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."

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Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Ather Energy has announced that its riders now have access to more than 5,000 public fast chargers equipped with the Light Electric Combined Charging System (LECCS) connector.

This network covers 395 cities and comprises 3,675 chargers operated by Ather Energy along with 1,400 chargers from partner networks.

The infrastructure is distributed across metropolitan areas, tier 2 & tier 3 cities and intercity routes. Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai each contain over 100 chargers, with Bengaluru hosting 240. Furthermore, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Gujarat also have the highest availability. Internationally, the company has established 30 chargers in Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Ather Energy developed the connector for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers and opened the intellectual property in 2021 to encourage an interoperable platform. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) approved the LECCS connector as an Indian standard in 2023.

The LECCS standard has been adopted by manufacturers such as Hero Vida and Matter, as well as charge point operators including Bolt, Kazam and EVamp. Chargers are also visible on Google Maps to assist users in locating and navigating to charging points.

Ravneet Singh Phokela, CBO, Ather Energy, said, "Charging infrastructure is a critical enabler of EV adoption, and as we continue to grow, expanding this network remains a key focus for us. Over the last seven years, we’ve invested steadily in building charging not just across cities and towns, but increasingly along highways and intercity corridors, so riders can plan longer journeys with confidence. With access to over 5,000 fast chargers today, Ather owners can ride knowing they can easily top up wherever they go, whether it’s a daily commute or an intercity trip. In addition to expanding the network, we’ve also continued to improve the charging experience itself, most recently with the launch of a new fast charger. This is another step towards making the ownership experience more seamless, predictable, and convenient."

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Mumbai-based automotive company Mahindra & Mahindra has expanded its SUV portfolio with the launch of the XUV 3XO EV, starting at INR 1.38 million (ex-showroom).

The electric vehicle follows the release of the internal combustion XUV 3XO in April 2024, which has recorded sales of 180,000 units. The EV model is positioned for urban commutes, offering a range of technology and safety features.

The XUV 3XO EV is powered by a motor delivering 110 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque, enabling a claimed acceleration from zero to 100 kmph in 8.3 seconds. The vehicle includes drive modes labelled Fun, Fast and Fearless. The interior is equipped with a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone air conditioning and a twin HD infotainment system featuring a 7-speaker Harman Kardon audio setup.

Safety specifications include 35 standard features, such as six airbags, four-disc brakes and a tyre pressure monitoring system. The SUV also incorporates Level 2 ADAS, providing adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking. A 360-degree surround-view system and electronic parking brake with auto-hold are also part of the equipment list.

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, Chief Executive Officer - Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “The XUV 3XO rewrote the rules by bringing aspiration and accessibility together at scale. With the XUV 3XO EV, we are extending that winning proposition into electric mobility for customers who want an EV that simply fits their lives — day after day. The XUV 3XO EV has been engineered around real usage patterns, ensuring that it meets everyday mobility needs reliably. It combines instant electric performance with a package that is tuned for confidence and ease in city driving.”

The vehicle supports Adrenox connectivity with over 80 features, including remote vehicle control, status monitoring, and smartwatch integration. The XUV 3XO EV is available in two variants, with the AX5 priced at INR 1.38 million and the AX7L at INR 1.49 million.

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V-Green and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) have signed a strategic agreement to develop electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at HPCL retail outlets. The partnership aims to utilise HPCL’s fuel station network to increase the availability of charging points for EV users in India.

HPCL currently operates more than 24,400 retail outlets across the country and has established over 5,300 charging stations under the HP e-Charge brand. The collaboration will allow V-Green to deploy infrastructure within this existing footprint to support nationwide expansion.

V-Green was founded by VinFast's Pham Nhat Vuong and focuses on the development of charging systems to support vehicle expansion. In Vietnam, the firm operates approximately 150,000 charging ports. The agreement in India is intended to build a foundation for a broader EV ecosystem that includes:

• Manufacturing and Infrastructure: Setting up charging points at high-traffic locations.
• Service and Support: Integrating aftersales services and battery recycling.
• Market Entry: Supporting the long-term presence of the VinFast and HP e-Charge brands in the Indian market.

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Chartered Speed has deployed 11 electric buses for staff transportation for DCM Shriram at Jhagadia GIDC, Bharuch. The service was inaugurated by Sanyam Gandhi, Whole-time Director at Chartered Speed and Aditya Shriram, Deputy Managing Director at DCM Shriram.

The deployment is part of an effort to shift employee mobility towards electrification. Chartered Speed operates a fleet of over 2,000 buses across six states, serving 350,000 passengers daily.

The electric buses are equipped with several technologies for fleet management and passenger safety. It comes with real-time GPS tracking and onboard Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS). CCTV cameras, fire protection systems and first-aid kits are installed in every vehicle.

The company currently provides school and staff transportation services to various clients, including GHCL Limited and Apple Global School.

Sanyam Gandhi, Whole-time Director, Chartered Speed, said, “With the recent deployment of electric buses, we are strengthening our commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of our operations and supporting the transition to greener transportation solutions. Our vision is of building a large, clean energy-powered fleet that aligns with global trends towards electrification in public transport. We remain focused on integrating technology in our services not only enhances operational efficiency but also fosters a culture of safety that we believe is essential for the future of transportation.”

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