1. Mahindra launches two electric SUVs: BE 6e and XEV 9e.

Mahindra has officially launched its ‘Born Electric’ SUVs: BE 6e and XEV 9e, at the ‘Unlimit India’ event in Chennai. Both electric SUVs are built on Mahindra’s new INGLO platform. The Mahindra BE 6e is an electric coupe SUV which is offered with two battery options: 59 kWh & 79 kWh. Prices for the BE 6e will start from Rs 18.90 lakh.

The Mahindra XEV 9e is an electric SUV based on the XUV700. It is also offered with two battery options: 59 kWh & 79 kWh. The XEV 9e features an impressive 663 L bootspace with a frunk of 150 L capacity. Prices for the XEV 9e will start from Rs 21.90 lakh.

Both EVs feature with rapid charging capabilities of up to 175 kW, which allows for a 20-80% charge in just 20 minutes. The 79 kWh battery pack has a certified range of 682km and Mahindra claims it will give 500 plus km range with AC continuously on while driving. Both the EVs come with a variety of features including a 16-speaker Harman Kardon music system with Dolby Atmos, multiple drive modes: Range, Everyday & Race, auto parking assist and multi camera system. The BE 6e can go from 0-100 km/hr in 6.7 seconds and the XEV 9e in 6.8 seconds. Bookings for both cars will begin in January 2025, with deliveries expected to start from between February last week. All Mahindra’s upcoming EVs will be underpinned by the INGLO skateboard architecture which has been co-developed by Mahindra & Volkswagen. 

2. Ola Electric launches its most affordable electric scooter.

Ola Electric has launched a new lineup of electric scooters: Ola Gig & S1 Z series. The new models have been named Ola Gig, Ola Gig+, Ola S1 Z & Ola S1 Z+. These have been priced at Rs 39,999, Rs 49,999, Rs 59,999 & Rs 64,999 respectively.

The Gig scooters will feature with Ola’s indigenously developed removable/portable batteries. The battery unit comes with a top handle for ease of carrying and possible use as a swappable unit.

The Ola Gig has been designed for shorter commutes and is targeted at gig workers & B2B rentals. It features a 1.5kWh removable battery which gives a range of 112km. The top speed is 25 km/hr. It has been priced at Rs 39,999. The Ola Gig+ offers a longer range and higher load capacity. It has a top speed of 45 km/hr and comes with dual batteries which give an extended range of 157km. It has been priced at Rs 49,999.

The S1 Z is targeted at urban commuters. It comes with dual 1.5kWh batteries which give a range of 146km. It can go from 0-20 km/hr in 1.8 seconds, 0-40 km/hr in 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 70 km/hr. It has been priced at Rs 59,999.

The S1 Z+ combines the features of the S1 Z with additional payload capacity, targeting both urban commuters as well as commercial users. It has been priced at Rs 64,999.

Bookings for these electric scooters are open at Rs 499 on Ola Electric’s website. Deliveries of the Ola Gig series will start from April 2025, followed by the S1 Z series from May 2025. The new range comes just before the launch of the Honda Activa EV. More on the Honda Activa e: below.

Apart from these scooters, the company also unveiled the PowerPod, a portable inverter which allows Ola scooters’ removable batteries to power household devices during outages & emergencies. It has been priced at Rs 9,999. The PowerPod is an ideal solution for rural and semi-urban areas where a stable electricity supply may be limited. Ola Electric stocks jumped by 8% after the company launched the new scooters and the PowerPod.

3. Joy e-bike manufacturer Wardwizard partners with Ampvolts to expand EV charging network.

EV manufacturer Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Limited, and owner of brands like Joy e-bike & Joy e-rik, has signed an agreement with Ampvolts Limited. This strategic partnership aims to leverage competencies of both companies to develop a robust EV charging network in India and globally. As part of the agreement, Wardwizard will identify strategic locations for EV charging stations. Ampvolts will supply EV charging equipment (including EV chargers & other hardware). They will also provide a tailormade Charging Management Software (CMS) for online monitoring & payment. Ampvolts will also provide Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) solutions for Wardwizard’s B2B clients.

BSE-listed Wardwizard went up by 12% and has given multibagger returns of 500% in 5 years. Dalal Street Investment Journal has suggested Investors to keep an eye on this smallcap EV stock.

4. Switch Mobility joins hands with Vertelo to deploy 1000 EVs.

Switch Mobility, the EV subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, has signed an agreement with Vertelo to deploy 1000 EVs across India over the next 3-5 years. As per the terms of the agreement, Vertelo will lease Switch Mobility's electric buses & electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs).

The tie-up aims at reducing barriers to EV adoption, such as high upfront cost. Vertelo’s leasing model focusses on ensuring that small & medium businesses can adopt EVs without excessive financial strain.

5. Honda unveils 2 electric scooters including the much-awaited Activa EV.

Honda has finally ventured into the Indian electric scooter market with not one but two EVs: the Activa e: & the QC1. The Honda Activa e comes with two swappable batteries whereas the Honda QC1 comes with a fixed battery. Honda will initially sell the new Activa e: in 3 cities: Bengaluru, Delhi & Mumbai. In these 3 cities, the company is working to set-up a widespread battery swapping network. There are reports of Honda being in talks with other EV manufacturers for using its swapping stations. At present, the company operates 84 swapping stations in Bengaluru and plans to expand to 500 in the above 3 cities by 2026.

The Honda QC1 will be a pan-India electric scooter. It comes with a 1.5 kWh battery which gives a range of 80 km and can be charged at home or public EV chargers.

Honda will begin sales of the new electric scooters in Spring 2025. At the same time it will also roll-out its battery sharing/swapping service called Honda e:Swap using the Mobile Power Pack e in the above mentioned 3 cities.

For complete EV charging solutions, explore the Kazam website.