“Rural India is the real India,” this statement holds a profound truth. While urban centres may dominate the narrative of progress and development, it is in rural India where the heart and soul of the nation reside. But for any country to progress, connectivity with rural regions, especially the last mile connectivity is an absolute must. And electric vehicles are driving India’s last mile connectivity and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.

There is no debate that EVs offer a viable alternative, bringing numerous benefits such as reduced emissions, lower operational costs, and improved energy efficiency. Through this article I would like to highlight six critical factors which will contribute to EVs becoming the driving force in India’s last mile connectivity. 

Cost of Ownership- a strong ruling factor:

One significant advantage of EVs is their lower cost of ownership compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. While the initial purchase price of EVs may be higher, the operational and maintenance costs are considerably lower. EVs have fewer moving parts and require less frequent servicing, resulting in reduced maintenance expenses. Moreover, the cost of charging an EV is substantially lower than the price of fossil fuels, contributing to long-term savings. As EV technology continues to advance, economies of scale and improved battery technology are expected to further drive down the cost of ownership, making EVs an attractive choice for last mile connectivity in India.

The world of E-commerce- Driving EV adoption in full scale:

It is estimated that the B2C e-commerce market in India is expected to reach $ 107.3 billion in 2023.  The exponential growth of e-commerce in India has heightened the demand for efficient last mile connectivity solutions. With the surge in online shopping, delivery vehicles have become a ubiquitous presence in urban areas. Recognizing the need for sustainable transportation options, e-commerce companies are increasingly adopting EVs for their logistics operations. This trend not only promotes eco-friendly practices but also contributes to the wider adoption of EVs by raising awareness and creating a market for electric commercial vehicles. The symbiotic relationship between e-commerce and EVs presents a significant opportunity to accelerate the transition to clean and efficient mobility in India.

Government Policies – Creating impactful solutions:

The Indian government has been instrumental in driving the adoption of EVs through various policy measures. Since 2011 when the GOI formed the National Council for Electric Mobility who was tasked to make recommendations to promote e-mobility & manufacturing of EVs, initiatives such as FAMEscheme provide financial incentives and subsidies to both manufacturers and consumers, making EVs more affordable. The government has also implemented ambitious targets for EV adoption and aims to electrify a significant portion of the public transportation system. Additionally, favourable policies, such as exemption from certain taxes and tolls, encourage individuals and organizations to embrace EVs.

OEM Impact on EV ecosystem- a critical role:

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) play a pivotal role in shaping the EV ecosystem in India. Several automotive companies have entered the EV market, offering a diverse range of electric vehicles to cater to different segments and requirements. OEMs are investing in research and development to improve battery technology, enhance vehicle performance, and extend the driving range. Furthermore, collaborations with battery manufacturers and charging infrastructure providers are essential to ensure seamless integration and sustainable growth of the EV ecosystem. The competitive landscape is driving innovation, affordability, and improved consumer choices, further bolstering India's last mile connectivity through EVs.

Public & Private sector collaborations- a symbiotic relationship:

The metro rail connectivity is considered to be one of the finest examples of a healthy PPP project in India. In the same lines, the successful transition to electric mobility requires collaborations between the public and private sectors. Public entities, such as municipal corporations and transportation authorities, can facilitate the deployment of EV charging infrastructure and provide incentives for fleet electrification. Partnerships between EV manufacturers, utility companies, and charging infrastructure providers are vital to establishing a robust charging network across the country. Furthermore, knowledge-sharing platforms, industry associations, and research institutions can foster collaboration and exchange best practices to overcome challenges and expedite EV adoption.

Tracking and Analysis of EV Adoption – the role of data:

To ensure the successful implementation of EVs in India's last mile connectivity, tracking and analysis of EV adoption are crucial. Data-driven insights on charging patterns, driving habits, and infrastructure requirements enable stakeholders to make informed decisions and identify barriers and opportunities, refine policies, and allocate resources effectively. Real-time monitoring of charging stations and vehicle performance ensures reliable operation and user satisfaction. Additionally, comprehensive analysis can facilitate targeted interventions, such as incentives for specific regions or sectors, and inform future infrastructure planning. Continuous tracking and analysis contribute to an efficient and optimized EV ecosystem.

A region's mobility is influenced by three key factors: people, infrastructure, and sustainability. These elements determine how well transportation functions within the city. Understanding the needs and behaviors of residents is crucial in designing effective transportation systems, because this in turn will impact the economic development of the region. Infrastructure, including roads, public transit, and pedestrian walkways, plays a vital role in facilitating smooth movement. Importantly, prioritizing sustainable options like electric vehicles and promoting active transportation helps create a greener and more efficient urban environment, with focus on last mile connectivity. 

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Ohme has announced a new integration with Volkswagen Group Info Services AG, promising easier, smarter and more affordable home charging for electric vehicle drivers across six Volkswagen Group brands. The collaboration extends Ohme’s existing partnership with the Group in UK and Ireland, now offering a dedicated official application programming interface for all Ohme users.

This development allows EV owners to pair their vehicles directly with Ohme home chargers and access near real time readings of the car’s state of charge. Eligible models include those from Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Škoda, SEAT, CUPRA and Audi, ensuring broad coverage across the Group’s portfolio.

Already, more than 100,000 Volkswagen Group customers throughout Europe rely on Ohme to manage home charging. With the new system, these drivers will see their vehicle’s battery status displayed directly in the Ohme app, removing guesswork from the charging process and providing enhanced clarity regarding energy consumption and associated costs.

Lasse Schmidt van Hülst, Lead Sales & Key Account Management, Volkswagen Group Info Services, said, “We’re excited that Ohme is applying Volkswagen Group Charging Data to enhance its charging services. As home electricity tariffs across Europe become smarter and more dynamic, Ohme’s expertise and software means this new integration with Volkswagen Group Info Services AG comes at the perfect time for EV drivers.”

Peter McDonald from Ohme said, “We’re genuinely proud to be extending our partnership with Volkswagen Group Info Services AG in this way. Having direct access to the vehicle state of charge data means our customers get a truly hassle-free charging experience – the app does the hard work, automatically finding the cheapest times to charge. It’s a real statement of where Ohme is heading and underlines its commitment to giving EV drivers the best possible experience.”

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ChargeZone and TATA.ev have launched a co-branded Mega Charging Hub on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, featuring a total capacity of 720 kW. Located at the Khalapur food mall, the facility is designed to support high-speed intercity travel on one of India’s busiest highway corridors.

The hub is the 75th installation under a strategic partnership between ChargeZone and TATA.ev, which aims to deploy over 100 such hubs across the country’s national highways. The Khalapur hub is one of the most powerful public charging installations in India, engineered to minimise wait times during peak travel hours. The facility can charge up to 10 electric vehicles at once. It features five dispensers with 10 charging points. In Boost Mode, it can deliver up to 360 kW for ultra-fast charging.

This launch contributes to ChargeZone’s national footprint of over 15,000 charging points. By positioning the hub at the Khalapur Food Mall, the partners aim to integrate vehicle charging into the existing travel routine.

EV Users will get access to diverse dining options, restrooms and retail facilities while their vehicles charge. TATA.ev customers are eligible for a 25 percent discount on charging tariffs at this station. The hub is open to all EV owners, supporting a wider ecosystem under TATA.ev’s ‘Open Collaboration 2.0’ framework.

Kartikey Hariyani, Founder & CEO, ChargeZone, said, “Highway charging is the backbone of intercity electrification, and that backbone needs to be built at scale and built right. The launch of the Mega Charging hub at Khalapur marks a significant milestone in our journey to build a high-power, future-ready EV charging network across India. With a 720 kW capacity, this installation sets a new benchmark for public charging infrastructure in the country. Our focus is on enabling fast, reliable, and seamless intercity EV travel, and this partnership with Tata.ev is a strong step in that direction as we scale across strategic national corridors.”

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, added, “As leaders of India’s 4-wheeler electric revolution, at TATA.ev, we are striving to co-create a charging network that is fast, reliable, and accessible. With over 200 active TATA.ev Mega Charging Hubs live across the country, the launch of this new hub with ChargeZone at the Khalapur Food Mall – one of the most frequented pit-stops on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway – marks a key milestone in enabling seamless intercity travel for EV owners. We are confident that collaborations like these will play a defining role in making long-distance EV journeys dependable and convenient.”

The initiative is part of a broader mission by TATA.ev to introduce 500 Mega Charging Hubs and over 400,000 charging points by 2027. By focusing on high-speed corridors like the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, the collaboration seeks to eliminate range anxiety and accelerate the adoption of electric passenger vehicles in India.

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Pune-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its Chetak electric scooter lineup, introducing a new ‘C Series’ nomenclature and integrating premium features like Google Maps as standard on its flagship models.

The portfolio is now categorised into three distinct tiers: C 35, C 30 and C 25, with the numbers corresponding to battery capacity (e.g., 3.5 kWh, 3.0 kWh and 2.5 kWh). This strategic move aims to simplify the range while elevating the technological standards of the ‘Fully Lifeproof’ brand.

Bajaj Auto has responded to consumer demand for higher speeds by increasing the top speed across the entire range. The C 35 Series top speed has increased from 73 kmph to 80 kmph, while motor output has also been bumped from 4.5 kW to 4.8 kW.

Similarly, C 30 Series top speed has increased from 63 kmph to 70 kmph. C 25 Series top speed increased from 55 kmph to 60 kmph.

Furthermore, the charging time on the C 30 01 sees a significant reduction in zero to 80 percent, which now takes 2 hours and 55 minutes as compared to approximately 4 hours earlier.

The highlight of the MY 2026 upgrade is the deep integration of navigation and software support. Based on user feedback, Bajaj Auto has integrated Google Maps for a more intuitive navigation experience.

Ride Modes (Sports and Eco) and Hill Hold Assist, which were previously part of the paid ‘TecPac’ add-on, are now standard across the C 35 and C 30 series.

The C 35 models now support Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, allowing for remote performance optimisations and feature additions without visiting a service centre.

Eric Vas, President, Urbanite Business at Bajaj Auto, said, "With the flagship C 35 01, we are delivering the full extent of these advancements — combining stronger performance, more intuitive connectivity through Google Maps, and the added convenience of riding modes and hill-hold now offered as built-in features."

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Hyundai Motor India Limited has introduced the updated IONIQ 5, featuring a larger battery pack and a suite of technological upgrades designed to extend the vehicle's driving range and functional capabilities.

The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 is priced at an ex-showroom rate of INR 5.57 million and is available in four colour options – Gravity Gold Matte, Midnight Black Pearl, Titan Grey and Optic White – all featuring an Obsidian Black interior theme.

The updated model is now equipped with an 84.0 kWh battery, providing an ARAI-certified range of 690 km on a single charge. This update focuses on reducing range anxiety for long-distance travel while maintaining the vehicle's position on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).

The updated IONIQ 5 introduces several first-time features for the model in the Indian market, including a Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) and Controller Over-the-Air (C-OTA) updates, which allow for seamless software improvements. It now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

A new in-car payment system enables users to pay for electric vehicle charging directly through the infotainment screen. The EV receives redesigned front and rear bumpers, a new rear spoiler and updated alloy wheels to enhance its aerodynamic profile.

On the inside, the cabin features a redesigned centre console with physical controls for ventilated seats and a revised wireless charging pad location for improved accessibility.

Hyundai has expanded the vehicle's safety suite with the addition of Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Rear (PCA-R) and Side Parking Distance Warning (PDW). These features complement the existing safety architecture to provide better protection during low-speed manoeuvres.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, “With the introduction of the new Hyundai IONIQ 5, we are building on this strong foundation by offering meaningful product upgrades that enhance driving range, technology and everyday convenience. These enhancements further strengthen the IONIQ 5’s appeal as a premium, future ready electric SUV.”

The vehicle continues to support ultra-fast charging capabilities, consistent with its E-GMP architecture, aimed at the premium electric SUV segment in India.

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