BYD has launched the ‘world’s first high-performance’ sodium-ion BESS product using its proprietary form factor, the ‘Long Blade Battery cell’, claim industry sources. They point at an announcement by BYD Energy Storage’s UK and Ireland head Kai Wang. He, they mention, recently announced the launch of the ‘MC Cube-SIB ESS’ product.

The ‘Long Blade Battery’ as a proprietary form factor of BYD has a ‘CTS super integrated design’, making it the world’s first high-performance sodium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS). It has ultra-high energy density, exceptional safety standards and flexible module design, explain sources as they draw attention to the fact that the BESS has an energy storage capacity of 2.3 MWh and a nominal voltage of 1200-volts. The voltage range is from 800-volts to 1400-volts.

Leveraging to its advantage, the sodium-ion configuration of the ‘Long Blade Battery’ is found in natural abundance. This results – theoretically – in lower manufacturing costs compared to that of the lithium-ion batteries. Also, the sodium-ion batteries offer a higher charge/discharge rate. They have a broader operating temperature range, a longer cycle life and thus offer superior safety.

Image for representative purpose only.

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Kia India has officially introduced the Syros EV, marking its second mass-market electric vehicle offering in the country. The automaker has simultaneously initiated pre-bookings for the new model, requiring a nominal reservation amount of INR 25,000. These bookings are being accepted through the company’s official website and across its network of dealerships nationwide, signalling the brand's aggressive push into the growing electric mobility segment.

The core of the Syros EV’s proposition lies in its comprehensive ownership package, designed to tackle the primary apprehensions that typically deter buyers from transitioning to electric vehicles. The vehicle boasts a best-in-segment ARAI-certified range of 526 kilometres for the larger battery variant. To further bolster consumer confidence, Kia is offering a lifetime high-voltage battery warranty, an assured buyback programme to protect residual value, and a flexible Battery-as-a-Service financing option. These initiatives collectively address longstanding concerns regarding battery longevity, resale value and the initial purchase cost.

Underpinning its performance credentials, the Syros EV is built on Kia’s reinforced K1 platform and is available with two advanced Nickel Manganese Cobalt battery packs. The larger 51.4 kWh unit delivers a peak power output of 171 PS, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in a brisk 8.1 seconds. The alternative 42 kWh battery provides a range of 443 kilometres. Both units feature an IP67 certification and a liquid-cooled thermal management system, ensuring performance and safety across diverse Indian climatic conditions.

The Syros EV is distinguished by a suite of exclusive technologies aimed at enhancing the driving experience. These include paddle shifters for regenerative braking with an auto mode and i-Pedal functionality, alongside a vehicle-to-load internal system. The charging ecosystem is further strengthened by the K-Charge platform, which integrates over 20,300 charging points from 23 operators into a single interface on the MyKia app. This network is supported by more than 129 Kia dealerships equipped with high-capacity DC fast chargers and over 275 EV-ready workshops, ensuring comprehensive service support.

The exterior design adheres to Kia’s global electric vehicle philosophy, featuring a distinctive Digital Tiger Face and Star Map LED lighting elements. The interior is dominated by a first-in-segment thirty-inch Trinity Panoramic Display Panel, which merges the instrument cluster, infotainment and climate control interfaces. The cabin emphasises comfort with features like ventilated seats, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and a 60:40 split rear seat with slide and recline functions, alongside practical additions such as a 16-litre frunk and multiple USB charging ports.

Safety is a paramount consideration, with the Syros EV equipped with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, encompassing 16 autonomous functions including collision avoidance and smart cruise control. These are complemented by 25 standard safety features, including six airbags, electronic stability control and a 360-degree camera for enhanced manoeuvrability. The model will be offered in seven trims across two battery options, with a choice of nine exterior colours and multiple interior themes, including an exclusive Onyx Black and Hunter Green option for the X-Line variant.

Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director and CEO, Kia India, said, “Our philosophy of 'Movement that Inspires' is about making future mobility meaningful, accessible and enriching for our customers. With the Syros EV, our second mass-market electric vehicle for India, we are democratising advanced electric mobility – not only through cutting-edge technology but by removing the anxieties that hold customers back. The Syros EV delivers a best-in-segment ARAI-certified range of 526 km – the first in its segment to cross the 500-km mark. Paired with a best-in-segment power output of 171 PS, it gives customers the confidence to go further without compromising on performance. Backed by a simplified and effortless ownership experience, including a Lifetime Battery Warranty, Assured Buyback and BaaS, we are addressing what matters most to Indian families, bringing them a decisive step closer to going electric.”

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Bengaluru-based electric mobility startup E3 Electric.Ai has raised INR 1 billion in a Series A funding round led by BluVenture Holdings. The company intends to use the capital to support product development and expand its presence across India ahead of the launch of its E3 TRION scooter.

The start-up focuses on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into electric scooters to manage safety, reliability and charging. Its platform utilises modular architecture to produce variants from a single chassis and incorporates AI for maintenance and routing.

E3 Electric.Ai maintains an R&D team and holds a portfolio of over 18 patents in modular architecture, battery systems and safety. The company positions its scooters as an alternative to the 110cc internal combustion engine segment.

P Sanjeev, Founder & CEO, E3 Electric.Ai, said, "At E3, we believe electric vehicles should predict, learn and continuously improve, making mobility safer, more reliable and affordable over time. E3’s DNA is defined by 3 words, Modular + AI + Human. Our Modular platform enables us to build multiple scooter variants from the same chassis. E3’s patented AI stack enables preventive maintenance check and smart routing to address range anxiety. E3 TRION is crafted with care and introduces best in class anthropometry-based ergonomics for a very comfortable ride. This investment enables us to accelerate our vision of making intelligent mobility accessible to millions of Indian families."

Shaun Dawson, LP with BluVenture Holdings, said, "As the world’s largest two-wheeler market, India is at an inflection point in its EV transition journey. E3 has built an impressive technology platform combining modular engineering with software-led intelligence that is tailor-made for electric scooters. Sanjeev’s deep expertise enabled E3 to build a profitable, sustainably scalable operating model instead of the industry's typical heavy-burn approach. E3 is smartly leveraging AI to track performance and health parameters, delivering predictive maintenance & value. We see the opportunity to build a category-defining company."

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Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Ather Energy has announced that the fourth edition of its community event, Ather Community Day, will take place on 29 August 2026 in Bengaluru.

On 29^th August, Ather Energy will unveil its first e-scooter built on its EL platform, marking its entry into the mass-market scooter segment.

The EL platform is a vehicle architecture designed for versatility, scalability and manufacturing efficiency. The upcoming scooter is intended to address the price segment of INR 100,000 to INR 125,000. In addition to the vehicle, Ather will showcase innovations in technology, charging and ownership systems.

In what can be seen as a further interesting development, Hero MotoCorp, which was amongst the earliest backers in the EV maker, has approved an investment of INR 10 billion in Ather Energy.

At present, Hero MotoCorp holds 29.48 percent stake in the company. The new investment will further see subscription to equity shares or other eligible securities, including compulsorily convertible preference shares and warrants to be issued by Ather Energy on a preferential basis.

Ather Community Day serves as an event for owners, enthusiasts and partners to view product developments and company strategy. The 2025 event, held on 30 August, hosted over 4,000 attendees and featured the unveiling of the EL platform, the Redux concept vehicle, fast-charging technology and AtherStack 7.0.

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Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL), one of the leading Oil Manufacturing Companies (OMCs), has conducted a series of inspections to monitor ethanol-blended petrol across its retail network.

Between 3 July and 13 July 2026, the company performed 1,385 regular field inspections, alongside 2,173 surprise inspections between 7 July and 13 July.

Additionally, HPCL’s Quality Assurance Cell completed 93 surprise inspections and 49 fuel samples were tested in mobile laboratories. According to HPCL, no irregularities, contamination, or issues regarding quality compliance were detected during these checks.

HPCL maintains a quality assurance system that includes field inspections, surprise checks and laboratory testing to ensure fuels meet specified standards.

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