Author: Michael Khan

Pakistan has introduced new regulations aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and expanding the country’s EV charging infrastructure as part of its goal to have 30% of vehicles running on electric power by 2030. To support this transition, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a 44% reduction in electricity rates for EV charging stations. See also: Pakistan to Cut Power Tariff for EV Charging Stations by 45% to Boost Adoption Additionally, the government has implemented a fifteen-day fast-track registration process for new charging stations, streamlining infrastructure development. A key element of Pakistan’s strategy is the conversion of ten…

FlixBus and ETO Motors have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deploy electric intercity coaches in India by March, marking a key step towards the electrification of long-distance travel. While the exact routes for the electric buses have not been disclosed, the collaboration focuses on installing “advanced charging infrastructure specifically tailored for FlixBus’s operational routes,” according to the press release. ETO Motors, an electric fleet operator in India, will support the project by developing charging stations, such as its ETO Thunderbox, and building out infrastructure across the country. Rajeev YSR, CEO of Thunder Plus and Group Chief Marketing Officer…

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is set to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the United States next week, during Modi’s official visit to the country on February 13. The meeting is expected to center on Tesla’s potential entry into the Indian market, along with discussions on SpaceX’s Starlink service and its possible launch in India. This marks another in a series of high-profile meetings between Musk and Modi, which have sparked much speculation but have yet to yield concrete outcomes regarding a partnership. Musk has long expressed interest in expanding Tesla’s footprint in India, a market that has…

India plans to lower the cost of electric vehicle (EV) battery production by removing duties on key raw materials and equipment, aiming to bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on China. The move is part of the country’s broader strategy to create a localized EV ecosystem and mitigate supply chain risks. While presenting the 2025-26 budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined measures to improve access to critical minerals essential for battery production. “I propose to fully exempt cobalt powder and waste, the scrap of lithium-ion battery, lead, zinc, and 12 more critical minerals,” Sitharaman said. The government has yet to…

Maharashtra, a state in western India, is exploring the possibility of phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles in Mumbai, its financial hub and the country’s most populous city, with the aim of combating rising pollution and traffic congestion. The state government has set up a committee to assess the feasibility of this move, which could see only electric and CNG vehicles allowed in the city. The Bombay High Court, in a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed on 9 January, expressed concern over the worsening traffic and pollution levels in Mumbai, noting that these issues not only degrade the…

The Tata Intra EV Pickup is a compact, all-electric pickup truck designed for a range of commercial applications, including FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods), reefer (refrigerated transport), and waste management. This electric vehicle (EV) offers an impressive best-in-class payload capacity of 1,750 kg, making it an ideal choice for businesses requiring a small, durable, and efficient transportation solution for urban and semi-urban areas. See also: Everything You Should Know About Tata Ace Pro EV Powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor, the Intra EV Pickup delivers 230 Nm of torque, enabling it to handle various load-bearing tasks. Although Tata Motors…

Tata Motors has showcased its expanding electric vehicle portfolio at Auto Expo 2025, unveiling six new electric commercial vehicles alongside three electric cars. The new lineup features a range of vehicles, including a mini truck, pickup, medium and heavy-duty trucks, and buses, all powered by battery electric technology. The company’s latest offerings target various industries, including logistics, e-commerce, and passenger transport. Among the highlights is the Prima E.55S, an electric heavy-duty truck designed for logistics operations. With a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 55 tonnes, it is aimed at sectors such as cement, ports, steel, and shipping. The Prima E.55S…

Renault executives traveled to Japan this week to meet with Nissan counterparts in an effort to maximize the value of the French automaker’s stake in Nissan ahead of a potential merger between Nissan and Honda, a source close to the matter told Reuters. Nissan and Honda announced late last year they would begin formal talks on a merger, which could create the world’s third-largest auto group with an annual output of 7.4 million vehicles. Renault, which owns 36% of Nissan, including 18.7% held in a French trust, has said it is open to the merger. See also: Mitsubishi and Nissan…

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…