Clean Electric claims its XFC battery tech for EVs will allow complete charge in 12 minutes

Clean Electric claims its XFC battery tech for EVs will allow complete charge in 12 minutes

Clean Electric, a startup working on XFC battery technology for electric vehicles, has unveiled what it claims is its revolutionary rapid recharging battery technology that can fully charge electric vehicles in under 12-minutes (claimed). 

This groundbreaking advancement represents a major leap forward, with EV charging times ranging from 60 minutes to 120 minutes. Its proprietary battery technology uses universal CCS 2 DC charging standards, ensuring compatibility across all EV model form-factors, positioning it as a game-changer for the entire industry. 

The fireproof batteries had been tested for 3700 rapid charge cycles with only 11 percent degradation in the overall range. The energy storage solution firm manufactures the batteries at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Pune, the plant is well-equipped to produce up to 1,200 battery packs per month.

The groundbreaking technology by Clean Electric, is said to have been under development for 4-years and is backed by 4 granted patents both domestic and US. Its battery architectures had several industry-first technologies, such as direct contact liquid cooling (DCLC) for e-four-wheeler and large battery systems, self-contained adaptive active liquid cooling (SCALC) for e-two-wheelers and e-three-wheeler battery systems and DCLC with Integrated cell to pack (CTP) battery architecture, which will allow intrinsically safe batteries, mitigating thermal runaway risk, and enable RAPID Charging with higher packaging efficiency to boost EV range without added degradation. 

The start-up is currently working with EV OEMs in e-car, e-two-wheeler, e-three-wheeler, e-LCV, and established startups to address major roadblocks to enable mass adoption. Some of the poignant issues include EVs catching fire, anxiety from long charging times (minimum 1 hour), and the limited range (200-300km) of current EVs. 

Clean Electric recently held a live demonstration in Pune, showcasing a 2.2 kWh e-two-wheeler battery & 12.5 kWh e-three-wheeler, charging from 0-80 percent State of Charge (SOC) in just 10 minutes at a constant of 5C charge rate using BIS-approved Type 6, Bharat DC-001 and globally accepted CCS 2 DC public charger, making it the world’s fastest- charging production electric vehicle. 

The start-up was founded by Akash Gupta, Abhinav Roy & Ankit Joshi in 2020 to develop, manufacture, and supply advanced energy storage solutions for EVs and grid applications. It has built advanced liquid-cooled battery solutions for two-, three-wheelers, e-cars and grid storage. 

Ankit Joshi, Chief Product Officer, Clean Electric said, “This is a revolutionary moment for all of us at Clean Electric, our proprietary 12-minute charging technology sets a new global standard that will drive the EV industry forward. Committed to sustainability, we strive to democratize RAPID Charging for EVs coupled with long battery life, reducing environmental impact and shaping the future of electric vehicles. Clean Electric plans to introduce Gen 3 batteries next fiscal year, enabling affordable, high-energy density batteries to take rapid charging to the masses.”

Akash Gupta, Co-Founder, Clean Electric stated, “We support Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari’s audacious vision to stop the production of new fossil fuel based combustion engine vehicle by 2034, I firmly believe Clean Electric will be the strongest catalyst in the EV-ecosystem to enable shift to renewable energy powered electric vehicle, also we need to add ‘Design in India’ to the narrative of ‘Make in India’ and make India technology powerhouse globally for other country to follow India’s footsteps/ successful scalable models/ solutions to benefit human mankind.”

Clean Electric has raised seed funding of $2.2 million (INR 183.2 million) in October 2022 led by Kalaari Capital. 

Youdha Enters Commercial Cargo Sector With Launch Of ePod G Electric Three-Wheeler

Youdha ePod G

Youdha has expanded its vehicle lineup into the commercial cargo segment with the introduction of the ePod G electric three-wheeler.

Designed for last-mile logistics, e-commerce deliveries and retail distribution, the electric three-wheeler expands Youdha's ePod platform from passenger transport into goods mobility.

The ePod G features an 11.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and a 6 kW three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor. The powertrain delivers a claimed range of 170 to 180 km under standard test conditions, a payload capacity of 545 kg and a gross vehicle weight of 1,000 kg. The e3W has a top speed below 50 kmph, 22 percent gradeability and a charging duration of four to five hours.

Ayush Lohia, CEO, Youdha, said, "Our ambition is to build ePod into a trusted name across passenger and goods transportation. The positive response to our passenger vehicle gives us a strong foundation to extend the range into cargo. With ePod G, we aim to address the needs of businesses and individual operators involved in last-mile deliveries while continuing to strengthen Youdha’s product portfolio and market presence."

The ePod G will be available in half-deck and closed box configurations to accommodate varied delivery requirements. Built on a monocoque chassis, the vehicle includes hydraulic brakes, steel rims, 120/80-R12 8PR tyres, LED headlights, and a seven-inch CAN-enabled digital LED instrument cluster. The launch enables Youdha to supply individual owner-operators, commercial businesses, and delivery fleet managers across the Indian market.

Tesla Opens Reservations For New Roadster In India, Upgrades Model Y L

Tesla Model Y L

Tesla has opened online reservations for the new Roadster in select global markets, including India, with production scheduled to begin in 2028 for left-hand drive configurations. Alongside the reservation announcement, Tesla India has also introduced a complimentary Acceleration Boost for its Model Y L six-seater SUV.

The new Roadster design incorporates aerospace-inspired elements and SpaceX components. In the domestic product lineup, the Model Y L SUV receives an Acceleration Boost software update, reducing its zero-to-100 km/h acceleration time to 4.5 seconds while offering an operating range of up to 681 kilometres under WLTP testing standards.

Tesla currently offers the Model Y and Model Y L in India. The entry-level Model Y is priced at INR 5.08 million, while the Model Y L starts at INR 6.19 million. The EVs carry safety evaluations from global testing bodies, including NHTSA, Euro NCAP, ANCAP and C-IASI.

To support vehicle ownership, Tesla's domestic charging infrastructure comprises 20 Supercharger stalls and 28 Destination Charger stalls, with three additional sites planned by the end of 2026.

Home charging setup has been established for owners across 23 Indian states. The manufacturer has also introduced its Refer and Earn program in India, offering purchase discounts for buyers and referral credits for existing owners.

VIDA Unveils DIRT.E K3 6DAYS Limited Edition At FIM International Six Days Enduro

VIDA DIRT.E K3

VIDA, the electric mobility brand powered by Hero MotoCorp, has unveiled the DIRT.E K3 6DAYS Limited Edition at the 100th FIM International Six Days Enduro in Grândola, Portugal.

The release marks the first collaboration between an Indian electric vehicle manufacturer and the event as an official partner of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme.

The model is limited to 100 units, with each unit assigned a number corresponding to an edition of the event. The electric two-wheeler features Portuguese flag-inspired green and red livery, race competition typography and official 6DAYS branding.

First introduced in December 2025, the DIRT.E K3 is an electric off-road vehicle designed for youth riders. It incorporates a modular frame that adjusts without tools at three points, allowing handlebar height, footrest positioning, and seat height to be adjusted as the rider grows.

The DIRT.E K3 comes with a removable 360 Wh lithium-ion battery with a three-hour full charge cycle, three software-managed speed modes reaching up to 24 kmph via thumb throttle, a magnetic power cut-off kill switch and a 60 mm rear disc brake system.

Kausalya Nandakumar, CBO of the Emerging Mobility Business Unit, Hero MotoCorp, said, "Being part of the historic 100th edition of FIM ISDE is a proud milestone for VIDA and an opportunity to showcase how electric innovation can shape the future of off-road riding. The VIDA DIRT.E K3 brings together the spirit of motorsport with forward-looking technology, building on the recognition it received at CES 2026 and the Red Dot Design Award. With our Portuguese- inspired 6DAYS® Limited Edition, we are celebrating the legacy of this iconic event while bringing a fresh perspective to electric off-road mobility. At VIDA, we believe innovation should go hand in hand with a safe, engaging, and empowering riding experience for young riders."

Fabio Muner, Marketing and Digital Director, FIM, said, "On behalf of the FIM, I would like to sincerely thank Hero MotoCorp for its active participation in the 100th Edition of the FIM 6DAYS®. Thanks to the DIRT.E K3 6DAYS® Limited Edition bike, young riders have the chance to experience first-hand the beauty of motorcycling and enduro, an opportunity that is essential for building the future of our sport. The fact that these vehicles will be available on the market is a further great achievement for the FIM 6DAYS®. It is another example of how this historic FIM World Championship continues to widen its borders year after year, opening its doors to new generations and new ways of riding. Thank you, VIDA for sharing this vision with us."

Epsilon CAM And C4V Sign Agreement For Cathode Material Qualification In North America

Epsilon CAM - C4V

Epsilon CAM, one of the leading battery cathode active material manufacturers, and cell technology firm C4V have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to evaluate and qualify lithium iron phosphate and bio-mineralised lithium mixed metal phosphate cathode active materials.

The agreement establishes a framework to evaluate Epsilon CAM's cathode materials for cell-level integration across C4V's battery platforms and North American manufacturing programs, including those operated by sister company Near Prime Technologies.

As per the arrangement, Epsilon CAM will provide material samples and engineering data for testing, including electrochemical performance validation, cycle-life evaluation and process compatibility assessments. Subject to technical qualification and definitive contracts, the firms plan to explore multi-year material supply arrangements and technology integrations.

The evaluation will assess supply-chain sourcing for critical raw material inputs, including lithium, manganese and phosphorus, to align with North American content requirements.

Epsilon CAM is advancing plans for a 20,000-tonne-per-annum cathode active materials plant in India by 2028, positioning its production as a non-foreign-entity-of-concern source for global cell manufacturers.

Vikram Handa, MD, Epsilon CAM, said, "This LoI brings together complementary capabilities across cathode materials, cell technology and manufacturing. Our focus is to demonstrate material performance at the cell level and to work with C4V toward scalable, high-quality LFP and LMFP solutions that address the evolving needs of battery manufacturers and automotive customers."

Dr. Shailesh Upreti, CEO, C4V, said, "Epsilon is helping address one of the most important gaps in the U.S. battery supply chain: reliable access to scalable, ex-China phosphate cathode active materials. C4V is currently evaluating Epsilon’s materials through our Digital DNA qualification process for potential use across C4V cell platforms and U.S. manufacturing programs at Near Prime. Successful qualifications would create an important pathway connecting advanced cathode materials with C4V battery technology and domestic cell manufacturing."