500 robots in the body shop. It also features advanced technologies such as laser brazing and pixel painting, making it the first of its kind in India to include these innovations. Mahindra aims to initially produce 90,000 EVs annually, with…