Delhi Flags Off First Batch of SWITCH EiV12 Electric Buses in Landmark 950-Unit Rollout

SWITCH Mobility, a global leader in electric buses and light commercial vehicles and part of the Hinduja Group, today flagged off the SWITCH EiV12 – Low Floor Electric City Buses from its landmark 950-unit order for the Department of Transport, Delhi, awarded under the CESL tender.

These buses were flagged off by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Smt. Rekha Gupta, in the presence of Dr. Pankaj Singh, Hon’ble Transport Minister; Sh. Manoj Tiwari, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (North East Delhi); Sh. Surya Prakash Khatri, Hon’ble MLA (Timarpur); Ms. Niharika Rai, Commissioner, Department of Transport, Delhi; Sh. Prince Dhawan, Managing Director, DTC, Delhi; Dr. Chadda, Senior Advisor, Hinduja Group; R.G. Venkataraman, Chief Commercial Officer, SWITCH Mobility; and Saurabh Chaudhary, CEO, Ohm Global Mobility. The occasion marks a key milestone in Delhi’s transition towards sustainable urban mobility.

Manufactured at SWITCH’s state-of-the-art facility, these buses embody the company’s ‘Make in India for the World’ vision, bringing together cutting-edge global technology and Indian manufacturing excellence.

The ultra-low-floor SWITCH EiV12 platform, designed for Delhi’s demanding urban transit needs, offers comfortable seating for 39 passengers. These 12-meter electric buses provide an impressive range to seamlessly meet daily schedules and are equipped with advanced safety and passenger convenience features, including a wheelchair ramp for differently-abled passengers, CCTV cameras, panic buttons, and GPS tracking. Ergonomically optimized and intelligently engineered, the SWITCH EiV12 ensures global standards in performance, durability, safety, and superior passenger comfort.

RG Venkataraman, Chief Commercial Officer of SWITCH Mobility, said, "We are delighted to commence delivery of our SWITCH EiV12 electric buses to Delhi, reinforcing the capital's leadership position in sustainable urban transportation. These Low Floor Electric City Buses, engineered with advanced global technology and manufactured with pride in India, will significantly enhance Delhi's public transport ecosystem while contributing to cleaner air and improved quality of life for millions of commuters. This deployment underscores our commitment to empowering Indian cities with intelligent, efficient, and eco-friendly transportation solutions that drive progress towards a more sustainable future."

The SWITCH EiV12 exemplifies cutting-edge design tailored for urban city commutes, offering a smart and lightweight solution that enhances metropolitan mobility. Its streamlined ultra-low-floor design ensures easy passenger boarding and a smooth ride through Delhi's bustling streets. The vehicles’ efficient rear-end dual-gun charging interface enables rapid recharging while optimizing depot spaces. Powered by SWITCH iON, the proprietary telematics system, the buses offer real-time vehicle health monitoring, Intelligent Transportation Management System (ITMS), and efficient fleet management capabilities.

Prioritizing passenger safety, each bus is equipped with an advanced Fire Detection and Suppression System (FDSS). The floor-mounted LFP batteries contribute to a lower centre of gravity, ensuring excellent vehicle stability and enhanced safety during operations.

The deployment of these electric buses aligns with the Delhi Government's vision to maintain its position as the Indian city with the highest number of electric buses. This rollout is expected to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, improve air quality, and provide safer, more comfortable commutes for Delhi's millions of daily bus users.

Tata Motors and UBS’s EV Arm Ink Landmark Deal for 100 Magna Electric Coaches

In a major boost to India’s intercity electric mobility landscape, Tata Motors, the country’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Green Energy Mobility Solutions Pvt. Ltd (GEMS), the newly formed electric mobility arm of Universal Bus Services (UBS). The agreement will see Tata Motors supply 100 state-of-the-art Magna EV intercity coaches to GEMS, marking a significant step in UBS’s transition to sustainable transport.

A Strategic Leap at PV Expo 2.0

The MoU was formalized at the Passenger Vehicle Expo 2.0 in Chennai, where Tata Motors showcased its latest innovations in commercial passenger mobility. Among the highlights were the all-electric Magna EV and the LPO 1822, both engineered for superior performance, enhanced passenger comfort, and best-in-class total cost of ownership.

The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Government of Tamil Nadu, alongside senior government delegates and members of the All Omni Bus Owners Association (AOBOA), underscoring the state’s commitment to fostering green mobility solutions.

UBS Accelerates Its Green Transition

Universal Bus Services, a leading premium intercity travel brand in South India, is known for its customer-centric approach and operational reliability. With the launch of GEMS, UBS is pivoting toward electric mobility, aiming to deploy advanced EV coaches and supporting infrastructure across its network.

The 100 Magna EV coaches from Tata Motors will serve as the backbone of this transition, offering long-range capabilities, fast-charging support, and a zero-emission footprint tailored for intercity operations.

Industry Impact and Future Outlook

This partnership signals a broader shift in India’s commercial transport sector, where legacy operators are increasingly aligning with OEMs to adopt electric fleets. For Tata Motors, the deal reinforces its leadership in the EV space and its commitment to delivering scalable, sustainable solutions for passenger mobility.

With Tamil Nadu emerging as a hub for EV innovation and manufacturing, the collaboration between Tata Motors and GEMS is expected to catalyze further investments in green infrastructure and fleet electrification across the region.

Hyundai Motor Opens CoE for Future Mobility at IIT Delhi

Hyundai Motor Group (the Group), on Thursday, announced the opening of the Hyundai Center of Excellence (CoE) for future mobility technology (Hyundai CoE) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.

This initiative is establishing a joint research system to advance future mobility technologies focused on electrification and battery systems, reflecting the Group’s commitment to driving innovation tailored to the needs of Indian customers.

To recall, it was in December last year when Hyundai Motor announced partnership with three IITs – IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay and IIT Madras.

The Group has selected nine joint research projects in collaboration with IITs as part of its long-term academic-industrial cooperation framework. These projects cover key focus areas including:

• Battery cells, systems and testing
• Battery management systems (BMS)
• Energy density enhancement
• Safety
• Durability
• Diagnostic technologies.

The initiative also explores new materials and system components, driving forward innovation in battery design and performance.

Hyundai Motor Group officials – including Heuiwon Yang, President and Head of the R&D Division; Unsoo Kim, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor India Limited; and Chang Hwan Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of the Electrification Energy Solutions Tech Unit – attended the main agreement ceremony held in New Delhi. They were joined by IIT representatives, including Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi; Dean Manu Santhanam from IIT Madras; and Dean Sachin C. Patwardhan from IIT Bombay.

The Steering Committee of the Hyundai CoE will be co-chaired by EVP Chang Hwan Kim and Dean Bijaya Ketan Panigrahi at IIT Delhi.

“We’re excited to work with India’s brightest minds in battery innovation,” said Heuiwon Yang, President and Head of R&D Division at Hyundai Motor Group. “Collaborating with leading researchers and IIT professors through the Hyundai Center of Excellence for future mobility technology will help us develop technologies tailored to India while contributing to its economy and society. We see this partnership with India’s academia and industry as a foundation for building a sustainable future together.”

Future Technology Research

In parallel, the Group is expanding its Future Technology Research Program, which has been in operation since 2021. Unlike the general operation methods of academic-industrial projects, the program allows university faculty members to propose their own research topics, which are then reviewed and selected by the Group.

Previously limited to domestic universities and Korean professors at overseas institutions, the program has been expanded to include foreign faculties – beginning with professors at IITs. This marks a significant step in globalizing the Group’s academic collaboration efforts.

Starting with IIT Delhi, the Hyundai CoE will expand in phases to build an India-wide network of experts, connecting leading researchers and institutions across the country.

Currently, the Group collaborates with three IIT universities (IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, and IIT Madras), engaging around 30 professors. By December 2025, it aims to expand its reach to 10 universities in India, including non-IIT institutions, with approximately 100 professors participating.

The Group is organizing a range of initiatives to further strengthen this collaborative ecosystem. These include:

• Technology exchange forums bringing together experts from both India and Korea
• Global conferences on battery and EV technologies to share insights on trends and policies
• Policy dialogue sessions that engage key stakeholders from the Indian government, academia, and industry to discuss the future of the mobility and electrification sectors

As the Group’s first academic-industrial collaboration model for a growth economy, the Hyundai CoE is set to become a central hub for research and innovation. It will play a key role in advancing future mobility solutions while fostering a strong, localized innovation base tailored to the evolving needs of the Indian market.

e-Bike Maker Wardwizard Reduces Price of Joy e-bike Models to Boost EV Adoption in the country

Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Limited, one of India’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers under the brand Joy e-bike and Joy e-rik, has announced a significant price reduction across a range of its electric two-wheeler models. This strategic move aims to make electric mobility more accessible and accelerate EV adoption across the country.

The company has slashed prices by up to ₹13,000/- on selected models to strengthen its market presence and attract a broader base of EV consumers. The revised pricing applies to models including WOLF 31AH, GEN NEXT 31AH, GEN NEXT NANU PLUS, WOLF PLUS, GEN hyNEXT NANU ECO and WOLF ECO.

Model	Earlier Prices	Discounted Prices
WOLF 31AH	72000	57749
GENNEXT 31AH	70000	56699
GEN NEXT NANU PLUS	86000	73604
WOLF PLUS	89000	74654
GEN NEXT NANU ECO	75000	67304
WOLF ECO	80000	68354

With a growing portfolio of electric mobility solutions and a customer-first approach, Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Limited continues to strengthen its position in the EV industry. These customer-focused decision reflects the brand’s ongoing dedication to delivering value, innovation, and responsible transportation options.

Germany's TÜV SÜD Inaugurates E-Mobility Training Laboratory in Bengaluru

TÜV SÜD, a global leader in safety, quality, compliance, security, and sustainability solutions, hosted an exclusive preview of its state-of-the-art E-Mobility Training Mobile Lab at its Bengaluru Campus. This groundbreaking initiative is poised to transform the EV ecosystem by addressing the growing demand for hands-on, high-voltage (HV) safety training and upskilling in the electric mobility sector.

The TÜV SÜD E-Mobility Training Mobile Lab is a first-of-its-kind, expert-led, mobile training facility that brings practical, real-world education directly to the doors of automotive businesses, manufacturing units, and training institutes. By eliminating logistical barriers and reducing downtime, the lab ensures compliance with international safety standards, while accelerating EV adoption across industries.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Live, hands-on training using real EV components and high-voltage systems.
• On-demand, on-site demos for convenient, customer-specific training.
• Cutting-edge safety and testing equipment for accurate, industry-standard learning.
• Modular and customizable training tailored for various industries and personnel.
• Compliance and certification support, equipping professionals to meet global safety regulations.

Scalable and adaptable to different markets and geographies.

The lab is purpose-built to serve a broad range of stakeholders including automotive technicians and engineers, first responders and emergency personnel, manufacturing and assembly line workers, and institutional sales teams.

This mobile lab is a game-changer for the EV industry, fostering skill development and industry-readiness among professionals. With a flexible and immersive approach to EV training, the lab is designed to empower the workforce, enhance operational safety, and set new benchmarks for industry excellence.

Mr. Simon Lemin CEO TUV SUD South East Asia said, "The launch of our E-Mobility Training Laboratory represents a significant step forward in advancing the skills and safety standards of professionals in the e-mobility sector. We are proud to empower organisations and individuals through practical training solutions that deliver real-world, hands-on experience with high-voltage systems, fostering both knowledge and skill development.”

Mr. Vishal Nerurkar , Senior Vice President , Business Assurance TUV SUD South East Asia said, "As the world moves toward sustainable mobility, TÜV SÜD remains committed to safety, quality, and technical excellence in e-mobility. With the launch of the TÜV SÜD E-Mobility Mobile Training Lab, we take a significant step in delivering cutting-edge training directly to you.This state-of-the-art facility on wheels is empowers OEMs, component manufacturers, automotive professionals, and students with hands-on training in EV technology and industry best practices. By bridging the skills gap, TÜV SÜD is enabling a safe and sustainable transition to e-mobility, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, safety, and knowledge-sharing across the automotive ecosystem."

TÜV SÜD continues to be at the forefront of e-mobility innovation, and this latest initiative reinforces its commitment to future-ready training and safer EV ecosystems worldwide.

Hyundai and TVS Motor Explore Partnership to Redefine Last Mile Mobility Solutions

Showcase Micro Mobility Concept EVs at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

• The partnership will provide a unique opportunity to contribute to the micromobility needs in one of the world’s fastest growing economies.
• TVS Motor Company (TVSM) will explore to manufacture, market and co-develop the vehicles along with Hyundai Motor Company.

TVS Motor Company and Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) today unveiled concept models of advanced electric three-wheelers and micro four-wheelers at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The concept models address the pressing need for sustainable mobility and align with the evolving demands of road and urban infrastructure in one of the world’s fastest growing economies. Together with Hyundai Motor, TVSM is exploring to contribute to the last-mile mobility market of India. While binding agreements are yet to be executed, Hyundai Motor is exploring to offer design, engineering and technology while TVSM will contribute towards manufacture, market and co-development of the vehicles.

These innovative concepts underline TVSM’s focus on providing mobility solutions that are efficient, exciting, responsible, safe and sustainable.

Commenting on the announcement, Sharad Mishra, President, Group Strategy, TVS Motor Company, said, "TVS is proud to partner with Hyundai to shape the future of urban mobility. By combining Hyundai’s global expertise with our deep understanding of mobility solutions, we aim to develop next-generation micro-mobility solutions that redefine last-mile connectivity. This collaboration reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability. With a shared vision, we are confident that this partnership will deliver impactful solutions that set new standards in design, engineering, technology, and quality."

Commenting on the concepts, Mr SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design, Hyundai Motor, said, “Hyundai Motor is a customer-centric brand, and caring for people in India is our first mission. This commitment has driven us to explore designing micro-mobility solutions tailored to India's unique environment, reimagining the iconic three-wheeler to enhance mobility experiences through thoughtful design. Collaborating with TVS Motor, we aim to locally produce the three-wheeler while exploring global opportunities for the four-wheeler, blending intuitive functionality with the spirit of a rapidly innovating India.”

BluSmart Granted US Patent for Innovative Allocation System for e-Mobility

India's first and leading all-electric ride-hailing mobility service provider, BluSmart, has been granted a US patent for its innovative allocation system for e-mobility. This system, titled "Systems and Methods for Allocating Vehicles to Ride Requests," optimizes ride matching, driver efficiency, and charging station utilization. It ensures reduced wait times, fair pricing, and reliable service with 100% uptime.

The system that is granted patent optimally guides driver partners from the initiation of a ride request to picking up the customer and seamlessly navigating to the nearest EV charging station when needed.

BluSmart’s patented allocation system introduces several advancements over existing ride-hailing systems. Unlike traditional ride-hailing systems, BluSmart’s system is specifically designed for electric vehicles (EVs). It integrates with charging stations to ensure efficient vehicle charging and minimal downtime, which is crucial for maintaining 100% uptime.

BluSmart's patented system uses advanced algorithms to match ride requests with available vehicles, ensuring minimal wait times for passengers. The patented system integrates with charging infrastructure to ensure vehicles are charged efficiently, minimizing downtime and ensuring 100% uptime.

By optimizing the allocation of rides and resources, the system helps maintain fair and competitive pricing for passengers.

The system uses sophisticated algorithms to match ride requests with available vehicles, reducing wait times and improving overall efficiency. While other ride-hailing platforms also use algorithms, BluSmart’s focus on EV-specific challenges sets it apart.

The system ensures that vehicles are charged efficiently, minimizing downtime and maintaining high availability.

To address supply shortages, the system can offer incentives to drivers to work during peak periods, ensuring sufficient vehicle availability. It can also inform users about expected wait times and provide alter

native options, enhancing user satisfaction.

This patented technology is a major milestone for BluSmart, solidifying its position as an innovator in sustainable urban transportation. It contributes significantly to reducing carbon emissions and promotes sustainable transportation solutions in key markets such as Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, and Dubai

To Fight Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR, Tata Power To Incentivize Its Employees to Purchase EVs at Special Benefits

In a major thrust to improve air quality in Delhi NCR, Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power companies, today launched a special program to incentivize its employees to switch to EVs. This announcement is aligned with Tata Power's 'Sustainable is Attainable' movement, which encourages adoption of green energy solutions and products to commit to a Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE).

Tata Power and its subsidiaries have nearly 4000 employees working in the Delhi NCR region and are focused on building a culture of responsible environmental practices among the employees through initiatives like Climate Crew, which aims to mobilize the workforce to opt for green practices.

Under this program, Tata Power has encouraged its employees to purchase EVs, and is also offering free charging facility at select office locations including reimbursement of charging costs beyond company premises. Tata Power has also tied up with EV market leader Tata Motors to make available popular EVs at special prices for employees, with priority delivery post booking, and long term and low EMI financing covering the entire cost of the vehicle.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Himal Tewari, CHRO, Chief - CSR & Sustainability, Tata Power said, “We are encouraging our employees to embrace e-mobility and champion the cause of sustainable lifestyle by reducing individual carbon footprint. Tata Power is cultivating a culture of environmental stewardship, empowering every employee to become a 'Climate Action Hero' through such initiatives. We hope this move will also contribute towards improving the AQI in Delhi NCR, the city with one of the highest vehicular densities in the country."

Tata Power currently has an expansive EV Charging network consisting of 250+ e-Bus charging points, and 500+ public and semi-public charging points across Delhi NCR.

Tata Power is a leading integrated power company and a part of Tata Group, India’s largest multi-national business conglomerate. The company has a diversified portfolio of 14399 MW, spanning across the entire power value chain - from renewable and conventional energy generation to transmission & distribution, trading, storage solutions and solar cells and module manufacturing. As a pioneer of clean energy transition in India, Tata Power has 5539 MW of clean energy generation, which constitutes 38% of its total capacity.

The company has also committed to achieve carbon neutrality before 2045.Tata Power has established India’s most comprehensive clean energy platform, with offerings such as rooftop solar, microgrids, storage solutions, EV charging infrastructure, home automation et al. The company has also attracted global investors to support its growth and vision. Tata Power has successfully partnered with public and private entities in generation, transmission & distribution sectors in India, serving approx.13 million customers across the country. To know more about Tata Power, visit www.tatapower.com

Ashok Leyland to Invest Rs 1200 Cr Into Switch Mobility

Infusion to fund expansion of product portfolio, R&D & operations

The Board of Directors of Ashok Leyland in their meeting held today, have approved an investment of Rs 1200 cr in Switch Mobility as equity through its holding company Optare PLC UK. The funds infused will be used for capital expenditure, R&D and meeting operational requirements both in UK and India. The funds will be infused over the next few months after necessary statutory approvals in one or more tranches.

Switch Group of Companies (Switch Mobility Ltd - UK and Switch Mobility Automotive Ltd- India) house the Electric Mobility initiative of the CV major, Ashok Leyland, focusing on e-Buses and e-LCVs. Over the last few years, Switch India has had major success in garnering orders from State Transport Undertakings. As on date Switch in India and UK has over 800 + buses plying successfully and has an order book of over 1200 buses. Switch India had a successful launch of India’s only Double Decker e-Bus last year.

In September 2023, Switch India launched its state-of-the-art e-LCVs. The company has signed MOUs of over 13000 vehicles for its much-awaited e-LCVs which it will start delivering from the fourth quarter of the current fiscal.

Mr Dheeraj G Hinduja, Executive Chairman, Ashok Leyland stated, “Electric Vehicles especially in buses and light trucks have a very bright future as Governments and private customers are driving the green agenda. We are very happy with the progress made by Switch, and we will continue to invest on building its capabilities. We are confident that Switch will grow further in the European markets with the launch in 2024 of our new E1 12m bus developed specifically for the European market. Our portfolio of electric buses will cover value and premium segments meeting all price points for many global markets”

Mr Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland said, “The market for EVs is growing rapidly driven by the trend towards Carbon Neutrality. The Government support is further helping the market to expand. We will continue to build capability in this business by investing in product development as well as in expanding operations. Both India and European markets are going to be important growth centers for EV trucks and buses. In the coming year we are expecting our e-LCVs to drive faster customer adoption. The balance sheet of Ashok Leyland can comfortably fund the initiatives of Switch.”

In this Press Release, the company has disclosed forward-looking information to enable investors to fully appreciate our prospects and take informed investment decisions. This report and other statements – written and oral – that we periodically make, contain forward-looking statements that set our anticipated results based on management plans and assumptions. We have tried, where possible to identify such statements by using such words as ‘anticipate’, ‘expect’, ‘project’, ‘intend’, ‘plan’, ‘believe’ and words of similar substance in connection with any discussion of future performance.

We cannot, of course guarantee that these forward-looking statements will be realized, although we believe we have been prudent in our assumptions. Achievement of results is subject to risks, uncertainties, or potentially inaccurate assumptions. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. Readers should bear this in mind.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward- looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

SAR Group’s e-Mobility Arm Lectrix EV Launches LXS G2.0/3.0, with 93 Game Changing Features

Lectrix EV, the electric mobility arm of SAR Group and a pioneering force in sustainable mobility solutions, just announced the launch of new Two-Wheeler EVs with 93 game changing features.

The product - The Lectrix LXS G3.0 and LXS G2.0 electric scooters are a game-changer in urban mobility, offering as many as 93 features. These scooters come with an impressive array of 36 safety features, 24 smart features, 14 comfort features, and many more. The focus is on providing you with modern, safe, intelligent, and connected mobility.

K Vijaya Kumar, MD & CEO of Lectrix EV 

Notably, among these features, there are many first-in-class innovations offered at the affordable and competitive price range of INR 1lac where the fulcrum of the EV 2-wheeler category resides. This sets the Lectrix scooters apart, providing loads of functionalities, a well-tested and certified platform with cutting-edge connected tech.

Enhancing the riding experience are the integrated navigation system, smart safety features, voice assistant, and a robust chassis that has been torture tested for more than 2.6 lac kms.

But it’s not only the hardware capabilities that stand out but also the smart connected features.

The LXS G vehicles will accept updates over the air. Overall, all these elements will elevate the joy and convenience of riding to unprecedented levels.

K Vijaya Kumar, MD & CEO of Lectrix EV stated, “The LXS G is for the young Indians who don't need their dad's connections to succeed. Lectrix is not doing EV merely because we can do it well, but because great quality, affordable and connected mobility of the future is what young Indian Gen Z need for them to go forward. Because easy, affordable and clean personal mobility is the key to unlocking progress. We want to make it easy and risk free for the Gen Z to shift to electric mobility.”

The products offer tech-based facilities such as auto-indicators, smart ignition, helmet warning, vehicle diagnostics, ride statistics, remote seat operating via mobile app, anti-theft mechanism, and helmet warning amongst many other tech-based features that are not present in the available EVs in the industry.

K Vijaya Kumar added, “The LXS G scooters have 93 game changing features targeting the Gen Z.” The Indian Gen Z needs a well-connected vehicle that comes with tech features like smart navigation, first in class auto-indicators, over the air updates, find-my-vehicle, emergency SOS buttons etc. The young sleek design and vibrant colours is icing on the cake.”

The LXS G scooters will be available Pan-India at our dealership partners. It will be available with a 2.3KW and a 3kw battery offering 100+ KMs in range. We have started accepting pre-bookings with a limited period introductory offer for the LXS G scooters and we will start delivering by the 16th of August, across India.

Lectrix LXS G 2.0 and LXS G 3.0 will be available in 100+ cities/dealerships pan-India.

About Lectrix EV:

Lectrix EV is the e-mobility arm of SAR Group and was launched in 2020. The company is driven by the passion to provide reliable and advanced electric two-wheelers to consumers. With an initial investment of Rs 300 crore and supported by a production facility with an annual capacity of 1.5 lakh EVs, Lectrix EV plans to add a wide range of electric two-wheelers to its portfolio. With a keen focus on technology and innovation, the company aims to disrupt the electric scooter segment with technologically advanced products provided at affordable prices.

GreenCell Mobility Gets Rs 3,000 Cr Commitment from Govt's REC Ltd

Mumbai-based GreenCell Mobility, a pan-India shared electric mobility player, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with REC, a government of India Public-sector enterprise, for a commitment of Rs 3,000 crore, for sustainable transportation in the country.

The INR 3,000 Cr worth of MOU was signed with REC for financing of over 3,000 electric buses and catalyse investments in battery storage and charging infrastructure at the G20 Energy Transition Working Group, under the backdrop of India's G20 Presidency.

On the debt funding, the company said, "This significant investment will accelerate our mission towards sustainable and eco-friendly urban transportation in India."

REC will offer this financial assistance in the form of debt funding to support the company’s projects.

As part of the agreement, GreenCell Mobility along with its subsidiaries, or ventures that work in the business of electric mass mobility as a service, will be eligible to avail financial assistance from REC for their related activities during the next five years, up to March 2028.

Last year in August, GreenCell launched NueGo, a premium electric inter-city coach services brand.

A couple of days back, REC, along with Power Finance Corporation Ltd. (PFC), infused ₹64000 Crore ($7.8 billion) into Renew Power, a renewable energy company, to fund it's current and future solar & renewable energy projects in India.

Coming back to GreenCell Mobility, it has been promoted by Eversource Capital, India's leading climate impact investor. Eversource Capital is an equal joint venture between Everstone Group, one of Asia's premier investment manager with assets in excess of US$7, and Lightsource bp, a global leader in development and management of solar energy projects.

Eversource manages India's largest climate impact fund with anchor investments from India's National Investment & Infrastructure Fund and UK Government's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The fund is focused on building a platform to provide Electric Mobility-as-a-Service (eMaaS), initially using electric buses and deliver the core value proposition of cheaper non-polluting on demand shared transportation, charging infrastructure and enabling products for e-mobility value chain.

Financing for Electric Vehicles A Major Challenge: CII Report

Financing for electric vehicles in India remains a challenge and therefore it is necessary to offer options that can help adjust costs and electric vehicles (EVs) to bring equal to the cost of vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE). The CII said this in a report on Monday. 

This report, prepared in collaboration with OMI, is part of a series of reports on 'Roadmap for Future Mobility 2030'

The report stated, "vehicle financing for electric vehicles remains a challenge. It is therefore necessary to offer alternatives that can help adjust costs and bring electric vehicles ( EV) equal to the cost of internal combustion engine models".

The report also called for the introduction of a ‘scrappage ’ policy, which is based on the need to remove expired vehicles (ELV).

The report, titled "Roadmap for Future Mobility 2030" recommends the establishment of a "first loss" fund mechanism to facilitate increased lending for the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs).

First loss refers to a type of funding arrangement wherein a capital provider allocates to a separately managed account traded by the manager. The manager is required to provide investment capital of 10-20 per cent of the total managed account, which is usually matched by the first loss capital provider.

The "first loss" mechanism is almost systematically used in the Insurance world and in the context of Securitisation.

Mobility as a Service (MaaS) - focussed strategies should prioritize seamless integration and offer multiple options to consumers to encourage the adoption of shared mobility, said the report.

Mahindra and NXP Semiconductors Ink MoU to Drive Next-Generation Smart Electric Mobility

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., a leader in automotive, farm and services businesses in India, today signed an MoU with NXP® Semiconductors, a world leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications. With the association, M&M and NXP will jointly explore the electric and connected vehicle landscape, covering a wide range of vehicles including utility vehicles, light commercial vehicles, farm equipment, and tractors.

Mahindra intends to explore NXP's extensive portfolio, innovative automotive system solutions, and expertise in zonal and domain controllers, electrification, advanced vehicle networks, and secure car access technologies for their upcoming platforms. The step is in line with Mahindra’s commitment to deliver innovative solutions that enhance the safety, eco-friendliness, and overall enjoyment of the commuting experience for its customers.

Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director & CEO – Auto and Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, "We are thrilled to explore opportunities to leverage NXP’s advanced technologies and solutions to build SUVs that are safer, highly connected, and environmentally friendly. At Mahindra, we are driven by our mission to elevate people's quality of life through innovative and cutting-edge technology. Together, we endeavour to shape the future of smart electric mobility and deliver extraordinary experiences to our consumers."

Kurt Sievers, President & CEO, NXP said, “We are excited to collaborate with Mahindra and Mahindra, a company with a rich history of transforming the fast-growing automotive space in India and a focus on striving to improve quality of life through mobility. By working together and leveraging our rich portfolio of technologies, solutions and expertise, NXP and M&M are charting a course to build a brighter tomorrow.”

Mahindra will also get access to NXP's robust partner ecosystem, comprising Tier 1, ODM, IDH, module vendors, and integrators. This will also provide valuable insights into NXP's technology roadmap, encompassing synergistic areas like the Smart Home and Industrial sectors.

ABOUT MAHINDRA

Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group is one of the largest and most admired multinational federation of companies with 260000 employees in over 100 countries. It enjoys a leadership position in farm equipment, utility vehicles, information technology and financial services in India and is the world’s largest tractor company by volume. It has a strong presence in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality, and real estate.

The Mahindra Group has a clear focus on leading ESG globally, enabling rural prosperity and enhancing urban living, with a goal to drive positive change in the lives of communities and stakeholders to enable them to Rise.

Learn more about Mahindra on www.mahindra.com / Twitter and Facebook: @MahindraRise /

For updates subscribe to https://www.mahindra.com/news-room.

About NXP Semiconductors

NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) brings together bright minds to create breakthrough technologies that make the connected world better, safer and more secure. As a world leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, NXP is pushing boundaries in the automotive, industrial & IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets while delivering solutions that advance a more sustainable future. Built on more than 60 years of combined experience and expertise, the company has approximately 34,500 team members in more than 30 countries and posted revenue of $13.21 billion in 2022. Find out more at www.nxp.com.

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Japan’s Musashi Seimitsu Industries Entering E-Mobility Space of India; Phase-1 Investment for EV Venture Will Be 70 Crore

• Production to start at Bengaluru plant by October 2023
• Focused on building high performance and safe auto components, Musashi will manufacture the E-Axle at its Bengaluru plant starting October 2023.
• Signs MoU with Bharat New-Energy Company (BNC) to develop drivetrain technology

Musashi India, a 100% owned subsidiary of Musashi Seimitsu Industries, Japan and a leading manufacturer of two-wheeler and four-wheeler transmission components in India, has announced its foray in the E-mobility space in the Indian market. Musashi will use its strong platform of design & engineering capability to manufacture its new EV unit comprising of motor, PCU, and Gear Box.

Focused on building high performance and safe auto components, Musashi will manufacture the E-Axle at its Bengaluru plant starting October 2023. Musashi will spend 70-crore in phase-1 to set up an assembly line for the product at its existing manufacturing facility in Bengaluru.

 

Musashi has announced expansion into E-mobility through a strategic collaboration with Bharat New-Energy Company (BNC) Motors in India. The company has already signed a MoU with Strom in Thailand, EV Go in Vietnam, and Arc Ride in Kenya, and will supply them E-Axle manufactured in India.

Commenting on the EV foray, Mr. Toshihisa Otsuka, CEO India & Africa Region said, “We are thrilled to bring Musashi's expertise and advanced technology to the electric mobility sector in India. Our focus is to provide state-of-the-art components that are essential for the growth and success of electric vehicles. We are confident that our commitment to quality and innovation will contribute significantly to the sustainable development of the Indian automotive industry."

Musashi India’s 2-wheel E-Axle achieves a slim and lightweight design by integrating motor and gearbox. With Musashi's expertise in gear processing, it achieves high transmission efficiency and low noise levels.

Musashi India's entry into the electric mobility market aligns perfectly with the government's initiatives to promote electric vehicles and reduce the nation's carbon footprint. By introducing advanced electric mobility solutions, backed with research & development and cutting-edge technology, the company aims to accelerate the adoption of EVs, address environmental concerns, and enhance the overall driving experience for Indian consumers.

“With its new venture into electric mobility, Musashi India aims to be at the forefront of the electric revolution in India and become a trusted partner for automakers, driving the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable transportation ecosystem”, added Toshihisa Otsuka.

Besides home market in Japan, China, North America, and Europe are key markets for Musashi. The company is bullish on India market and expects a growing market share for the EV business here.

Musashi Auto Parts (India) Pvt. Ltd. (MAP-ID) is a 100% owned subsidiary of Musashi Seimitsu Industries, Japan. Musashi is a technology driven global leader in precision forging and machining, having transcontinental presence across globe, serving two-wheeler and four-wheeler OEMs in the automotive domain.

Musashi specializes in designing, developing and manufacturing products such as Differential Assemblies, Transmission Gears and Assemblies, and Linkage and Suspension (L&S) products especially for the future automobiles including electric and autonomous vehicles

Musashi India manufactures a wide range of high performance, critical & safety components for automotive sector. Musashi India is India's largest manufacturer of Two Wheeler & Four Wheeler transmission components in India. Musashi customer base includes virtually every global automotive OEM backed by several decades of experience in component manufacturing.

zingbus and Sheru Join Hands in a Strategic Partnership to Scale Intercity e-Mobility

India's largest branded intercity bus service provider, zingbus, and Sheru, a leading provider of innovative battery management and energy storage solutions, have joined forces in a ground-breaking partnership aimed at scaling e-mobility for intercity commutes.

Nakul Mehan, CTO of Sheru (L) and Prashant Kumar, CEO of Zingbus (R) at the signing of the MoU

Under this strategic partnership, zingbus plans to add 2200 electric buses and 4000 electric cars to its fleet over the next 5 years. zingbus will utilize ScaleBat, Sheru's cutting-edge battery management solution to ensure efficient battery management. ScaleBat offers advanced features for optimizing battery performance, reducing operational costs, and extending battery life, thereby enabling zingbus to maximize the potential of their electric vehicles.

In addition, zingbus will leverage Sheru's NetBat platform to monetize idle time by connecting electric vehicles to Sheru's energy storage network. The cumulative battery capacity of zingbus's electric fleet is estimated to be around 1 GWh. By utilizing NetBat, zingbus can offer energy storage services during periods of low vehicle utilization, unlocking new revenue streams and contributing to efficient management of energy infrastructure.

This partnership upholds zingbus' commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. By scaling its electric fleet, zingbus aims to offset half a million tons of carbon emissions annually, which is equivalent to planting more than 22,000 trees.

"We are thrilled to partner with Sheru to accelerate our transition to sustainable intercity transportation," said Prashant Kumar, co-founder & CEO of zingbus. "With their expertise in battery management and energy storage solutions, we are confident that we can drive innovation together and create a greener future for the transportation industry."

"We are excited to collaborate with zingbus in their ambitious electrification journey," said Nakul Mehan, CTO of Sheru. "Highways form 60% of emissions from transportation in India. zingbus has immense potential to lead sustainability for highways, being the most trusted brand in intercity commuting.”

About zingbus:

Founded in 2019, zingbus is the largest tech-based intercity bus service provider in India with an established network of 350+ buses catering to over 500 cities. Having served more than 3 Million customers, zingbus serves 18 states spread across Northern, Western & Southern regions of India. Garnering a strong foothold in the intercity travel domain, the company believes that the right to affordable & dignified travel is fundamental to human existence & development. zingbus is the future of Indian intercity travel dedicated to serving and ensuring a safe, reliable, affordable, and sustainable travel option for mankind.

About Sheru:

Sheru is a leading provider of innovative battery management and energy storage solutions. Their cutting-edge products and services cater to battery manufacturers, financiers, resellers, and distribution companies. Sheru's expertise in battery management, energy storage, and sustainable mobility is driving the transition towards a cleaner and more efficient future.

SWITCH Mobility Delivers First Set of Its Electric Bus SWITCH Metrocity To One of the UK’s Leading Bus Operators Stagecoach

SWITCH Mobility Ltd (‘SWITCH’), a Hinduja Group company and the next-generation carbon neutral electric bus and light commercial vehicle manufacturer, has delivered the first set of SWITCH Metrocity to Stagecoach, one of the UK’s leading bus and coach operators. These first set of deliveries are part of a 20 bus order received from Stagecoach, for two variants of SWITCH Metrocity – the 8.7m for Walthamstow and the 9.5m for Lea Interchange.

Equipped with the latest NMC battery technology, the SWITCH Metrocity is one of the most efficient electric buses in its class, that has been recently upgraded to deliver improved efficiency and increased range of up to 170 miles.

Mahesh Babu, Chief Executive Officer – SWITCH Mobility Ltd, said, ‘’The UK electric bus market is witnessing a steady growth, with volumes expected to double in the next three years. In line with SWITCH’s vision to democratize zero carbon mobility, we are delighted to have delivered the first set of SWITCH Metrocity’s to Stagecoach, one of our renowned customers in the UK. We are grateful to the Stagecoach management for their trust in our SWITCH products, that offer superior customer comfort and customer delight. Considering the success of SWITCH Mobility with proven products and a strong global order bank of over 1,800 buses, we are confident of providing our customers in the UK with competitive and competent product offerings. This delivery is a significant step in our journey to support Operators and Transport for London, to accelerate the adoption of zero emission transportation’’.

Sam Greer, Engineering Director - Stagecoach, said, "We are pleased to be welcoming another two electric vehicles orders to our fleet which will help us with our target of having a fully electric bus fleet across the UK by 2035’’.

The SWITCH Metrocity is designed and developed utilising SWITCH’s global electric bus experience with variable seating layout and lengths making it suitable for urban, sub-urban and rural routes. The SWITCH Metrocity was the first British-built, pure electric bus to enter service on London’s roads in 2014.

About SWITCH Mobility

SWITCH Mobility is a next-generation electric bus and light commercial vehicle company with the mission to enrich lives through green mobility. A mature start-up, SWITCH was forged from the innovative EV elements of Ashok Leyland, the fourth largest bus OEM in the world, and Optare, the UK bus manufacturer with over a century of expertise in using the latest technologies in bus design. In 2014, SWITCH (then Optare) introduced the first British built, pure electric buses to London’s roads and since then has put over 400 EVs on the road, clocking up over 55 million electric kilometers in growth markets.

With dedicated teams at our sites in Warwick, Leeds, Spain and Chennai - India, as a Group, our market-leading vehicles are sold in over 46 countries around the globe and combine the best of British and Indian design, technology and engineering to create unique products. Capitalising on our demonstrable experience and proven expertise in light weight architecture, net zero carbon technologies, data analytics, software and customer service, SWITCH Mobility aims to be the commercial EV provider and employer of choice in the industry. Through its subsidiary OHM, SWITCH also offers a range of eMaas services, supporting communities in their transition to a zero-emission transport network.

To learn more about SWITCH and view current on the road vehicles and future concepts, find us at www.switchmobilityev.com and follow us on Twitter: @switchglobalev and Instagram: @switchglobalev

eMaaS Startup EVeez Strengthens Strategic Alliance with Battery Smart to Accelerate EV Adoption in India

5000 Battery Smart-powered eBikes to be deployed in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chandigarh this financial year

EVeez, India's pioneering electric mobility as a service (eMaaS) startup, has announced that it has strengthened its partnership with Battery Smart, India's largest and fastest-growing battery swapping network for electric two and three wheelers. Through this strategic alliance, the duo aims to continue accelerating electric mobility adoption by deploying 5000 Battery Smart-powered eBikes across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chandigarh this financial year. EVeez has already established a successful partnership with Battery Smart, having deployed over 800 eBikes in the Delhi NCR region over the past year.

Commenting on the partnership, Gaurav Rathore, Co-Founder & CEO at EVeez, said, "We are delighted to solidify our partnership with Battery Smart, a leading player in India’s battery swapping space. Together, we aim to revolutionize electric mobility by providing sustainable and convenient transportation solutions to our customers. By leveraging Battery Smart’s dense existing network, we will be able to deploy more than 5000 eBikes this financial year, reinforcing our commitment to environmental sustainability and efficient urban mobility."

“It’s great to see the rapid growth of India’s electric two-wheeler market, with more innovative players entering the space. Given our extensive presence across 18 cities, we are glad to offer EVeez’s growing fleet access to our strong network of 550+ swap stations, enabling the company to scale faster and establish a wider presence across India,” added Pulkit Khurana, Co-Founder of Battery Smart.

Battery Smart has been at the forefront of India’s battery swapping movement, having recently completed 10 million battery swaps. Its large network of Swap Stations across Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities will enable seamless operations for EVeez's fleet. The partnership harnesses the technological expertise and industry experience of both companies to drive the growth and expansion of India's electric mobility ecosystem.

EVeez, founded by IIT Bombay graduate Gaurav Rathore and NID graduate Abhishek Dwivedi, has witnessed remarkable growth, achieving a fivefold increase this year. The company has expanded its fleet from 700+ eBikes to 4000+ eBikes and has added Bengaluru and Chandigarh to its operations. EVeez has formed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in the EV sector, including Battery Smart, Lectrix, Amo Mobility, and Hero Electric.

Looking ahead, EVeez aims to sustain its growth momentum and set ambitious targets for the fiscal year 2024, with a goal to achieve 5x growth. The company is also actively expanding its presence in new cities such as Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Pune, while further strengthening its collaboration with existing partners, including Battery Smart.

About EVeez:

EVeez is a leading provider of electric vehicle subscriptions in India, offering innovative eMaaS solutions to enhance the accessibility and affordability of EVs. Through its subscription model, EVeez enables consumers who may be deterred by the upfront costs of purchasing an EV to enjoy the benefits of electric mobility at an affordable monthly subscription. By promoting the widespread adoption of EVs, EVeez aims to contribute to a cleaner and greener future, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and mitigating the environmental impact of transportation.

For more information, please visit: https://www.eveez.in/

About Battery Smart:

Battery Smart is India’s largest and fastest-growing battery swapping network for electric two and three wheelers. The company was co-founded by serial entrepreneurs and IIT-Kanpur graduates Pulkit Khurana and Siddharth Sikka in 2019 - to make EV adoption simple, economical, and accessible through a unique partner-led model. Battery Smart has completed over 10 million swaps, set up 550+ live swap stations across 18 cities, and has 18,500 electric two-and-three wheelers on its network.

For more information, please visit: https://www.batterysmart.in/

Yulu and Zomato Join Hands to Make Last-Mile Deliveries Green

• Committed to sustainability, both companies have a vision to take this association to scale the usage of electric vehicles (EV) for deliveries in 2023
• Powered by Yulu’s purpose built for delivery electric vehicle - the DeX, that allows delivery partners to deliver in comfort and maximize their earnings

Yulu, India’s largest shared electric Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) player today announced its association with Zomato for using Yulu DeX EV for intra-city deliveries. Kicking off this project, about 25,000 - 35,000 Yulu DeX will be given to delivery partners onboarded on Zomato’s platform for last-mile deliveries on custom-made rental plans. Yulu is committed to making urban transportation sustainable and the association with Zomato is a significant step towards making last-mile delivery green and efficient.

Rising fuel prices and financial challenges are significant barriers for youth who want to onboard themselves as delivery partners. Yulu DeX solves most of these challenges, and provides a mobility solution that is very easy to access for all. Yulu has flexible rental packs and allows delivery partners to earn higher earnings compared to ICE-vehicles. Along with this, the delivery partners get access to Yuma Energy’s wide network of battery swapping stations to minimise their downtime during last-mile deliveries. Once deployed, these 25,000+ Yulu DeX have the potential of serving 3 Lakh green deliveries every day by 2026.

Pradeep Puranam, Head - Revenue & Operations, Yulu said, “We are excited to associate with Zomato given our mutual concern towards the environment and the need of giving delivery partners a safe, dependable, and sustainable mode of commute for daily deliveries. With Yulu’s deep understanding of the delivery ecosystem, purpose-built product DeX, robust operations and a wide network of battery swapping stations, our solutions can improve earnings of delivery partners by up to 40%. There is an increasing desire towards reducing carbon footprint among customers as well, so this is a win-win for customers, delivery executives and both the companies.”

Mohit Sardana, COO, Food Delivery at Zomato said, “At Zomato, we are committed to making a positive impact on the environment and the communities we serve. We are thrilled to associate with Yulu, to make the last-mile delivery operations more sustainable and efficient. As part of The Climate Group's EV100 initiative, we have committed to transitioning our delivery fleet to 100% electric, and with Yulu's support, we are glad to be on the right path to achieve this target. We are excited to continue our efforts to create a greener Zomato and a better world for all.”

This association with Zomato bears greater significance in Yulu’s endeavour to offer smart and affordable green mobility solutions to the delivery partners over the next few years. Over 4,000 delivery partners as of February 2023, onboarded on Zomato’s platform organically utilise Yulu’s EVs to make the last-mile deliveries.

Till date, Yulu has enabled 75 Mn+ green deliveries and benefited 50,000+ delivery partners.

Yulu is India’s largest shared electric mobility & Battery-as-a-Service company, founded in 2017 by seasoned & serial entrepreneurs with the mission to reduce traffic congestion & air pollution while improving livelihood for millions of people. Yulu offers accessible, equitable, and sustainable mobility to a large section of society with its purpose-built smart vehicles, cutting-edge technology, and efficient on-ground operations. Yulu is backed by very credible & deeply committed investors who share the same long-term vision. Already a pioneer in the EV industry, Yulu has influenced several progressive policies that have accelerated the pace of adoption of sustainable mobility in India. Yulu is also significantly contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for a better planet now & for the future.

For further information, please visit www.yulu.bike or follow us on Twitter @YuluBike.

Zomato's mission is better food for more people. Started in 2010, Zomato, a tech-first company, offers services like restaurant search & discovery, reviews, ordering and home delivery of food, online table reservation, and digital payments when dining out. It also works with restaurant partners to provide tools to engage and acquire more customers while empowering them with a last-mile delivery service and a one-stop procurement solution - Hyperpure, for ingredients and kitchen products.

Apart from this, Zomato has been focusing on providing transparent and flexible earning opportunities to its delivery fleet and contributing towards a more sustainable society through its collaboration with Hunger Heroes, a not-for-profit - Feeding India.

BLive partners with Chartered Bike Pvt Ltd (CBPL) in a multi-hundred crore deal!

• The MoU between BLive and CBPL will target nationwide deployment of 10,000 2-wheeler EVs and 1000 3-wheeler EVs over the next three years
• The collaboration aims to help last-mile delivery companies such as Zomato, Swiggy, Amazon, Flipkart, Delhivery, Porter and many more to resolve the supply gap of electric vehicles in the market

BLive, India's fastest growing multi-brand electric vehicle platform, has teamed up with Chartered Bike Pvt Ltd (CBPL) – India’s leading provider of electric mobility solutions, specialising in public bike sharing, in-campus mobility, e-commerce delivery, and last-mile delivery services. As per the MoU signed between BLive and CBPL, the collaboration will target nationwide deployment of 10,000 2-wheeler EVs and 1000 3-wheeler EVs over the next 3 years. The total MoU is worth approximately INR 120 Cr with estimated deployment in three phases - INR 30 Cr in the first year, INR 40 Cr in second, and INR 50 Cr in the third year.

The partnership between BLive and CBPL is aimed at helping last-mile delivery companies, such as Zomato, Swiggy, Amazon, Flipkart, Delhivery, Porter and many more, to resolve the supply gap of electric vehicles in the market. The MoU between BLive and CBPL will resolve this issue by helping these organisations deploy vehicles nationwide, with a focus on Tier II cities.

Chartered Bike Pvt Ltd is a leading provider of electric mobility solutions, specialising in public bike sharing, in-campus mobility, e-commerce delivery, and last-mile delivery services. CBPL is committed to delivering sustainable transportation options that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. CBPL’s public bike sharing programme offers convenient, affordable, and healthy transportation options to commuters and city-dwellers alike. Thanks to CBPL’s fleet of state-of-the-art electric bicycles, riders can easily navigate the urban landscape, while reducing their carbon footprint. In addition to public bike sharing, CBPL also offers in-campus mobility solutions that help students, faculty, and staff move around their campuses efficiently and sustainably. Their electric vehicles are perfect for short trips between buildings, or for running errands around campus.

Speaking about the collaboration, Samarth Kholkar, CEO & Co-Founder, BLive, said “We are excited to partner with Chartered Bike Pvt Ltd to further our cause for greater adoption of EVs in the country. With a focus on electric vehicles for their delivery fleet, last-mile delivery service providers have been a major accelerator of India’s electric mobility revolution. The use of electric vehicles will significantly reduce the cost of operation and energy expenses. The lower operating costs, simple mechanism and low maintenance make EVs a winning proposition for the last-mile delivery service providers.”

Commenting on the partnership, Param Mandloi, Co-Founder of CBPL said, “Our e-commerce and last-mile delivery services are designed to meet the needs of modern consumers who demand fast, reliable, and eco-friendly delivery options. Our electric delivery vehicles make it easy for businesses to meet their customers' needs while minimising their impact on the environment. In Blive, we have an able partner to drive this mission forward while making mobility cleaner and greener.”

CBPL’s proven expertise in operations and managing after sales-service, coupled with its strong presence across 15 cities, especially Tier II cities, helps CBPL manage its operations efficiently. As part of the deal, CBPL will be responsible to ensure the same on-ground post the deployment of EVs. Blive – as one of the largest and growing electric EV platforms in the country - will add value through marketing activities and provide end-to-end tech solutions to help the deployment of EVs while parallelly driving high return on investment for its partner - Chartered Bike Private Limited.

About BLive

BLive is India’s first Multi-brand EV platform offering a wide range of EV products and services on a digital platform www.bliveEVstore.com With over 40 brands listed on its platform, BLive offers an omnichannel experience to its buyers – an online E-commerce store and Premium experience stores pan India. Driving its vision to accelerate adoption of EVs – BLive is rapidly expanding its presence pan India to 100 premium Multi-brand Stores by ’24 offering E-Scooters/ E-cycles/ Delivery Ebikes and many more unique form factors. BLive facilitates EV adoption for personal usage as well as businesses by providing seamless Charging infrastructure, Post sales service as well as easy finance options to its customers.

E-Mobility Startup Vaan Moto Launches in Hyderabad

India’s premium lifestyle e-mobility start-up VAAN Moto has announced its foray into Telangana and Andhra Pradesh markets. VAAN launched two e-bike models Urbansport and Urbansport Pro at a special event held in Hi-tech City, Hyderabad. The launch marks a significant milestone for the company as it expands its footprint in India's rapidly growing EV market.

The product was globally launched at the famed EICMA motorcycle show in Italy in 2021. Last year, the company had launched its e-mobility products in Mumbai marking the beginning of its commercial launch at the national level. VAAN Moto focuses on implementing scientifically developed and environmentally sustainable products besides ensuring sustainable energy and recycling of products.

ChandraShekar Reddy IPS - IG Govt of Telangana testing Vaan e cycle

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Jithu Sukumaran Nair, CEO, and Founder of VAAN Electric Moto Pvt. Ltd. said, "Hyderabad is a key market for us as we expand our operations in India. We are excited to launch our range of e-mobility solutions in two Telugu states after our major launch in Mumbai last year. We believe that the launch of our e-mobility solutions in Hyderabad will help accelerate the adoption of EVs in the city and contribute towards a cleaner, greener future."

VAAN Moto also announced the launch of police bikes exclusively designed for the police with many features. Major features of the police bikes include 3.2 inch colourful display with multi information, rear tool bags, high performance motor, In tube 14 Ah long range battery pack for 60 to 80 kms, Hydraulic disk brakes.

Jayesh Ranjan IAS, Principal secretary IT & Industries, Chandra Shekhar Reddy IPS, Inspector General of Police, Telangana, Dr Laggani srinivas- Adviser & Mentor VAAN MOTO, Shyam Patel - Owner Mumbai Leon Army, Tennis premier League were also presented. 

VAAN Moto has partnered with leading players in this segment, including Benelli of Italy and Kiska of KTM from Austria. While VAAN Moto designs these electric bicycles, Benelli supplies components, and Kiska helps with the branding. VAAN Moto’s e-bike models – Urbansport and Urbansport Pro (limited edition) feature a unisex compact frame, 20-inch wheels, detachable batteries, indicator lighting, etc. These bikes can operate in three modes — normal pedalling, pedal-assist mode, and throttle mode.

VAAN has dealers in Portugal, Spain, and the Czech Republic. The compact and powerful e-bike specifically designed for the young crowd, also has all the comfort and advantages to attract middle age groups including those who need not be cycling enthusiasts.