Ashok Leyland and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) researchers at the National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD) have collaborated, where the researchers are developing a micro gas turbine. The core of the micro turbine is a patented combustion technology called ‘Swirl Mesh Lean Direct Injection (LDI) system’. The collaboration aims to develop a series of hybrid electric vehicles using the turbine technology, which will replace the large batteries in main powertrains to generate onboard power, claims Ashok Leyland.

Ashok Leyland also states that the main powertrain will be the electric motors. However, the onboard power would be generated by the micro gas turbine, developed jointly by NCCRD and Aerostrovilos Energy, an IITM-incubated start-up. After the technology was demonstrated on a lab scale, Ashok Leyland signed a letter of support to develop this technology for the heavy vehicles segment with NCCRD, IIT Madras, according to the commercial vehicle manufacturer. Besides, as part of the collaboration, Ashok Leyland handed over a nine-metre passenger electric bus to NCCRD on Monday.

As per Ashok Leyland, this collaboration will enable the development and demonstration of a series of vehicles with a hybrid concept equipped with this micro gas turbine called the ‘turbine electric vehicle’ (TEV). The aim of this project is to establish a powertrain that has ultra-low emissions, low cost of ownership, fuel flexibility and a reliable system for long range heavy vehicles.

The commercial vehicle manufacturer further claims that the key advantages of this series of hybrid configuration with this new micro turbine technology include –

• An overall lighter powertrain (high weight-to-power ratio)
• Ultra-low emissions
• Multiple fuel capabilities (e.g., biogas, CNG, LNG, diesel, hydrogen etc.)
• An overall low cost of ownership

Prof V Kamakoti, Director at IIT Madras, received the bus on behalf of NCCRD, IIT Madras, from Dr N Saravanan, Chief Technology Officer at Ashok Leyland, and Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, Senior Vice President – Product Development at Ashok Leyland. This bus would be converted as part of the series of vehicles having hybrid powertrain with the micro gas turbine developed by NCCRD and Aerostrovilos, according to Ashok Leyland.

Speaking about the collaboration, Dr Saravanan said, “Micro gas turbines hold a significant promise as a technology that will extend fuel combustion beyond traditional IC engines, and provide for more efficient performance and multi-fuel capability. Ashok Leyland is proud to be associated with IIT Madras and Aerostrovilos in this development effort.”

Additionally, highlighting the key outcomes from this collaboration, Prof Sathya Chakravarthy, Coordinator, NCCRD, IIT Madras, said, “This marks our conviction of not only working with the industry on innovative technological solutions of societal impact but also pushing the inhouse developments on innovation to see the light of day with the industry.”

JSW MG Motor India is set to expand its EV portfolio with the MG Windsor Pro, which is set to be introduced on 6 May 2025.

The MG Windsor Pro is expected to offer a higher range, more features, improved safety and minor design tweaks. While technical details are yet to be released, it is safe to understand that the company is looking to further drive sales of its popular EV, targeting a new set of customers.

Launched on 11 September 2024, the company positioned the Windsor as a CUV (crossover utility vehicle) and the most comfortable EV in its segment.

The Windsor EV has already surpassed 20,000 units sales since launch, and has been the highest selling electric passenger vehicle for the last several months in a row.

Gujarat-headquartered electric vehicle maker Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility, the maker of ‘Joy e-bike’ and ‘Joy e-rik’ brand, has reported a consolidated net profit of INR 63.6 million for FY2025, maintaining profitability for the fifth consecutive year despite industry headwinds and a 5.1 percent drop in annual revenue.

The company’s total consolidated revenue stood at INR 3.04 billion, down from INR 3.2 billion last year. However, EBITDA rose 13.9 percent YoY to INR 3.6 billion, and EBITDA margins improved by 222 basis points to 12.11 percent, reflecting strong cost discipline and operational efficiency.

Despite a 52.7 percent YoY dip in PAT, largely due to a high base in FY2024, Wardwizard remained in the black – underscoring resilience amid a challenging EV market environment.

Yatin Sanjay Gupte, Chairman & MD, Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility, said, “While annual revenues saw a slight decline, EBITDA rose 14 percent YoY. Our profitable performance, sustained for five consecutive years, sets us apart and reinforces the strength of our strategy.”

In Q4 FY25 (Jan–Mar 2025), the company recorded a 62.2 percent YoY rise in PAT to INR 64.5 million, with EBITDA nearly doubling to INR 1.8 billion. PAT margins for the quarter expanded to 5.91 percent, and EBITDA margins reached 17.26 percent, reflecting improved product mix and cost optimisation.

During the last fiscal, the company deployed over 400 electric two-wheelers across major cities like Kolkata, Pune, and Ahmedabad as well as the launch of L5 electric rickshaws in Maharashtra. Ongoing partnerships and a USD 1.29 billion EV initiative in the Philippines are expected to drive future growth.

“With continued innovation and targeted execution, we are building a stronger foundation for long-term growth,” Gupte added.

OPG Mobility (formerly Okaya EV) has appointed Ajay Dhiman as the new President – Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead its electric vehicle and EV components business.

In this strategic leadership role, Dhiman will be responsible for operations and technology functions spanning manufacturing, R&D, product development, quality, sourcing, supply chain and business strategy.

He joins OPG Mobility with over 20 years of experience in the automotive and EV sectors. He previously served as Senior Vice-President at Revolt Motors, where he is said to play a key role across CXO-level functions and was instrumental in accelerating product development and delivering high-quality electric mobility solutions. His career includes leadership stints at Honda, Renault-Nissan, Subros and Sonalika Group, contributing across two-wheeler, three-wheeler, and four-wheeler segments.

Anshul Gupta, Managing Director, OPG Mobility, said, “We are delighted to have Ajay Dhiman join our leadership team at a pivotal moment in OPG Mobility's journey. As we step up our presence in the EV ecosystem, Ajay’s deep experience in product development and operations will be invaluable in scaling our EV and components business. His thorough knowledge of both legacy systems and new mobility technologies will drive value, innovation, and faster execution across our transformation journey.”

Ajay Dhiman, added, “It’s an honour to join OPG Mobility at such a transformative time. The brand’s vision of delivering inclusive and innovative electric mobility solutions aligns strongly with my passion for engineering excellence, innovative products and future-focused manufacturing. I look forward to working closely with the leadership and teams to strengthen our product pipeline, accelerate product innovation, strengthen our technological edge, enhance operational excellence, and scale solutions that support India’s evolving mobility needs. We aim to position OPG Mobility as a frontrunner in shaping India’s electric mobility revolution.”

The Maharashtra government has given rolled out the Electric Vehicle Policy 2025 for a period of five years (till 2030) with an estimated outlay of INR 19.93 billion.

The forward-looking policy aims to not only incentivise purchase of electric vehicles, but also aims to boost adoption and real-world usage.

As per the policy, certain EVs plying on highways will be given a toll waiver, EV charging infrastructure strengthened with an ambition have charging facilities every 25km on the national highways.

Electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, private four-wheelers, state transport corporation buses, private buses and transport undertaking under civic bodies will get concession of 10 percent on purchase of an EV on the original cost. For goods carrying three-wheelers, four-wheelers and electric tractors will be eligible to a concession of 15 percent.

The government has also waived off registration fee on EVs. Lastly, electric four-wheelers and buses will also get toll exemption on Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Atal Setu, Samruddhi Mahamarg, along with 50 percent concession on state and other national highways.

Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, said, "The state government has approved a new Electric Vehicle (EV) policy, under which passenger EVs will be given subsidies. EV manufacturing and their use should increase in the state."