With Tesla facing some difficulty due to the geopolitical situation concerned US and its owner, Elon Musk as the man close to US President Donald Trump, it is China’s BYD that has announced lowering of prices of its electric performance passenger vehicles. According to a report in Yahoo News, buyers of BYD electric vehicles will have to spend no more than US$ 10,000 to acquire one for themselves. Not only undercutting domestic competitors BYD seems to be gearing up to undercut its global competitors like Tesla as well. 
Besides announcing that its EVs will start at US$13,688 and feature ‘God’s Eye’ advanced driver assistance system as standard, BYD has also announced a revolutionary charging technology that works nearly as fast as a fill up. The ultra-fast EV charging system includes flash-chargers that can provide a full charge for its latest EVs within five to eight minutes. The time taken is similar to the amount of time needed to fill a fuel tank of an ICE vehicle.
Planning to build more than 4,000 new charging stations across China, the electric vehicle maker has been refining its battery and energy storage technology over time. Expanding its auto empire outside China, the company is known to claim that its one-megawatt flash chargers will provide power for up to 400 km in five minutes.
BYD founder Wang Chuanfu is known to have said in a recent statement that ultra-high voltage and a large current are required to maximise charging speeds. To completely solve users' anxiety over charging, our pursuit is to make the charging time for EVs as short as the refueling time for fuel vehicles, he elaborated. 
Its flash-charging system relies on silicon carbide power chips with voltage levels of up to 1,500-volt. Developed in house, the system works to ultra-fast charge the Blade lithium-ion phosphate batteries found in BYD vehicles. The Blade battery technology of the Chinese company is considered to the world's safest and most efficient. Even Tesla is said to have taken to use blade batteries in some of its EVs, acknowledging its benefits over other battery technologies, sources in the EV industry claim. 
BYD reported a sale of over 4.3 million new energy vehicles last year, up 41 percent when compared to the sale of 1.8 million battery electric vehicles and 2.5 million plug-in hybrids in the corresponding period the year prior. 
In India, BYD unveiled the Sealion range of performance electric cars in January 2025 at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. It has been steadily expanding its reach in the country’s growing EV market, which is dominated in the passenger vehicle space by players like Tata Motors, JSW MG Motors and Hyundai Motor India among a few others. 
 

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Neuron Energy, an EV battery manufacturer, has raised INR 310 million in a Pre-Series B funding round led by Equanimity Ventures, Rajiv Dadlani Group, Thackersay Family Office and Chona Family Office, with participation from Family Offices and HNI investors. With this, Neuron Energy has raised INR 810 million to date.

The funding will be used to expand Neuron Energy’s manufacturing capacity to 3 GWh and to establish a fully automated, large-scale battery facility for electric four-wheelers and buses at Chakan, Pune. The capital will also strengthen the company’s R&D capabilities, accelerate domestic growth, and broaden its footprint in international markets.

Pratik Kamdar, CEO and Co-Founder, Neuron Energy, said, “This Pre-Series B round is a defining step in our mission to industrialise world-class battery manufacturing in India. As EV adoption accelerates, we are focused on building capacity, embedding automation, and pushing the boundaries of performance and reliability. This investment ensures we can deliver at scale, both in India and globally.”

The company said it operates with a low-CapEx and low-OpEx business model. It has been growing profitably year-on-year and is on track to achieve INR 2 billion in revenue this year. The company is also confident of achieving sales of over INR 9 billion, with profitability, over the next few years.

Rajesh Sehgal of Equanimity Ventures, added, "We see immense potential in Neuron Energy’s approach to EV battery innovation and scalability. Their focus on quality, automation, and energy efficiency aligns with the evolving demands of the EV industry in India and beyond. We are proud to support their next phase of growth as they scale into new vehicle categories and manufacturing capacities."

The new facility reinforces the company’s position in two-wheeler EV batteries and signals a strategic entry into heavier vehicle segments. This supports Neuron’s vision to become a comprehensive EV battery solutions provider.

Rajiv Dadlani, from the Family Office of the Rajiv Dadlani Group, said, "Neuron Energy demonstrates remarkable potential to become the market leader, with their renewed focus, in delivering top-quality products. The company and its founders are highly committed to delivering rigorously tested and safe-to-use Li-Ion smart batteries. We are confident that they will continue to thrive and set new standards in the industry."

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Mahindra has launched the XEV 9S, an electric 7-seater SUV built on the INGLO platform, with prices starting at INR 1.99 million (ex-showroom).  The XEV 9S is powered by MAIA, described as India’s fastest automotive mind.

The EV comes with a 70 kWh battery, delivering a power of 180 kW and 380 Nm of torque. It offers a claimed real-world range of 500 km from its LFP battery, which comes with a Lifetime Warranty. The SUV is stated to be the fastest 7-seater in its class, reaching zero to 100 kmph in 7.0 seconds, with a 202 kmph top speed.

The fully-loaded Pack Three Above 79 kWh variant is priced at INR 2.94 million ex-showroom with bookings open on 14 January 2026 and deliveries starting on 23 January 2026.

R Velusamy, President - Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra and Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile, said, “We have always believed that technology is meaningful only when it expands human possibility. The XEV 9S built on the INGLO electric origin platform does exactly that by creatin space – more than anyone else and gives a smooth and noise free ride. THE MAIA brain enables many of its high-tech features, making it the most advanced offering for its price.”

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, Chief Executive Officer - Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra and Executive Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile, said, “The future of Indian mobility will belong to brands that don’t just electrify vehicles, but reimagine categories. With the XEV 9S, we’re not just playing in the EV segment, we’re expanding it. This SUV signals the start of a BIG new electric era for Mahindra - one built on scale, on purpose, and on a deep understanding of how India moves. The attractive prices starting at ₹ 19.95 Lakh make a very high-tech product accessible, with bookings opening on Jan 14 and deliveries start on Jan 23.”

The XEV 9S is an expression of Mahindra’s Heartcore Design philosophy, featuring a stance, lines, a gloss finish and interiors. The vehicle is designed to be silent on wheels.

Key highlights include:

• Space: Offers 4,076-litre of cabin space (for front and second row), boot space up to 527-litre and 150-litre of Frunk space. The third-row features 50:50 split seats.
• Suspension: Features Intelligent Adaptive dampers with i-Link at the front and 5-Link independent suspension at the rear.
• Driver Aids: Includes L2+ ADAS with five Radars and one Vision Camera, Driver Drowsiness Detection with DOMS (Eyedentity) and Secure360 Pro for live view and recording.
• Interior Comfort: Features Powered Boss Mode, ventilated second row seats, recline and sliding adjustment, sunshade for second row windows, Acoustic ‘Laminated’ Glass and wireless phone charging.
• Technology: Equipped with Brake by Wire with IEB, High Power Steering with VGR, VisionX – AR HUD, AutoPark Assist, and 140 features including Digital Key, NFC and Charge Scheduler.
• Entertainment: Includes a 16-Speaker Harman Kardon Audio system with Dolby Atmos, three 31.24 cm screens, 5G Connectivity and Fun & Work Apps.
• Efficiency: Running costs are INR 1.2 per km, with maintenance costs of INR 40 paise per kilometre and negligible road tax. Business owners benefit from 40 percent depreciation.

Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer - Auto & Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Designing the XEV 9S wasn’t about adding lines to a surface, it was about shaping a feeling. We wanted it to feel like stepping into a personal sanctuary, yet one that carries the pulse of modern India. Electric gave us the canvas; INGLO gave us the freedom to sculpt light, space and comfort. The result is an SUV that wears its size with grace and its technology with humility. It’s expressive, it’s calm, and it’s unmistakably Mahindra - built for a nation whose aspirations are only getting bigger.”

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Mahindra has launched the BE 6 Formula E Edition, an electric SUV designed to reflect the country's growing interest in motorsport. The company, which is the only Indian team to win on the global Formula E grid, states the edition channels its racing legacy into a road vehicle.

The BE 6 Formula E Edition aims to bring the experience of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship to city streets. It can accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in 6.7 seconds, top speed of 202 kmph, 282 bhp (210 kW) power from a 78 kWh battery. It comes with a claimed real-world range of 500km.

The SUV features design elements inspired by the racetrack. On the outside, it gets a new front bumper with circular projector headlamps, gloss black bezel finish and orange accents. It can be had in four colour options: Everest White, Firestorm Orange, Tango Red and Stealth Black. It has R20 alloy wheels, Firestorm Orange-coloured brake callipers and a rear boot lip and roof spoilers. Formula E branding and decals are placed on the body and glass roof.

On the inside, it features Firestorm Orange-themed interiors, including accents on the steering wheel, in-touch controller, electronic parking brake and start/stop button. It includes a Formula E logo on the passenger dashboard panel and seats, FIA branding on seat belts and custom Formula E-inspired startup animation and engine sounds.

R Velusamy, President - Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra and Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile, said, “Our customers conveyed a compelling message, the BE 6 doesn’t just look futuristic, but it also evokes the sensation of being in a racing cockpit once they step inside. They love that it screams electric, unapologetically. We built the Formula E Edition by listening to that energy. Racing is no longer a niche in India; it’s becoming a lifestyle statement. With this edition, we’ve channelled that cultural shift into a machine that celebrates electric performance the Mahindra way - bold, emotional, and proudly made in India.”

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO - Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra and Executive Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile, said, “Motorsport is India’s new young passion. And no Indian brand has lived this journey more authentically than Mahindra. With the BE 6 Formula E Edition, we are bringing this racing spirit to the street. It’s bold, electric, defiant - and unmistakably Indian.”

Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer - Auto & Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra said, “Every accent, every surface, every shadow on this BE 6 Formula E Edition was designed with motorsport intensity. This SUV doesn’t whisper racing - it shouts it. This edition is a celebration of India’s rising motorsport culture and Mahindra’s racing lineage.”

Mahindra has also announced Kush Maini, a Bengaluru-born racer and FIA Formula 2 race winner, as the face of Mahindra Electric Origin SUVs.

Kush Maini, said: “India is falling in love with motorsport, and it’s amazing to see the rise of Formula E fandom. The BE 6 Formula E Edition brings that thrill, that energy, that boldness to Indian roads. It’s the perfect bridge from race to road.”

What’s more, Mahindra also unveiled the BE 6 Formula E Edition Ride-On, a toddler car priced at INR 18,000, available from April 2026.

The first 999 customers of the BE 6 Formula E Edition are guaranteed gifts, including a track-day experience with Kush Maini, a Collector’s Box with Mahindra Racing memorabilia and having their first name appear on the Mahindra Racing Car at the London E-Prix. Three lucky winners will receive tickets and paddock access to the London E-Prix in August 2026, including a meet and greet.

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Pune-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has marked its entry into the e-rickshaw category with the launch of the Bajaj Riki.

The company noted that while demand for last-mile mobility is increasing, the e-rickshaw sector remains unorganised and faces issues with reliability, durability and safety. Bajaj Riki is designed to address these gaps.

The vehicle offers features intended to enhance driver earnings and passenger experience. It comes with a claimed range of 149 km (P4005 model). Monocoque chassis for rigidity and stability, while hydraulic braking offers better safety. It features independent suspension to improve comfort and stability. The e-3W can be fast charged in 4.5 hours and comes with a 3-year battery warranty.

Samardeep Subandh, President, Intra-City Business Unit, Bajaj Auto, said, “Riki brings Bajaj Auto’s trusted 3W engineering and dependability into the electric rickshaw segment at a time when drivers and passengers need dependable solutions. We’ve brought the best for the industry, the longest range, a monocoque chassis, independent suspension, and hydraulic brakes. Riki is engineered to increase driver earnings, enhance passenger safety and comfort and deliver the reliability India’s last-mile ecosystem has waited for.”

The Bajaj Riki is available in both passenger and cargo versions:

Passenger Model (Riki P4005): The first model in the P40 series, featuring a 5.4 kWh battery and is priced at INR 190,890 (ex-showroom). The Cargo Model (Riki C4005) comes with a certified range of 164 km, a larger tray and 28 percent gradability for operation on slopes. It is priced at INR 200,876 (ex-showroom).

Bajaj Auto stated that the Riki has been successfully piloted in Patna, Moradabad, Guwahati and Raipur, and will now expand to over 100 towns across UP, Bihar, MP, Chhattisgarh and Assam in Phase 1.

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