Hindustan Zinc, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, has reported significant early-stage breakthroughs in the development of next-generation zinc-based battery technologies. These efforts aim to deliver higher energy efficiency, improved safety and longer battery life, supporting India's transition to clean, sustainable energy.

As lithium-ion battery supply chains face growing constraints and rising costs, zinc is emerging as a viable and strategic alternative. The company shared that zinc-based batteries offer several advantages, including superior safety (non-flammable), long cycle life, recyclability and operation across a wide range of temperatures. Additionally, they leave a greenhouse gas footprint nearly six times lower than conventional technologies.

Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc, said, “Batteries are pivotal in the global shift toward clean energy. We are committed to driving innovation through our collaborations with premier Indian research institutions and by leveraging our metallurgical expertise. Our goal is to responsibly accelerate the battery revolution and contribute meaningfully to India’s energy independence.”

In partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bengaluru, Hindustan Zinc is exploring sustainable zinc-based storage technologies.

Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in August 2024, researchers at JNCASR are advancing zinc-ion battery technology, with a focus on novel zinc anode formulations and advanced electrolytes.

“Our work on electrode/electrolyte interface engineering has yielded promising results,” said Professor Prem Senguttuvan from JNCASR.

In a parallel initiative, IIT Madras is working on the development of a 1 kWh rechargeable zinc-air battery module, structured as a 6/12-cell stack. The project, led by Professor Aravind Kumar Chandiran, emphasises rechargeability, interface durability and battery longevity. “These batteries have enormous potential for electric vehicles, grid-scale storage, and consumer electronics,” said Prof. Chandiran.

Hindustan Zinc quoted a recent BloombergNEF report, which projects the global energy storage market will grow at a 21 percent CAGR, reaching 442 GWh by 2030.

Further expanding its global footprint, the company has also signed an MoU with US-based AEsir Technologies, a leader in nickel-zinc battery innovation. Through this partnership, Hindustan Zinc will provide technical expertise, commercial-grade electrodes and performance additives to help scale battery technologies from lab prototypes to industrial production.

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, currently supplies to over 40 countries and commands approximately 75 percent of India’s primary zinc market.

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Delhi-NCR-based electric motorcycle brand Revolt Motors has further expanded its product offering in the Sri Lankan market with the launch of RV1 and RV1+.

The company is set to introduce its latest e-motorcycles through its exclusive distributor Evolution Auto. The new products will join the company’s existing e-motorcycle’s RV400 and BRZ in the neighbouring country.

Anjali Rattan, Chairperson, Revolt Motors, said, “This is more than just a product launch, it's a reaffirmation of Revolt’s global ambitions. With the RV1 and RV1+, we are expanding our reach in Sri Lanka with offerings that blend performance, affordability, and sustainability. Our goal is to empower riders across borders with smart mobility that is both aspirational and accessible.”

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Scania has secured a landmark agreement to deliver 60 battery-electric city buses to South Australia’s Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT), reinforcing its leadership in sustainable transport solutions. The deal supports the state’s electrification goals and builds on Scania’s strong partnership with South Australia, where 825 of its buses already operate.

The Scania K-series low-entry buses, featuring Volgren bodies, will enter production later this year, with the first deliveries expected in November 2025. Designed for Adelaide’s urban routes, each bus seats 43 passengers and offers a range exceeding 400 kilometres. Equipped with Scania’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, the buses enhance road safety by optimising speed, lane positioning and distance from pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.

The agreement includes options for additional buses through June 2029, marking a key step in South Australia’s plan to transition its 1,000-strong bus fleet to zero-emission alternatives. This initiative underscores Scania’s commitment to advancing electrification and sustainable mobility in Australia.

Steven Godbold, Contract Manager Government Bus – SA/TAS, Scania Australia, said, “This order is not only strategically significant for Scania; it also demonstrates the strength of our ongoing partnership with DIT.”

Anna Ställberg, Head of Urban Solutions at Scania Group, said, “This landmark deal means Scania will support South Australia’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable public transport network while also increasing our penetration of the Australian electric vehicle market.”

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bengaluru-based Ohmium International, a leading PEM hydrogen technology provider, to co-develop Green Hydrogen-based integrated power solutions in India. This collaboration underscores Toyota’s leadership in fuel cell technology and its dedication to advancing Green Hydrogen as a sustainable fuel for the future, supporting India’s transition to a hydrogen economy across mobility and stationary applications.

India aims to achieve energy independence by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070, with Green Hydrogen playing a pivotal role in this transition. Recognised for its potential in renewable energy storage, industrial decarbonisation and clean transportation, Green Hydrogen aligns with the Government of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023), which focuses on self-reliance through local investments and R&D. TKM’s partnership with Ohmium reflects its alignment with this national vision and its broader commitment under Toyota’s Environmental Challenge 2050.

The collaboration combines Ohmium’s expertise in modular PEM electrolysers with Toyota’s fuel cell technology to explore Green Hydrogen-driven power solutions, such as microgrids for datacentres and remote locations. TKM will provide technical expertise and fuel cell modules, while Ohmium will lead prototype development and performance evaluation, aiming to deliver scalable, efficient clean energy solutions.

TKM has been a pioneer in India’s hydrogen journey, launching the Mirai FCEV pilot in 2022 and partnering with Ashok Leyland to develop hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles. This new initiative expands its focus from mobility to hydrogen-based power generation, reinforcing its support for India’s energy goals. By fostering local collaborations, TKM exemplifies the ‘Make in India’ spirit, driving sustainable innovation tailored to the nation’s needs.

Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways – Government of India, said, “Hydrogen, as a clean and renewable energy source, is regarded as the fuel of the future- a key to building a self-reliant and carbon-neutral India. In this direction, the Government of India has been undertaking several progressive initiatives, fostering innovations across the energy and transportation ecosystems. Notably, numerous industry leaders, start-ups and researchers are unlocking new opportunities in the hydrogen space, aiming to drive sustainability across multiple domains. The adoption of strategic approaches to harness hydrogen’s full potential will be crucial in ensuring a clean, affordable, and source energy future for the nation. It is particularly encouraging to witness corporates and technology pioneers actively contributing to the development of scalable, indigenous hydrogen solutions that align with national priorities and the vision of a greener, more sustainable tomorrow. And I commend Toyota and Ohmium for making strong efforts with cleaner energy options through advanced hydrogen-led capabilities, aligning with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan’.”

Shripad Yesso Naik, Hon’ble Union Minister of State, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy – Government of India, said, “Initiatives that foster and promote scalable, home-grown solutions are essential to accelerating India’s transition to a low-carbon economy. In this regard, diverse sectoral industries will play a pivotal role in realising the goal of building a self-reliant green hydrogen ecosystem by 2030. Their innovative capabilities and localised solutions will form the backbone of India’s energy transition. The National Green Hydrogen Mission envisions India as a global leader in clean energy innovation and its deployment. To achieve this vision, it is imperative to strengthen domestic capabilities across the hydrogen value chain. Strategic collaborations such as this, between Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Ohmium, have the potential to significantly accelerate the progress towards a hydrogen-powered green energy future.”

Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Hon’ble Minister of Industries, Food & Supplies, Environment Forest and Wildlife, Government of NCT of Delhi, said, “As India continues to take strong strides in environmental leadership, initiatives like these reinforce our commitment to sustainable transformation at the grassroots. Green hydrogen presents a promising solution to reduce air pollution, drive industrial decarbonisation and enable the development of cleaner, future-ready ecosystem. The collaboration between Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Ohmium is a significant step forward – combining global innovation and local expertise to co-create scalable, green energy solutions. Such partnerships are essential to building sustainable industrial zones and pollution-free society, in line with our vision for a greener, healthier India.”

Ahmad Chatila, Ohmium Board Chaiman, said, “We are privileged to collaborate with Toyota Kirloskar Motor to integrate our locally manufactured electrolyser technology with their advanced fuel cell systems. This collaboration supports India’s Hydrogen economy goals and demonstrates our commitment to a greener future with cleaner air, better public health and resilient, secure infrastructure.”

Manasi Tata, Vice Chairperson – Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “At Toyota, our commitment to a carbon-neutral future extends beyond clean mobility. Green hydrogen is a vital part of this vision – not only for transportation but also its production, distribution and diverse end-use applications. Through this collaboration with an innovative PEM technology player like Ohmium, we are not only advancing Hydrogen applications but also reinforcing our support for the country’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. By co-developing locally relevant hydrogen solutions, we aim to empower India’s energy transformation and contribute meaningfully to the hydrogen ecosystem.”

Swapnesh R Maru, Deputy Managing Director, Corporate Planning, Green Field Project – Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), said, “India stands at a transformative juncture in its clean energy journey, with a clear vision to achieve energy independence and long-term sustainability. At TKM, we are happy to contribute meaningfully to this future by adopting a multi-pathway approach. This allows us to diversify our environmental efforts and move with speed and at scale towards achieving carbon neutrality, in alignment with our national objectives. In this direction, our collaboration with Ohmium goes ‘Beyond Mobility’ – it’s a shared commitment to contributing towards the creation of a Hydrogen-powered India that is self-reliant, resilient, inclusive and future-ready. Guided by our deep respect for the planet, we see hydrogen not just as a fuel, but as a catalyst to usher in sustainability across mobility, energy and industry sectors. By integrating global expertise with India-focused innovation, we are proud to be delivering environment friendly solutions, fostering happier paths together.”

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Odysse Electric Vehicles, an electric vehicle company, has inked a strategic partnership with battery swapping major IndoFast Energy, the joint venture between Indian Oil Corporation and Sun Mobility.

As per the understanding, Odyssee Electric Vehicles’ Snap e-scooter will come with a swappable battery solution using IndoFast Energy tech.

This move will make Snap e-scooter not only more accessible but also attractive for delivery operators. The EV maker will introduce the battery-swapping-enabled Snap e-scooter in New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Mumbai, with phased expansion to other cities in the pipeline.

The Snap e-scooter has a peak output of 2000 watts, top speed of 55 kmph and a claimed max range of 100 km per swap. It features a waterproof IP 67-rated motor, a robust Indian chassis built for local road conditions, cruise control for enhanced comfort and a CAN-enabled display that provides real-time battery and range updates. The

The e-scooter will be made available at INR 49, 999 (ex-showroom) with SUN Mobility’s Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) subscription model:

• INR 999/month for 25 kWh
• INR 2,499/month for 75 kWh

Nemin Vora, CEO, Odysse Electric Vehicles, said “Our partnership with Sun Mobility began with the global deployment of the Vader SM, and we’re proud to now bring that success closer to home with the Snap. By combining our rider-focused design with SUN Mobility’s battery-swapping platform, we’re breaking down critical barriers to EV adoption in India – making electric mobility more affordable, practical, and future-ready.”

Rajat Malhan, Senior Vice President, Indofast Energy, added “After our successful international collaboration on the Vader SM, extending our partnership with Odysse Electric to the domestic market was a natural progression. Enabling the Snap with our battery-swapping technology ensures that more Indian riders experience the convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness that are essential for large-scale EV adoption.”

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