Ecofuel Launches CNG, LNG & Bio-CNG Retrofit Kit For Commercial Vehicles

Ecofuel Systems

Mumbai-based retrofit components supplier Ecofuel Systems India has expanded its product offering for the commercial vehicle market. The company which primarily focused on the passenger vehicle segment, has now introduced CNG, LNG and bio-CNG kits for the commercial vehicle segment.

Virendra Vora, Founder & Chairman, Ecofuel Systems, said, “Expanding into the heavy vehicle sector is a natural progression for Ecofuel as we continue our mission to make the world a cleaner, greener place. Our advanced fuel solutions, including CNG, LNG and bio-CNG, not only reduce emissions but also lower running costs for fleet operators. We’re proud to offer solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.” 

The company claims that in addition to reduction in emissions, the retrofitted vehicles will also get better fuel economy and further help in reduction in fuel imports for the country.

Image for representational purpose only.

Switch Mobility Deploys Electric Intercity Coaches On Mumbai–Pune Route

Switch Mobility

Switch Mobility, the electric vehicle division of the Hinduja Group, has delivered the first 10 units of its EiV12mt intercity electric coaches to Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions.

The e-buses were inaugurated in Pune and will operate on the Mumbai–Pune corridor. This deployment represents the manufacturer's first supply of intercity coaches to a private sector operator and facilitates the entry of Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions into the electric intercity segment.

The delivery is part of a larger order for 25 electric buses being deployed in partnership with Vertelo. The remaining units are scheduled for delivery throughout the year. The EiV12mt coach is designed for long-distance operations, featuring 45 pushback seats and a range exceeding 300 km per charge. The vehicle incorporates fast-charging technology and the Switch iON connected system for real-time fleet monitoring and data analysis.

Till date, Switch Mobility has deployed over 2,500 electric buses in India to date and has previously supplied intercity vehicles to state transport undertakings such as UPSRTC. The company intends to scale its presence in the intercity segment as operators transition from internal combustion engines to electric propulsion for high-frequency travel corridors.

Ganesh Mani, CEO, Switch Mobility, said, “The flag-off marks another important step in expanding electric mobility beyond cities and strengthening our presence in the intercity segment. This partnership reflects the growing confidence in electric buses for high-frequency routes like Mumbai–Pune, where performance, reliability, and efficiency are critical. As we commence deliveries, with the first set of buses now deployed, we look forward to progressively scaling this engagement with Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions in the period ahead. At Switch Mobility, we are focused on delivering solutions through the EiV12 platform that are not only sustainable but also commercially viable for operators, while ensuring a superior passenger experience. With intercity mobility continuing to evolve, we are building on our experience in the segment and remain committed to accelerating the adoption of reliable, efficient, and future-ready electric mobility solutions.”

Prasanna Patwardhan, CMD, Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions, added, “Entering the intercity segment with electric mobility is a significant milestone for us. Through this collaboration, we are introducing a cleaner and more efficient travel option on the Mumbai–Pune route. We remain focused on enhancing the overall journey experience while moving towards more sustainable operations. With Switch Mobility we value our partnership for long term E Mobility Solutions.”

BMW hydrogen

German luxury automotive brand BMW Group has introduced a new hydrogen tank architecture for the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, extending the vehicle's range to 750 km. The BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage system integrates with the vehicle structure to maintain cabin space and compatibility with the company's Gen6 high-voltage battery.

The storage unit consists of 7 high-pressure tanks constructed from carbon-fibre reinforced composite. These tanks are connected in parallel within a metal frame and operate as a single unit controlled by a central valve.

Key performance data:

  • Capacity: Stores at least seven kilograms of hydrogen.
  • Refuelling: Pressure levels of 700 bar allow for a full refill in under five minutes.
  • Propulsion: Utilises Gen3 fuel cell technology combined with the "Heart of Joy" drivetrain and chassis control software.
  • Integration: The flat design allows hydrogen models to be manufactured on the same production lines as petrol, diesel and battery-electric variants.

The development of the powertrain and tank system is part of the ‘HyPowerDrive’ project. The initiative has received EUR 191 million from the German Federal Ministry of Transport and EUR 82 million from the state of Bavaria.

BMW intends to integrate the iX5 Hydrogen into its standard production network in 2028. The flexible architecture of the new X5 allows for five different drive system variants, including plug-in hybrid and battery-electric, to be built on a single platform to reduce technical complexity and manufacturing costs.

Dr Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development, said, “Our new storage concept allows us to fit the hydrogen drive system into the new X5 precisely and in a way that saves space. Think of it as installation Tetris: every customer gets the drive system best suited to their needs and a true BMW X5 with no compromises. This is technology openness and the art of engineering just the way we developers love them!”

The hydrogen programme is part of BMW’s ‘technology-open’ strategy to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on specific raw material chains. By offering hydrogen fuel cell technology alongside conventional and battery-electric systems, the company aims to provide long-range electric driving with refuelling times comparable to internal combustion engines.

CUPRA Raval Debuts In UK With Striking EV Performance

CUPRA Raval Debuts In UK With Striking EV Performance

CUPRA has introduced the all new Raval, a compact electric vehicle that boldly rejects ordinary design and driving expectations. As the latest addition to the brand’s expanding electric lineup, this model is built to form a genuine emotional bond with the person behind the wheel while actively pushing against conventional automotive norms.

Arriving in UK this summer, the Raval combines striking city car style with genuine performance credentials. Its starting price is set at GBP 23,785 (approximately USD 31,976), and buyers can choose from four trims: Origin, V1, V2 and VZ. Every version sits on the advanced MEB+ platform, ensuring a modern foundation for both efficiency and driving dynamics.

The entry level Origin uses a 37-kWh battery producing 115 PS. The V1 and V2 trims offer a choice between the same sized battery with 135 PS or a larger 52 kWh unit delivering 210 PS, the latter providing roughly 280 miles (approximately 450 km) of range and a fast charge time of just 23 minutes from 10 to 80 percent. The sporty VZ trim comes exclusively with the 52-kWh battery, offering around 250 miles (approximately 402 km) of range and 225 PS, plus performance upgrades like an electronic limited slip differential and Dynamic Chassis Control.

At the heart of the Raval lies a driver focused interior featuring an integrated digital instrument setup with a 10.25-inch cockpit display and a 12.9-inch infotainment screen. All vehicle parameters are controlled from this central hub. The redesigned steering wheel includes physical buttons, plus dedicated satellite controls for driving modes and regenerative braking paddles, ensuring every journey delivers the emotional engagement CUPRA promises.

Marcus Gossen, Managing Director of SEAT and CUPRA UK, said, “The CUPRA Raval is the culmination of an immense amount of hard work, dedication and effort on all fronts. Raval is the pinnacle of all things CUPRA – advanced, forward thinking, dynamic. It pushes the boundaries in automotive and encourages drivers to form a real emotional connection to the drive itself. The combination of striking design, electrifying performance and unconventional features reimagines what an urban EV can be for a new generation of drivers. This is a fully electric car designed to redefine urban mobility with CUPRA’s emotional and challenger DNA.”

Royal Enfield Launches Flying Flea EV Brand With FF.C6 E-Motorcycle

Flying Flea C6

Flying Flea, the electric mobility brand from Royal Enfield, has launched its first motorcycle, the FF.C6 with prices starting INR 199,000 (ex-showroom) for the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model and INR 279,000 (ex-showroom for purchasing it outright).

The e-motorcycle will be available from 10 April 2026 at the brand's first store in Jayanagar, Bengaluru with deliveries scheduled to begin at the end of May 2026.

The FF.C6 is a ground-up electric platform weighing 124 kg. It features a 3.91 kWh lithium-ion battery encased in magnesium alloy, providing a peak power of 15.4 kW. The motorcycle achieves a top speed of 115 kmph and delivers 60 Nm of motor torque, resulting in over 400 Nm of wheel torque.

It supports Rapid, Standard and Trickle charging using a 16 Amp wall outlet. The battery can be charged upto 80 percent from 20 percent in around a claimed 60 minutes. It comes with equipped with lean-angle sensing ABS, traction control and a tip-over alert. The FF.C6 has integrated WiFi, Bluetooth and 4G for remote monitoring, live location sharing and over-the-air (OTA) updates.

The design incorporates a forged aluminium Girder fork, a contemporary interpretation of the 1940s Flying Flea suspension. The motorcycle features a touchscreen TFT interface controlled by a rotary mode switch and joystick.

The software architecture allows the system to learn from rider behaviour, while a regenerative braking system recovers energy during deceleration to extend range. For versatility, the motorcycle includes a removable pillion setup and adjustable footpegs.

Royal Enfield is adopting a phased, city-by-city rollout for the Flying Flea brand. The FF.C6 is available in two colourways, Storm Black and Flea Green.

B Govindarajan, Managing Director, Eicher Motors and CEO, Royal Enfield, said, “We are excited to introduce the Flying Flea C6, marking our first step into electric motorcycling in our 125th year - a milestone that reflects both our legacy and our intent for new beginnings. For over a century, Royal Enfield has been driven by a singular pursuit: to create pure, engaging motorcycling experiences. With Flying Flea, we are carrying this philosophy into the electric era. This is not just about going electric- it is about creating a new category of urban mobility that is rooted in experience, not just specifications or numbers. The FF.C6 has been built by a dedicated team with deep in-house expertise across hardware and software, resulting in an agile, design and technology-led motorcycle that feels intuitive, connected, and alive to the rider.”