Epsilon Carbon has integrated a fleet of five electric trucks into its logistics operations. This initiative is in line with its support towards India's ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070 and makes it the first Indian company in the sector to implement electric trucks for its raw material-coal tar logistics.

The electric vehicle (EV) market in India is poised for explosive growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 66 percent, putting the industry's valuation at USD 200 billion by 2030. Last year, Epsilon Carbon made its debut with a single electric vehicle, transporting over 29,000 MT of coal tar, or 16 percent of its annual major raw material requirement, while reducing CO2 emissions by 25.4 metric tonnes. The company projects that the addition of new electric trucks will result in a 127 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions reduction.

With a 258-kWh battery capacity and 185 km of range, all five of the vehicles are heavy-duty models that will facilitate an easy transition to electric logistics. The incorporation of electric trucks is in line with Epsilon Carbon's overarching sustainability objectives, which also include lowering its operational carbon footprint, implementing greener technology throughout the value chain and supporting India's more ambitious climate action targets.

Vikram Handa, Managing Director, Epsilon Carbon, said, “India’s road logistics industry plays a vital role in the overall economy, handling 70 percent of domestic freight. As responsible leaders in the chemical industry, we recognise the importance of integrating sustainability considerations through electric trucks, which shows our proactive commitment to minimising our environmental impact. This initiative also showcases our support towards India's ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070. As our fully integrated carbon black and specialty carbon facility in Bellary, Karnataka thus stands as a testament to this commitment, showcasing how sustainable practices can be seamlessly woven into large-scale industrial operations, we plan to executive the initiative from this plant."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

OHM Global Mobility, the strategic electric mobility subsidiary of Ashok Leyland and part of the Hinduja Group, has expanded its electric bus operations in Chennai with the launch of 130 air-conditioned electric buses. The e-buses were introduced under Phase 2 of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) electric bus programme.

The initial batch was flagged off at the Secretariat by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, alongside Transport Minister Vijay Tamilan Parthiban, Transport Secretary Nirmal Raj and MTC Managing Director D. Mohan.

Under the Phase 2 contract, OHM will supply and operate a total of 500 electric buses manufactured by Ashok Leyland's electric vehicle subsidiary, Switch. The initial deployment follows the Phase 1 implementation in Chennai, during which OHM buses completed over 30 million kilometres and achieved a schedule adherence rate exceeding 99 percent across operational depots.

Brijesh Gubbi Suresh, CEO, OHM Global Mobility, said, “The launch of the first 130 buses under Phase 2 marks an important milestone in Chennai’s transition towards sustainable public transportation. Our experience in Phase 1, including crossing 30 million green kilometres and achieving 99 percent-plus schedule adherence across our depots, demonstrates that sustainability and operational excellence can go hand in hand. We are proud to build on this foundation with MTC and contribute to a cleaner, quieter and more comfortable public transport experience for the people of Chennai.”

The expansion will see OHM continue to manage fleet operations, vehicle maintenance, and mobility-as-a-service provisions across the city's transport network as additional units enter service under the Phase 2 agreement.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Ather Energy has launched Konarc e-scooter line built on its EL platform, unveiled during the fourth edition of Ather Community Day 2026. The e-scooter will be available in six variants split between the S and Z product lines.

The Konarc lineup features Indian Driving Cycle range options spanning 100 km, 125 km, 161 km and 200 km across its S line variants, while the Z line includes 125 km and 161 km configurations.

Pricing for the model begins at INR 99,999 for the Konarc S 100 km variant, INR 121,999 for the Konarc S 125 km, and INR 144,999 for the Konarc S 161 km, effective ex-showroom Bengaluru. Bookings and phased deliveries for select variants begin in mid-September 2026.

The EV utilises a steel unibody chassis, metal rear side panels, a sequential gear-drive transmission, a 14-inch front alloy wheel, a 12-inch rear alloy wheel and a 1,352 mm wheelbase.

Tarun Mehta, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ather Energy, said, “Konarc has been designed to make EVs mainstream in India. We have understood the needs of the vast majority of buyers who are still waiting to go electric and have engineered Konarc for them. Be it the metal panels, 200 km range, once-a-year service interval, fast home charging, or the plush and comfortable ride, we have pushed the envelope on every fundamental that matters to this buyer, without compromising on the premium experience and advanced technology that Ather is known for. Konarc has also been designed to scale, and with the vertical integration and manufacturing capacity we are building at AURIC, we can take the Ather experience to many more riders and markets across India.”

Just like its other product line, Ather Energy has ensured Konarc remains a power packed product in terms of both software and hardware features. It gets Advanced Electronic Braking System, which dynamically regulates braking force modulation between front and rear wheels via software. Additional functionalities comprise MagicKey keyless operation with proximity unlocking, AutoPop automated under-seat storage opening and AirWalk motor-assisted manual pushing.

Swapnil Jain, Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer, Ather Energy, said, “Ather has spent over a decade building its technology and engineering capabilities. We started working on software-led braking, fast charging and connected scooter experiences well before they became expected in the market. That head start matters because it gives us the experience to integrate these technologies deeply into the vehicle and bring the engineering depth we have built over the years to a much larger set of riders. AeBS™, MagicKey, AutoPop and AirWalk are examples of that approach, each designed to make everyday riding more effortless.”

The vehicle carries an integrated onboard charger, with an optional 450W offboard unit enabling combined 900W charging. Ather has set the service interval at 10,000 km or one year, alongside introducing a 10-year or 100,000 km warranty for its fifth-generation Bedrock battery pack, guaranteeing a minimum 70 percent battery state of health.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Ola Electric has launched the S1Z e-scooter line, introducing the company's indigenously developed 46 series Bharat Cell lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology to the vehicle market.

The battery cells are developed at Ola’s Battery Innovation Centre and manufactured at the Ola Gigafactory.

The e-scooter is offered in two battery capacity options: a 3.1 kWh variant priced at an introductory INR 79,999 and a 5.1 kWh variant listed at INR 99,999 ex-showroom. The 3.1 kWh model has a claimed certified range of up to 179 kilometres, while the 5.1 kWh configuration provides up to 301 kilometres.

The S1Z runs on 12-inch wheels, operates on the MoveOS 5 software platform and includes features such as cruise control, regenerative braking, reverse mode, GPS tracking and over-the-air (OTA) updates.

It will also serve as the initial vehicle line distributed through Ola Electric's newly established dealer-operated store network alongside its direct-to-consumer locations. Deliveries for the 3.1 kWh model will begin in December 2026, followed by the 5.1 kWh model in March 2027.

Bhavish Aggarwal, Chairman and Managing Director, Ola Electric, said, "The true measure of innovation of our indigenous Bharat Cell LFP technology is how quickly it reaches everyday Indians. The S1Z delivers on that promise. It is the first scooter range to bring our made-in-India LFP technology to the heart of the market, where millions of customers make their mobility decisions. We believe affordability shouldn’t mean settling for less. As we continue building India's EV ecosystem from cell to vehicle, products like the S1Z will play a critical role in taking our mission of bringing EVs to every Indian household."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has expanded its Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) programme across its complete Electric Origin SUV range, making the scheme available on the BE 6 Sporteq, XEV 9S and XEV 9e models.

The BaaS model was first introduced with the BE 6 SPORTEQ, which separates vehicle and battery financing through a dual-loan arrangement. Under the scheme, customers acquire the electric vehicle and finance the battery unit separately, lowering the upfront purchase price.

For the BE 6 Sporteq BaaS model, the pricing starts at INR 1.14 million, with battery financing calculated at an effective usage cost of INR 3.75 per kilometre based on daily mileage assumptions. Following the initial response, Mahindra extended the service across all trim levels of the BE 6 Sporteq while adding the program to its higher-tier SUV models.

Under the expanded scheme, entry pricing for the XEV 9S stands at INR 1.26 million, while the XEV 9e starts at INR 1.39 million. Both EVs share the battery financing rate of INR 3.75 rupees per kilometre.

The dual-loan financing product is provided through third-party financial institutions for personal vehicle registrations. The structure requires a battery loan EMI with total figures varying according to battery capacity, down payment, loan tenure and local taxes.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!